Belgium finds itself at a crossroads in the ongoing cannabis legalization debate, with Deputy Prime Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne of the Socialist Party (PS) arguing for a new approach to the country’s drug policy. In an interview with Belgian newspaper L’Avenir, Mr Dermagne said it was high time to end cannabis prohibition and move to a regulated market.

Mr Dermagne argues that prosecuting, arresting and imprisoning people for cannabis-related offenses no longer makes sense, especially considering the changing landscape in Belgium’s neighboring countries. “Of the four neighboring countries of Belgium, three have decriminalized or are going to legalize consumption and sale,” underlines Mr. Dermagne.

The Deputy Prime Minister is not just advocating for decriminalization, he is pushing for full regulation and control of the production and sale of cannabis. He believes that this approach would have many benefits, including better supervision of consumers, protection against sale to minors, reduction of criminal income (including potential financing of terrorist activities) and the possibility for the forces of ordered to focus on more pressing matters.

Mr Dermagne also highlights the economic benefit it could bring. He estimates that Belgium could gain 660 million euros in revenue from excise duties. This claim is supported by a 2019 study by the Friday Group, which suggests potential gains of up to €144.6 million per year, depending on the decriminalization model chosen.

However, Mr Dermagne’s proposal is not unanimous. The majority partner, the Francophone Liberal Party (MR), strongly opposes the idea of ​​decriminalization at this stage. MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez expressed concern about the timing, citing current problems with drug use, particularly hard drugs, in Belgian cities. The MR recognizes the need for debate, but points to the harmful health effects of cannabis, especially among young users.

While the debate persists, Belgium is preparing to study the possibility of decriminalizing cannabis. The Senate plans to release an information report in the coming months, based on expert input. With the exception of the MR, most French-speaking parties express support for some form of cannabis reform.

These parties differ in their proposals, ranging from strict regulation and control advocated by the PS to the total decriminalization of possession and certain forms of production and distribution proposed by DéFI. Ecolo pleads for global regulation of the entire cannabis chain, while Les Engagés advocates the decriminalization of all drug use. The PTB insists on state regulation of production and sales.

In his assessment of international models, Mr Dermagne favors the German approach, where consumers join Cannabis Clubs responsible for collective cultivation and distribution. He criticizes the Dutch model which he describes as “hypocritical” because of the gap between legal sales and illegal cultivation.

In the north of Belgium, opinions on the legalization of cannabis are less favourable. The CD&V, N-VA and Vlaams Belang parties all oppose decriminalization, with the Open Vld expressing strong reservations. On the other hand, Vooruit and Groen are firmly in favor of reform.

Copenhagen’s self-governing neighborhood of Christiania has again been rocked by violence and the tragic loss of a young person. In a press release spotted by CannabisIndustrie.nl, the community expressed its deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones as they face the ongoing threat of drug-related violence plaguing the neighborhood.

Another shooting hits Christiania: another young life cut short

In a repeat of previous horrors, a new shooting has claimed the life of another youngster, following the escalation of drug-related violence on the streets of Christiania. The violence broke out in broad daylight, in the heart of Christiania, and affected not only the intended target, but also passers-by and tourists.

Faced with the constant threat of violence and crime, the community of Christiania, meeting on August 27, decided to take drastic measures. The iconic ‘Pusher Street’, long epicenter of the illegal cannabis and mushroom trade, will be closed.

The community faces the challenge of implementing this closure in a way that prevents the violence and illegal trade from simply moving to other parts of the neighborhood.

Last May, the mayor of Copenhagen had already announced that he was considering closing Pusher Street. In June, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard and Mayor Andersen reached an agreement with Copenhagen police and representatives from Christiania, including their lawyer Knud Foldschack, to close Pusher Street.

With this announcement from Christiania itself, the curtain seems to have definitely fallen on Pusher Street.

The End of an Era: Christiania’s Role in Cannabis Normalization

For more than 50 years, Christiania has been the scene of the normalization of cannabis in Denmark, with Pusher Street being the notable symbol of this trade.

However, with the continued escalation of violence and crime, the community has been forced to take a new path. Some advocate a state-regulated cannabis market as a possible solution, but slow political processes make rapid implementation unlikely.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially recommended that cannabis be moved from Schedule I to Schedule III of the List of Narcotic Drugs, a historic event which confirms among other things that the main health agency American no longer views cannabis as a drug with high potential for abuse and without medical value.

What are these Appendices?

In the United States, drugs, substances and certain chemicals used to manufacture medicines are classified into 5 distinct categories or Schedules based on the acceptable medical use of the drug and its potential for abuse or dependence.

The abuse rate is a determining factor in the classification of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the creation of severe psychological and/or physical dependence. The potential for abuse diminishes as the Appendices are added. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse.

Schedule I drugs, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs whose medical use is not currently recognized and which have a high potential for abuse. Among the substances classified in Appendix I: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cannabis, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone and peyote.

Schedule III includes substances with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. The abuse potential of Schedule III drugs is lower than that of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs, but greater than that of Schedule IV drugs. Among the drugs in Schedule III: products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, etc.

Where does this request for reclassification come from?

HHS conducted a scientific study on cannabis under a directive from President Joe Biden last year.

It now indicates to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the US drug regulatory agency, that it believes cannabis should be placed in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The recommendation is non-binding and the DEA has the final say, but the scientific analysis, combined with growing political support for cannabis reform, may well spur the DEA to make the change.

“Based on data and science, HHS quickly responded to President Biden’s directive to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and provided its cannabis programming recommendation to the DEA on August 29, 2023,” a doorman said. -word from HHS to Marijuana Moment Wednesday. “This administrative process was completed in less than 11 months, reflecting the collaboration and leadership of this department in ensuring that a full scientific assessment was completed and shared quickly. »

What impact in the United States?

As a Schedule III substance, cannabis would remain prohibited at the federal level. However, this reclassification would have major consequences for researchers who have long criticized the Annex I classification, which creates significant barriers to access to studies.

Moving cannabis to Schedule III would also open up tax opportunities for the cannabis industry that are not currently available. Section 280E of theInternal Revenue Code effectively prohibits taxpayers who traffic in certain controlled substances—as the federal cannabis trade is considered—from deducting customary business expenses or non-Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) credits related to such activities.

Politically, moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III would allow President Joe Biden to say he contributed to major reform, facilitating an administrative review that could result in a reclassification over 50 years after cannabis was placed in the most restrictive category, when the federal government launched the war on drugs.

It could also bolster congressional momentum to further reform federal cannabis laws. When lawmakers return from August recess and continue trying to pass cannabis banking legislation, they can cite the HHS recommendation as proof of the urgency of normalizing the industry.

What impacts elsewhere?

Beyond the obvious example of a reclassification of cannabis in the country that launched and fueled drug prohibition globally, the international drug control system could be affected.

The United Nations Conventions, which classify drugs with a schedule system similar to that of the United States, have already been offered a reclassification of cannabis into categories more in line with science and the reality of use – and have already reclassified it to recognize its medical use. With the possibility of seeing it integrate a more permissive Annex which would facilitate its therapeutic, even recreational uses in the world?

The Italian Ministry of Health surprised the Italian hemp industry by lifting the suspension of the decree of October 1, 2020, suspended at the end of October 2020, and which wanted to classify CBD extracts in oral composition as narcotics. In summary, CBD oils would be likened to a drug that can only be prescribed by doctors and therefore the exclusive prerogative of pharmacies.

Textually, the decree in question cited “the inclusion in the Table of Medicines, Section B, of Presidential Decree 309/90, of compositions for the oral administration of cannabidiol obtained from Cannabis extracts”.

The revocation will come into effect from the thirtieth day following the publication in the Official Journal, i.e. September 21, 2023. The sale of cannabidiol in the form of oils or other extracts must then be done only in pharmacies and under medical supervision.

What future for CBD oil in Italy?

If the decree is implemented, Italy could become the only country in Europe to consider oral preparations of CBD as narcotics. The repeal will affect existing and future products on the Italian market. CBD oils could disappear from over-the-counter sale unless they are made with synthetic CBD, which is not covered by the provision. As for cannabis light rich in CBD, its future is also uncertain.

The European Court of Justice has however ruled that CBD products in a Member State of the European Union should not be considered as narcotics and should be able to circulate freely.

The lawyer Carlo Alberto Zaina underlined in our colleagues of DolceVitaOnline the importance of the opportunity for collective action which could challenge the decree within sixty days of its publication in the official journal.

“When an entire sector sees its rights to freedom of enterprise violated, it is necessary to present a united front and to take the necessary legal actions before the appropriate authorities, in order to safeguard the countless companies linked to the sector and all the resulting jobs.

The lawyer, who has repeatedly challenged the already suspended 2020 Speranza decree, points out that behind a prose intended to dissuade anyone from reading the contents of the decree, nothing is hidden.

“It is certain”, continues Me Zaina, “that the only way to oppose this unacceptable drift is to wage a new jurisdictional legal battle, without quarter, to which all the activities concerned can join, including the very existence depends on it. »

The Bahamas government has announced a legislative package that will legalize cannabis for medical, religious and research purposes. Personal possession of small amounts of cannabis will also be decriminalized and previous convictions for simple possession will be expunged.

The bills package would establish a local framework for cannabis production and, according to the government, “ensure a well-regulated, safe and controlled cannabis industry”.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder and Minister of Health and Welfare Michael Darville announced the proposed reforms at the weekly Prime Minister’s Office press conference last Thursday.

Mr Pinder said he wanted the bills to be presented to Parliament by October.

“The goal would be to discuss it by the end of the calendar year, because there is a lot of work to be done to put the authority in place,” he said. “There is the training, the certifications, the digital platform for tracing and prescriptions, and all of that has to be done before the licenses are issued. »

🔍 **Detailed Information:** Head to https://t.co/F5vLbSdg1d to explore the full compendium of legislation, presentation slides, final reports, and more.

— Office of The Prime Minister The Bahamas (@opmthebahamas) August 24, 2023

If adopted, doctors in the Bahamas will be able to recommend cannabis for specific conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

“Many Bahamians suffer from disabling illnesses such as terminal cancers, various forms of depression that do not respond to clinical therapy, and post-traumatic stress,” Darville said.

The changes would also allow religious use of cannabis by Rastafarians, who would need to obtain special licenses.

While these reforms do not legalize cannabis generally, possession of 30 grams of cannabis would be decriminalized, subject to a $250 fine in lieu of a criminal record. Previous convictions for simple possession would also be expunged.

On the production side, future licensees must be Bahamian and at least 21 years old. Owner groups will also need to include a certain percentage of Bahamians, depending on the type of license. Cultivators, for example, will have to be 100% Bahamian-owned. Analysis, manufacturing and research licenses are expected to be 30% owned by Bahamians.

“We have a number of licenses that will be put in place and opportunities for Bahamians to participate, and we look forward to their participation,” Mr. Pinder said. “We believe this will have a positive economic impact.

The system would be overseen by a new government cannabis authority, made up of nine members representing “a faith-based organization, civil society, and one person from banking, law, agriculture, scientific research, pharmacy and medicine.

A government website devoted to the proposals states that the “overall framework is not arbitrary; it is grounded in the research and findings of the Caribbean Community Secretariat’s 2018 Cannabis Report.” Additionally, the authors of the bills have also studied cannabis regulation in Jamaica, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Canada.

“This ensures that our legislation is in line with international best practice and adapted to our unique cultural and legal context. »

In 2018, leaders from 19 Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti and Jamaica, agreed to “review the current status of cannabis with a view to reclassification”, citing “human rights” issues. human and religious rights” resulting from criminalization as well as “the economic benefits to be gained” from a regulated industry.

Michigan saw cannabis sales hit a record high in July, according to the latest figures from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency.

With sales of $276 million in the month, mostly adult sales (as opposed to medical sales), Michigan is expected to surpass the $3 billion mark in annual revenue for the first time this year, making it the second largest market in the United States after California. Michigan legalized cannabis in late 2019.

This surge in sales is bringing a slew of new companies to the market, with Michigan receiving 97 applications for new adult use licenses and issuing 87 in the past month alone.

Speaking to Bridge Michigan, the senior economist of the National Cannabis IndustryBeau Whitney, said it was causing a “race to the bottom” and prices were getting lower and lower due to the heavy competition.

Along with this pricing pressure, businesses are struggling to make a profit in the state due to current regulations. Retailers must pay 10% excise tax in addition to 6% sales tax. Tens of millions of dollars go to local governments, at the expense of corporations.

According to FOX 2 Detroit, “only 30% of total adult product sales go to local communities, with the remaining 70% going to schools and roads.” When last year’s contributions are put alongside figures for 2021 and 2020, they reveal an industry that shows no signs of slowing down.

A new report from Health Canada reveals that the high fees imposed on Canadian cannabis companies are preventing the industry from making a profit.

The report, titled “2021-2022 Review of the Cannabis Cost Recovery Framework,” aims to inform progress in achieving key policy objectives for the legalization of cannabis in Canada to support “a diverse and national”.

Under current regulations, cannabis companies are subject to taxes, implemented to help Health Canada recover regulatory costs. These fees include application review, security clearance and import and export permit fees, as well as an annual regulatory fee.

The report shows that respondents said fees contribute to “difficulties in achieving profitability and positive cash flow, which are already under significant pressure.”

A total of 37.5% of micro-license holders (max 200 m² of grow space), compared to 20.5% of standard license holders, said the fees accounted for more than 10% of operating costs .

The report states that “Fees collected under the order may have a greater impact on small farms than on their larger competitors, due to economies of scale. »

“It is also important to note that the licensees surveyed in the micro license and standard license categories represent licensees at various stages of development, from start-ups with no revenue to large-scale licensees. who operate throughout the Canadian market. »

Additionally, the report found that annual regulatory fees represent 90.5% of all cannabis duty revenue collected by Health Canada between 2018 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2022.

In this regard, 10 micro licensees and 12 standard licensees stated that the minimum annual regulatory fee is prohibitive “especially for licensees who have no sales revenue”.

Many small cannabis businesses are now struggling to survive, if not already shut down. Small cannabis producers are thus pushing for a reform of the excise tax in Canada that would allow them to generate a minimum of profits.

The pilot project for the legal distribution of cannabis was launched in Zurich last Tuesday. In the project context Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility1,200 selected participants now have the opportunity to purchase controlled cannabis products.

The study will last 3 years and aims to understand how the sale of cannabis products under regulated conditions affects participants’ consumption and health.

For now, cannabis products will be available in 9 pharmacies and 6 Social Clubs. They may be consumed in private premises or in one of the Social Clubs, which are managed by individuals or associations.

Eventually, the pilot project in Zurich should become the largest in Switzerland, with more than 2,100 participants and 21 points of sale: pharmacies, Social Clubs and a drug information centre. Each point of sale is authorized to accommodate between 50 and 150 participants.

The study participants are 80% male, between the ages of 18 and 80.

As with the Basel project, the Swiss company Vigia AG is supplying the cannabis distribution system, developed in cooperation with the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), and which will make it possible to reliably document the delivery of products. This software suite offers complete traceability of cannabis products. The FOPH thus has a precise view of the cannabis in circulation, which serves as a basis for in-depth scientific research. This data is also used for reporting to the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board.

Five Swiss cities (Bern, Lausanne, Basel, Zurich and Geneva) have authorized the establishment of regulated experiments in the sale of cannabis. In Basel, the sale of cannabis has started. Sales should also start in Lausanne in September. Bern should follow in October, then Geneva.