Maine lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow cannabis use in cannabis lounges. The project has attracted both support and opposition, with key stakeholders debating the potential impact on public safety, tourism and the existing legal framework.

Creating a controlled environment

Republican Assemblyman David Boyer introduced Bill LD 1952, which envisions cannabis consumption venues as spaces similar to breweries, providing a controlled and regulated environment for adults to consume cannabis responsibly.

In a statement to the Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, Boyer stressed the need to create designated areas where tourists and renters, limited by current restrictions (editor's note: American landlords can prohibit smoking in their rental), can consume cannabis safely. He emphasized the possible parallels with breweries, which allow customers to try different varieties and products before purchasing them.

According to Mr. Boyer, “it would be a controlled and regulated environment for adults, similar to that of breweries where you can try different beers and take some home.”

Tourist approach

The tourism industry is one of the driving forces behind Act 1952. Tourists, who are often prohibited from consuming cannabis in traditional accommodations, could benefit from cannabis hospitality establishments proposed. Mr. Boyer addresses this concern by recognizing the limitations faced by tourists who cannot consume cannabis in hotel rooms or rental accommodations.

Highlighting the tourism aspect, Mr Boyer said: “This would help ensure public safety and reduce the likelihood of public consumption of cannabis in inappropriate locations. »

The proposal, however, faces strong opposition, notably from John Hudak, director of the Maine Office of Cannabis Policythe state's regulatory body for cannabis.

Mr. Hudak expresses several concerns, particularly regarding indoor air quality, lack of training for servers and the risk of an increase in incidents related to drunk driving. Mr. Hudak believes the bill ignores critical public health and safety issues related to allowing public consumption of a substance known to impair cognitive function.

“This bill simply does not address the serious public health and safety issues raised by allowing public consumption of a substance that impairs critical thinking, memory, judgment, balance and coordination,” said Senator Hudak.

The Cannabis Landscape in Maine

The US state of Maine legalized cannabis in 2016. Since legal sales began in 2020, Maine's cannabis industry, which includes the medical and recreational sectors, has seen substantial growth.

Medical cannabis sales reached an estimated $230 million in 2023, while recreational sales totaled nearly $217 million. The proposed law DL 1952 could continue to bring dynamism to the sector.

If passed, Maine would join 14 other states, including Massachusetts, New York and Maryland, that allow on-site cannabis consumption.

THE Health Research Board (HRB) has published the results of its review of the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of prescribed medical cannabis in the country.

The report, which was published on Tuesday January 23, details the effects of medical cannabis prescribed for certain conditions in Ireland, including nausea and vomiting in cancer and spasticity in multiple sclerosis.

The report also shares “promising” evidence of significant benefit for neuropathic or nerve pain, which can occur in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes or spinal cord injury.

For most other conditions, including anxiety and pain related to cancer, rheumatic diseases and fibromyalgia, there is no “conclusive evidence” supporting the effectiveness of prescribed medical cannabis, according to the report.

Regarding the safety of prescribed cannabis, the study found that although serious side effects from cannabis do not appear to be common, some side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, sedation and headaches head may occur.

The likelihood of other adverse effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, and psychiatric disorders, is mixed.

The study was carried out as part of a review by the Ministry of Health of the current medical cannabis access program (Medical Cannabis Access Program –MCAP). Currently, only patients with one of three eligible conditions, namely chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, treatment-resistant epilepsy, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, can access cannabis-based medicines under this program, which was launched in 2019.

Dr Kathryn Lambe, research fellow at HRB and lead author of the report, said: “Our review indicates that there is some evidence to support the use of prescribed medical cannabis for conditions such as nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and management of neuropathic pain. »

“However, for most other results, the conclusions are inconsistent at best. This study will help inform decision-making regarding future policy on the use of prescribed medical cannabis, as well as input from patient groups, clinicians and service planners.”

Recommendations for future research

Covering research conducted over the past 30 years on the use of medical cannabis prescribed to adult patients only, the study evaluated data from 47 journals, across a number of medical conditions ranging from cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatic diseases, pain, mental health and neuropsychological conditions.

It focused on data relating to prescribed medical cannabis containing natural or synthetic CBD or THC or their derivatives.

The authors concluded that the body of research they reviewed was “fragmented” with a “low degree of certainty in the evidence for most findings.”

They made a number of recommendations for future research to improve the quality of clinical data on medical cannabis. These include subgroup analyzes for different types of pain, the use of modern treatments as active comparators rather than placebos, and studies with different treatment arms to define the optimal ratio of THC and of CBD for the indication in question.

Informing future policies

According to the report, the study's findings will inform the Ministry of Health's position on the suitability of medical cannabis products for various clinical indications, as well as future responses to communications regarding the prescribing of cannabis products.

Mairead O'Driscoll, chief executive of the HRB, said: “It is essential that health policies are based on the most recent evidence, including in areas where existing research is not sufficiently developed to draw conclusions solid. By conducting this type of review over time, the HRB can continue to provide policymakers with evidence to inform their decisions as research evolves. »

A “missed opportunity”

MCAP has already faced criticism from patients due to its “restrictive” nature, with fewer than 100 people having enrolled in the program so far. The outcome of the HRB review cast doubt on whether the program could be expanded.

Patient advocates expressed disappointment that the study did not include concrete evidence or address Irish patients who say they benefit from medical cannabis, many of whom traveled abroad to access it.

“The HRB report highlights the need for more detailed analysis of medical cannabis,” says legal researcher and drug policy advocate Natalie O’Regan.

“In 2024, we are still hearing that more research is needed to avoid expanding access to cannabis. The report did not speak with current MCAP patients and missed the opportunity to collect real-world data that is available at their doorstep. Ultimately, it is patients who will suffer the consequences of limited access to a medicine they may find invaluable.”

She added: “One positive is that the report found evidence that supports medical cannabis in neuropathic pain, and I hope this will expand in the near future.”

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach hopes to put the proposal to legalize adult use of cannabis to a parliamentary vote next February and see the proposal come into force in April, according to a report from Deutsche Welle.

The coalition agreement initially aroused optimism, suggesting the end of prohibition and the establishment of a regulated market. The government, however, reversed course and opted for a version light of legalization including the authorization of home cultivation, consumption and the formation of cultivation associations, without the establishment of a legal and regulated cannabis market via identified stores.

Conflicting voices and a delayed vote

Although Karl Lauterbach campaigns for the entry into force of legalization light on April 1, doubts remain. Critical voices, especially those in conservative-led Bavaria, question technical points, for example the planned minimum distances between Cannabis Clubs and schools or youth establishments, citing potential negative effects on adolescents.

Even within the coalition, voices like that of Sebastian Fiedler, spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group for crime policy, have raised objections, saying that the current draft contradicts previous agreements.

Amid opposition, coalition supporters emphasize the positive impact legalization could have. Kristine Lütke, spokesperson for the FDP parliamentary group for drug policy, criticizes internal disagreements within the SPD, which are causing unnecessary delays.

The Greens and Karl Lauterbach emphasize the importance of responsible behavior and suggest that controlled distribution can address the concerns raised by critics.

From February 19 to 23 in the Bundestag

The critical period for the fate of cannabis legalization in Germany is February 19-23, when discussions in the Bundestag will determine the future of the cannabis law. Karl Lauterbach remains optimistic, citing studies that highlight the dangers of the illegal market, including higher toxic concentrations and dangerous additives. The Minister of Health often explains that a regulated distribution system would help mitigate these risks, while expressing the need for strong protection of children and young people.

The debate in Germany could have importance beyond the country's borders. Germany's potential legalization would set the tone for cannabis policy reform across Europe, particularly for Luxembourg or the Czech Republic which have initiated or are about to initiate their reform.

A recent survey carried out in the canton of Valais sought to find out the opinion of its inhabitants on the distribution and legalization of cannabis. The study, commissioned by the HES-SO and the LINK Institute, was conducted among 602 participants and revealed interesting insights into public sentiment towards this controversial issue.

Support for the pilot project

According to the survey, a significant majority of Valais residents, 64% to be precise, expressed their support for a pilot project aimed at the legal distribution of cannabis. This project aligns with existing frameworks already in place in Lausanne, Basel and Zurich. The president of the Valais Organization for Hemp Interests (OVIC), Benjamin Foro, considers these results a positive indication that the population is ready for a progressive and reasonable cannabis policy in the region.

Divergent views on legalization

While support for the pilot project is clear, opinions differ when it comes to the broader issue of cannabis legalization. In Valais, the survey suggests a narrow divide, with 49.7% in favor of legalization. The Haut-Valais region shows a more pronounced lean, with more than 60% in favor of legalization, as well as a substantial rate of 62% among Valaisans under the age of 42.

Benjamin Foro highlights the potential benefits of cannabis regulation for an agricultural canton like Valais. It highlights the need for a well-designed law that not only protects consumers and eliminates the black market, but also supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and farmers.

The results of the survey therefore paint a nuanced picture of the feeling of the Valais public towards cannabis. The data suggests that Valaisans are open to a clear and reasonable cannabis policy, although the political will may not be as strong as in larger Swiss cities.

Danish authorities, led by Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, have announced plans to permanently close the notorious Christiania drug market, as part of a significant move to address ongoing problems linked to it.

The move follows growing concerns about organized crime, violence and the overall impact of the illicit drug trade on the community.

Dealing with escalating problems

The famous Pusher Street, located in the heart of Christiania, is known for its tolerance around the consumption and sale of cannabis and mushrooms. For several years, different gangs have been competing for control of this popular place, with its share of stabbings and shootings.

The situation worsened with the fourth fatal shooting linked to Pusher Street since 2020, prompting Christiania's 900 residents to call for an end to the drug trade.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard confirmed the decision, saying “Pusher Street will close this year” in an interview with TV2 Kosmopol. The minister insisted on the implementation of an action plan, developed in collaboration with the residents of Christiania, which should be completed over the next six months.

Collaborative efforts and future projects

Efforts to eradicate the soft drug trade from the free district of Christiania involve close coordination between the Danish authorities, the municipality of Copenhagen and the residents of Christiania.

In response to a recent police crackdown on the market, residents have expressed a desire for alternative development at the site to prevent the return of illicit market stalls. However, the process of developing a realistic plan remains difficult, with spokesperson Hulda Mader stressing the need for financial support and security assistance from authorities.

While Mr. Hummelgaard did not release specific details about the permanent closure of Pusher Street, he acknowledged the need for an increased police presence in the area. The planned plan, which should begin in April, includes the renovation of the neighborhood, as reported by TV2 Kosmopol.

Christiania's journey from free city to transformation

Christiania, founded in 1971 by a group of hippies and artists, sought to create an alternative society based on principles of peace and love, with decisions made collectively and laws that were not strictly enforced. Over the years, this vision ran into difficulties as Pusher Street became a hub for illegal drug activity, leading to a reassessment of the community's direction.

The closure of Pusher Street is expected to mark a turning point for Christiania, encouraging residents to actively participate in discussions about the future appearance of the neighborhood. With a collective vision for regeneration, residents voted to begin renovation work, marking their commitment to transforming the space into a cultural hub. An opportunity to redefine the history of Christiania, bringing it back to its original ethics of peace, love and alternative life.

Last week, the Czech government published a preliminary version of its much-anticipated cannabis regulation bill, sparking surprise due to the abandonment of a regulated, commercial cannabis market.

Like Germany, many assumed that cannabis reform plans had once again been watered down beyond recognition, due to international or domestic political pressure.

However, according to members of the working group behind the entire legalization project, it is in fact a carefully orchestrated ploy to put pressure on opponents of the bill.

Dr. Tomas Ryska, general director of Astrasana Czech sro, explained to Business of Cannabis that the commercial market was intentionally omitted in order to create such a reaction, hoping to demonstrate to the KDU-ČSL (Christian Democrats) the the extent of public support for the measure.

“We are very satisfied with the project. It is important to note that this is not the final version of the bill and the commercial market has been intentionally omitted,” he said.

What happened ?

In September 2022, Jindřich Vobořil, the country's national drug coordinator and the driving force behind the pioneering reform, announced plans to implement comprehensive cannabis reform by early 2024.

Discussions on the bill began after the Pirate Party, part of the Czech Republic's current right-wing government coalition, presented a study focused on risk reduction and the potential economic benefits of regulation and of taxation.

In addition to projects for domestic and commercial cannabis cultivation, the project included the creation of Cannabis Social Clubs and, above all, the licensed sale of cannabis in stores to citizens over 18 years old.

Since the bill was given the green light in April 2023, it has taken on particular importance in Europe after Germany backtracked on its own plans to launch a commercial adult-use cannabis market, making the Czech Republic the last and most likely candidate for the adoption of such legislation.

On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at a meeting of the expert working group in Prague, Mr. Vobořil presented a new version of the upcoming bill, providing plans for home cultivation and the creation of Social Cannabis Clubs, but not mentioning a commercial adult market.

Almost immediately, three of the country's leading cannabis organizations, the Czech Hemp Cluster, the Legalizace.cz association and the Safe Cannabis Association, issued press releases condemning the decision.

“I cannot explain the government's reluctance towards the regulation of the commercial market – especially in light of the long negotiations we had on this subject during the first half of 2023 with representatives of the ministries and the coordinator National Drug Administration. I don’t understand why the government finally decided to remove the most important and easily implementable part of the planned reform from the proposal,” said Tomáš Vymazal, president of the Safe Cannabis Association.

A calculated decision

While one might think that, as in Germany and Luxembourg, the Czech government decided at the last minute that the prospect of overcoming international laws was too risky to continue, in reality it is a state of very different.

Mr. Ryska, who is part of the working group, explains that “what happened on Wednesday was part of the organized campaign.”

He explains that Mr Vobořil needed something to put pressure on the Christian Democrats, the only one of the five coalition parties to oppose the establishment of a trade market.

“Politicians listen a lot to what the people who voted for them say because they need their votes and the elections will take place in 2025.

“Before Wednesday, we held a meeting in which we developed a plan in which Vobořil would present the limited version of this project, deliberately omitting plans for a commercial market.

“A press release was immediately issued criticizing the proposal. So we created this negative sentiment in the media in order to get a public reaction and show Christian Democrats and politicians that citizens are not happy with this type of solution. »

He added that the government still intended to move forward with the establishment of a commercial market in a subsequent project, and was not being deterred by the possible refusal of the European Commission .

That said, “it is true that Christian Democrats are opposed to the commercial sale of cannabis.”

However, agreements have reportedly been reached on self-cultivation and political parties have made good progress on the issue of social clubs, even if questions remain unanswered.

The bill also includes a number of developments, including the removal of the obligation for citizens who wish to consume cannabis or become members of a Cannabis Club to register on a national list.

“The other good news is that the number of members a social club can have is 500. This makes it an interesting case from a commercial point of view; Furthermore, with 500 members, the club can really function financially. With 50 members, it would be very difficult to support it financially. »

A national campaign

Furthermore, representatives of the Czech Hemp Cluster, the Safe Cannabis Association and Legalizace.cz have created an NGO called Racionální regulace (Rational Regulation), which is preparing a national campaign to put pressure on political representation and thus contribute to significantly to the adoption of the regulatory bill.

This campaign is currently seeking financial support from cannabis companies and investors who recognize the potential of the Czech Republic to become the most exciting cannabis market in Europe.

The strict zero tolerance policy for THC while driving continues to worry the Union of Well-being and Relaxation Cannabis Professionals (UPCBD). Having rejected its previous appeal to the Council of State, the UPCBD is therefore launching a petition on the National Assembly website to try to influence the public authorities.

Why want to raise the THC thresholds authorized while driving?

For the UPCBD, zero tolerance of the presence of THC in the saliva or blood of a motorist is in contradiction with the judgment rendered in 2019 by the Court of Justice of the European Union in the “Kanavape” case . The Court thus ruled that France cannot ban “light” or “CBD” cannabis products unless it can provide proof of a risk to public health. The UPCBD believes that this evidence is lacking, as shown by the increase in sales of these products throughout the country.

However, the strict zero tolerance policy is inconsistent given the legality of products containing it, therefore exposing CBD consumers to legal risks.

The association emphasizes that CBD products, even if they contain traces of THC, pose no risk to public safety when THC is present in trace amounts. Scientifically, THC in trace form has no psychotropic effects, and therefore does not impair psychomotor capacity and the ability to drive safely. Despite this, CBD consumers are systematically prosecuted and have their licenses suspended, even when THC levels are infinitesimal.

The UPCBD attempted to contest this situation by filing an appeal before the Council of State with a view to asking the Court of Justice of the European Union for a preliminary ruling. However, its request was rejected, which allows the association to assert that this zero tolerance policy indirectly prohibits light cannabis products in France. According to her, this contradicts the principles of free movement of goods set out in Articles 34 and 36 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which underlines the need for intervention by the Court of Justice of the European Union.

The association's view raises broader questions about the inconsistency of the French justice system's treatment of cannabis users compared to users of other substances. While recreational cannabis remains illegal in France, the prolonged detection window for THC in the body creates what the UPCBD considers to be an injustice. Users can have their license suspended several days or even weeks after their consumption, even though the substance no longer has any effect. Surprisingly, the system is less strict for users of substances like cocaine, amphetamines or opiates, whose tolerance thresholds are significantly higher than those for THC.

To address these concerns, the UPCBD is calling for the establishment of a tetrahydrocannabinol limit in the highway code, similar to the alcohol limit. She advocates for this limit to be based on rigorous science, which would allow for a fair and consistent approach to driving laws related to cannabis use.

The UPCBD therefore invites you to relay and sign their petition via this link.

Last August, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States recommended reclassifying cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the list of controlled substances. However, the report had not been made public until now.

The release of the report follows a request under the Freedom of Information Act (Freedom of Information Act) of a lawyer, Matt Zorn. The report is 252 pages long and highlights the FDA's findings. According to Mr. Zorn's analysis, the FDA has defined three key criteria for reevaluation of the list:

• Low potential for abuse: The FDA has determined that cannabis has a lower potential for abuse than List I and II drugs or substances.
• Recognized medical use: After reviewing a large body of data, studies, expert opinions, and statements from professional organizations, the FDA affirmed that marijuana has a currently accepted medical use in the United States for specific conditions, including anorexia, nausea and vomiting (chemotherapy-induced), and pain
• Low physical and psychological dependence: The FDA concluded that while cannabis may cause moderate or mild physical dependence, the likelihood of serious consequences is low, indicating that strong psychological dependence does not occur in the majority of users.

Comparative risk assessment

The FDA analysis compared the prevalence and harms of cannabis versus List I, II, and III substances. The agency found that the public health risks of cannabis are low compared to other drugs like heroin, cocaine and benzodiazepines. The report highlights that “when it comes to overdose deaths, cannabis still ranks near the bottom of comparator drugs.”

The FDA report confirms the credible medical use of cannabis in the treatment of anorexia, nausea and pain. The agency evaluated the potential benefits of cannabis for seven indications, including anxiety, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. The conclusion found strong evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis, particularly in the treatment of anorexia linked to medical conditions, nausea and pain.

Implications for the classification of controlled substances

The release of the FDA report fueled expectations of imminent action by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. President Joe Biden's October 2022 directive, which calls for an expedited review of the classification of cannabis, has given a boost to the process. Legal experts anticipate a proposed settlement in the near future, with the final settlement expected by mid-summer.

While the FDA report has been hailed as a thorough and scientifically sound document, it is opposed in some quarters. Republican members of Congress, claiming an “irresponsible pro-marijuana agenda,” expressed reservations about the FDA's recommendation.

The DEA recently recalled that it alone had the power to reclassify, or not, cannabis.

The Portuguese National Medicines Laboratory (LNM), an institution under the Portuguese Ministry of Defense, is moving forward with the production of medical cannabis according to information from Cannareporter.

The LNM, historically linked to the Portuguese army, recently signed a contract for the construction of clean rooms for medical cannabis. This initiative, costing around 183,000 euros, would aim to meet the medical needs of Portuguese patients by offering a potential alternative or complement to existing pharmaceutical options.

The contract and construction of the clean room

According to information provided by Cannareporter, the contract, signed in August 2023, concerns the construction of clean rooms. The contract provides for a completion time of 144 days and was awarded to TypeSolution SA, a company specializing in laboratory and industrial equipment consulting. TypeSolution SA has notably worked with several Portuguese clients in the medical cannabis sector, including Tilray, CannPrisma and LabialFarma.

Although Portuguese law allows the LNM to contribute to the production of cannabis-based medicines, the specific nature of their participation remains unclear. The LNM's involvement in cannabis could help alleviate the bureaucratic burden associated with exceptional use authorizations (the equivalent of French ATUs) and reduce the high acquisition costs of existing cannabis-based medicines such as 'Epidyolex or Sativex.

The exact goals of the infrastructure being developed and whether LNM intends to create specific medicinal cannabis products remain unclear, however, as Cannareporter did not have a more specific response from LNM.

SkanAbility project and research consortium

The LNM is also participating in the “SkanAbility” project, a research consortium launched in 2020. This project, in which industrial players, the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon and the University of Minho participate, aimed to develop formulations for functional cosmetics and aromatherapy incorporating cannabinoids and terpenes.

The goal of the project, as detailed in the text, was to create formulations, including creams, emulsions, topicals or enriched oils, with purified cannabinoids and terpenes extracted from flowers or leaves of cannabis.

The NML's task within the “SkanAbility” project, specifically categorized as “T106”, was to create a cannabis biobank through the use of biological samples and the recording of comprehensive characterization data. Cannareporter suggests that planning and design of the biobank support structure has been completed, and implementation of the physical infrastructure is underway.

Additionally, the NML claims to have completed another critical project-related task: planning and creating a quality management plan for the handling of biological samples. This involves ensuring the safety, transportation, storage and traceability of processes associated with the correct preservation and handling of samples. Additional mention is made of the development of a digital registry dedicated to the management of the biobank database.