The famous Californian cannabis brand is setting two feet in Europe. Doja, also known as Doja Pak, opened a Cannabis Social Club in Barcelona last week and announced on Instagram the opening of a Coffeeshop in Amsterdam in 2024.

“I can look at a photo of myself and feel good because I know I stayed true to my principles. I guess that might sound a little light, but that’s not what it feels like to struggle. It’s definitely not easy at times and even when you do it right some people will shit on your name but that doesn’t matter because I know what it really is and that’s what which is important to me. This shit is coming up, trust me, and if you’re OK with that, thanks for being part of the process, because I’m just getting started. Take notes because the next five years of Doja will be a veritable documentary in the making. The Doja coffeeshop will open its doors in Amsterdam in 2024.”

Doja made a name for itself in California’s medical market during the era of Proposition 215 and has become a major retail player in the state since the sale of recreational cannabis became legal in 2016 .

Many consider Doja’s products to be the gold standard for elite and retail cannabis. Ryan Bartholemew, a veteran of the cannabis industry since 1999 and seen on the previous Instagram, has been running the brand for about eight years.

You may know Doja from the RS11 (Rainbow Sherbert #11) variety or the Zoap cross.

German MPs have reached an agreement on the text legalizing cannabis in Germany which will be put to a vote in the Bundestag next week, with the support of the government coalition.

The final text relaxes some of the proposed regulations, winning cross-party support and paving the way for a decisive vote in the Bundestag.

A Green Party MP, Kirsten Kappert-Gonther, explained that the negotiations around the text made it possible to “find practical rules which guarantee the protection of young people and health and which make the decriminalization of adult consumers a reality”.

The key points of the negotiation

One of the cornerstones of the legislation is the reduction of restrictions on the possession and consumption of cannabis. No-consumption zones around squares, playgrounds and schools have been halved, from 200 to 100 meters. In addition, the law introduces a margin of tolerance for the possession of cannabis. Possession of 25 to 30 grams, which would have previously been criminalized, is now considered a minor offense, with criminal charges only applying to quantities above this range.

Significant changes have also been made regarding personal culture. The authorized quantity of dried cannabis cultivated by the person concerned has been doubled, from 25 to 50 grams. Possession of less than 60 grams is considered a minor offense, with criminal charges applying beyond this limit. The legislation specifies that the authorized quantity refers to dried cannabis and not to flowers just harvested (which weigh more).

Another key aspect of the law is the establishment of a new THC limit for drivers, with the current limit of one nanogram per milliliter of blood considered too low. A specialized commission will be responsible for proposing a revised threshold by March 31, 2024.

Implementation of the law is planned in stages. Provisions relating to personal cultivation and decriminalization of possession are expected to come into force on March 1, while regulations relating to Cannabis Clubs are expected to be active by June 1 or July 1.

Authorities also plan to introduce a second complementary measure that would establish pilot programs for commercial sales in cities across the country. This legislation is expected to be unveiled after being submitted to the European Commission for review.

Once the Bundestag passes the legalization measure, Kappert-Gonther said lawmakers “will continue to work together on the second pillar,” which concerns the commercial sales pilot program.

After next week’s vote, it will be several months before the bill is considered by the Bundesrat, a separate legislative body that represents Germany’s states. Members of the Bundesrat tried to block the proposed reform in September, but failed.

The union of CBD professionals contacted the Council of State to question the validity of saliva tests, the last version of which dates back to 2016. That year, the government generalized road saliva screening tests and lowered them to very low levels, a few nanograms (1ng/mL for cannabis), the detection thresholds for different drugs via an order.

“We believe that the detection thresholds were established arbitrarily and are not based on any scientific reference,” explains Antonin Blaise, elected to the board of directors of the Union of CBD Professionals (UPCBD), to La Nouvelle République.

Since 2016, CBD products have arrived on the market which can contain up to 0.3% THC. A consumer of a CBD product, in flowers for example, can therefore be positive for THC several hours after consuming without being under the effect of THC, present in minute quantities in CBD flowers but sufficient to produce a positive test.

A Swiss study, published in the journal Forensic Sciences Research, also revealed that CBD-dominant cannabis, legal in Switzerland up to 1% THC, has no impact on the ability to drive.

“These products have no psychotropic effect and do not create any particular risk for road safety,” estimates the UPCBD.

The UPCBD therefore decided to challenge the conditions under which the decree was issued, since no scientific opinion, although obligatory, was given before the publication of the decree. The Union also contests the effectiveness of these screening tests which we saw, in the case of Senator Guerriau, that they gave different results depending on the tests used. The senator from Loire-Atlantique was in fact positive for all drugs in the urine test, negative for everything in the blood test and positive for ecstasy in the hair test.

The UPCBD therefore requests the cancellation of the decree, or at least its modification so that consumers of legal products which do not create a risk for road safety are no longer penalized.

The Council of State will examine this appeal on Wednesday November 29 at 2 p.m., with its decision expected in the following weeks.

Almost 3 years had passed without updating their social networks. But on November 14, the Spanish cannabis seed bank Dinafem spoke out again on its social accounts, after absolute silence which followed a large-scale anti-drug operation carried out by the Spanish authorities in 2020.

In a first post, Dinafem wanted to thank all the people behind the support it received and express its combativeness.

“We want to publicly thank the expressions of solidarity and affection that we receive from many people and entities towards Dinafem and its 100 dismissed workers. Dinafem has not resumed the sale of seeds, the judicial authority has expressly prohibited us from doing so and we must wait for the outcome of the trial to be able to do it again, at least as long as Dinafem is a Spanish company. We have complete confidence in the justice system and look forward to the trial to prove our innocence. They can cut off the flowers, but they can’t stop spring. We’ll be back sooner rather than later! »

According to our information, a return is not yet planned. The trial deadline, which should be held next spring, is the only one the seed bank is thinking about.

Searches and trials

In September 2020, 14 Dinafem employees were arrested during an anti-drug operation in Spain. The company then reacted through a press release, in which it wrote in particular the following:

“This blow has created a climate of uncertainty for the entire sector, including for companies that, like us, are dedicated to the purchase and sale of cannabis seeds, in whole or in part. »

Later, details were provided on the operation, called Inxer-Toro, which took place between September 15 and 17 in the provinces of Gipuzkoa and Navarre. During this operation, 14 people were arrested, 17 houses were searched and industrial buildings were searched.

The operation made it possible to find 207,000 euros in cash, check accounts and bitcoin wallets, discover 20 million cannabis seeds worth 100 million euros for resale and “a high-end laboratory range specializing in the production of specialties from Cannabis plants using advanced genetic engineering techniques. Nothing strange for a seed bank after all.

The plan to legalize cannabis for medical use in Ukraine has encountered a major obstacle: opposition parties. Despite the massive support of President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian population, hundreds of amendments were tabled which had the effect of blocking the progress of the bill.

Legislative deadlock

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s unicameral legislature, was set to take a historic vote on the medical cannabis reform bill. However, the bill’s progress has been hampered by a barrage of amendments, described by MP Olga Stefanyshina as a deliberate attempt to “exhaust” the legislative process. According to Ms. Stefanyshina, members of the All-Ukrainian Union “Fatherland” are responsible for tabling more than 800 amendments, with the intention of prolonging debates and preventing the adoption of the bill.

Ms. Stefanyshina lamented the senselessness of the situation, stressing that the proposed revisions are just “spam” and lack substance. The bill, which aims to create a national medical cannabis program to provide relief to patients suffering from illnesses such as cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder, received support not only from lawmakers, but also from President Zelensky. The perceived urgency to enact this reform is underscored by the current violent conflict in Ukraine, strengthening the argument for alternative treatments for people suffering from war-related trauma.

President Zelensky has championed the legalization of medical cannabis, aligning with international practices. In a June speech to parliament, he highlighted the need to adopt “global best practices” and equitably legalize cannabis-based medicines. Zelensky explains his support on the belief that these drugs can relieve the pain, stress and trauma suffered by Ukrainians, especially those suffering from war-related disorders.

Although it was passed at first reading in July and approved by the National Commission on Health, Medical Care and Health Insurance in October, the final reading of the bill is therefore postponed indefinitely.

The Assembly of French Polynesia recently voted to repeal the law of January 5, 2023, which aimed to pave the way for the legalization of therapeutic cannabis. This decision, motivated by the complexity of the implementation of the initial law, sparked debates between the different political currents in the archipelago. It must nevertheless pave the way for a new, more rational and more effective framework for therapeutic cannabis in the region.

Repeal to better legalize

Political game or real necessity? The assembly session in any case focused on the repeal of the law of January 5, 2023, which initiated the legalization of the medical use of cannabis in Polynesia, but which was considered too complex to be implemented. in time. It indeed required numerous deliberations and decrees. And the absence of implementing regulations in the initial law made it obsolete 1 year after its vote, hence the repeal.

TNTV reported that the repeal was a controversial issue, with the Tavini majority and A’Here ia Porinetia voting against the law described as a “gas plant” by Moetai Brotherson. The complications of the original law were acknowledged by unaffiliated representatives, including Nicole Sanquer, who stressed the importance of depoliticizing the process.

Although she expressed skepticism about the government’s motives, Ms. Sanquer voted in favor of the repeal, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the reality of the therapeutic use of cannabis in the country. She stressed the need for a more effective and targeted approach, echoing the sentiment that the previous attempt had been more about electoral strategy than practical governance.

Medical cannabis and hemp

The Moetai Brotherson government will now have to develop a new text which will simplify the eligibility process, which will include traditional practitioners among those authorized to distribute therapeutic cannabis and which will authorize the importation of cannabis-based medicines. The Minister of Health, Cédric Mercadal, assured that the new draft text would be submitted before the end of December, with a presentation to the Assembly planned for January.

The government must also legislate on the establishment of a hemp industry, a challenge to which are added the ongoing studies of the Louis Malardé Institute on the census of local varieties of cannabis. The future text on hemp could align with the metropolis and its maximum THC threshold for plants and products derived from them, namely less than 0.3% THC.

This strategic approach aims to facilitate implementation and address concerns regarding the unregulated use of cannabis products. Local associations are nevertheless campaigning for a level of 1% THC in the plant due to the climate being very favorable to the growth of cannabinoids in hemp.

In a press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Canada announced that Health Canada has approved the use of Epidiolex®, a pharmaceutical CBD oil, as a treatment for certain forms of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), the Dravet syndrome or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) – in patients aged 2 years and older.

These three pathologies are rare and severe forms of epilepsy that cause multiple types of seizures, generally resistant to treatment.

CBD for epilepsy

“Living with LGS, Dravet syndrome or CTS is very difficult. This means having to endure recurring attacks every day. It is a difficult and isolating experience for people living with these conditions, and it is very stressful for caregivers who witness the seizures,” said Laura Dickson, President of the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance.

“This approval gives hope and optimism for this community. The priority now is to ensure that people living with these diseases have equitable and rapid access to promising treatment options.”

Epidiolex is a cannabis-based medicine that contains only cannabidiol. It is available with a prescription and administered as an oral solution, like a regular CBD oil.

“Although there are many anticonvulsant medications for different epilepsies, the rare and severe forms of childhood epilepsies such as LGS, Dravet syndrome and CTS have only limited approved therapies and are often resistant to treatment. This makes these diseases extremely difficult to treat,” explained Linda Huh, a pediatric epileptologist at BC Children’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia.

“Health Canada’s approval of Epidiolex is important news for a patient population with unmet needs, as it provides us with an extensively studied treatment option. »

Health Canada’s approval is based on the results of five double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials with a total of 939 patients with LGS, Dravet syndrome or CTS.

Following approval from Health Canada, Jazz will work to ensure reimbursement for eligible patients.

In addition to Canada, Jazz has obtained approval of Epidiolex cannabidiol oral solution, known here as Epidyolex, for these 3 forms of epilepsy, in 36 other countries, including the United States, the Union European Union, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and Switzerland.

In Wisconsin, Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard is scrambling to push the GOP-controlled legislature to hold a hearing on her cannabis legalization bill.

Despite the popularity of cannabis legalization in Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers have yet to schedule a public hearing, prompting Sen. Agard to launch an online petition to rally the public to her cause.

Senator Agard calls for a public hearing

Sen. Melissa Agard, a staunch supporter of cannabis reform, recently circulated an online petition urging the GOP-controlled Legislature to hold a public hearing on her bill to legalize cannabis. The petition highlights the disconnect between lawmakers and the will of the people, stating, “Republicans cannot continue to ignore the will of the people and must hear the voices of Wisconsinites!” “.

Agard’s cannabis legalization bill includes a series of provisions aimed at creating a regulated and equitable cannabis industry in Wisconsin. Adults aged 21 and older would be allowed to possess up to five ounces of cannabis (140 grams) for personal use and cultivate up to 12 plants.

The bill provides for an excise tax of 15% on cannabis producers and 10% on retailers and lounges, with patients who use cannabis for medical purposes being exempt from this tax. 60% of tax revenues generated would be allocated to a Community Reinvestment Grant Fund, supporting initiatives for women and minority industry participation, health care equity and training law enforcement to combat driving under the influence of cannabis.

Obstacles in Wisconsin’s legislative landscape

Despite the compelling case for legalization, Republican leaders in Wisconsin have been reluctant to advance meaningful cannabis reform. The GOP-controlled Legislature has already voted to remove cannabis reform language from Gov. Tony Evers’ budget request. Although there have been discussions about limited medical cannabis legislation, no official bill has yet been introduced.

GOP Sen. Mary Felzkowski criticized Democrats like Ms. Agard, arguing that their advocacy of full legalization distracts from reform efforts. However, as the minority leader points out, Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, giving them the power to advance whatever reform they choose.

As part of the legislative process, the Wisconsin Department of Finance released a tax estimate that Agard reform would generate nearly $170 million in tax revenue annually, in addition to creating jobs and new opportunities for farmers and communities across Wisconsin.

The cities of Biel, Bern and Lucerne have opened registrations for their pilot project for the sale of regulated cannabis, the University of Bern announced yesterday, November 22. As the emphasis is on security aspects, the names of participating pharmacies will not be published.

There, study participants will be able to purchase various cannabis products, including flowers, hash and oil with different levels of THC and CBD, at selected pharmacies starting in February 2024.

Limited number of participants

In total, the pilot project will have a thousand participants in the 3 municipalities, including around 700 for Bern and 170 for Bienne.

The University of Bern, which is leading the project under the name “Script”, for Safer Cannabis – Research In Pharmacies randomized controlled trialindicates that feedback from other ongoing pilot studies suggests that demand could exceed available places.

In this case, people living in the cities of Bern and Biel will have priority.

Priority to health and neutrality

Like other studies already in place, the main objective is to examine the health and social effects of the regulated sale of cannabis. Led by the University of Bern, it emphasizes that product advertising is not permitted and that products must be packaged in a neutral and standardized way.

Participation in the study is open to adults living in the canton of Bern and already regularly consuming cannabis. The city of Lucerne plans to register the project in 2024 with around 250 participants.

Previously, experiments had been approved in Lausanne, Basel, Zurich and Geneva. In Basel, the sale of Swiss-grown cannabis for experience began, and in Zurich in August. In Lausanne, recording has started and Geneva is expected to follow in December.