Regular Newsweed consumers will have noticed that we have been on hiatus for the past 2 weeks. But since the news does not await us, here is a recap of what has happened in the meantime on the planet Cannabis.
France
French conservatives discovered that Germany was in the process of legalizing cannabis, triggering scientific and factual reactions such as “drugs are bad”, “if it happens in France, it will be worse” or “we don’t cannot legalize dangerous substances/activities”, thereby placing alcohol, cigarettes, sugar or online games in the potential fold of French prohibition. As you will have understood, the detractors of the legalization of cannabis have no argument against it, but act as if. And “forget” – or don’t know? – which Canada legalized in 2018, without the country becoming a den of zombies.
Europe
The German government has adopted the plan to legalize cannabis for adults. However, Parliament must pass the law before it can go into action. Under the proposal, adults would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams, grow up to three plants and acquire cannabis by joining a Cannabis Club. The second part of the legalization project, which would approve the sale of cannabis by retail stores, is not yet in the pipeline.
Almost 2 years after ending cannabis prohibition, Malta has awarded the first 2 Cannabis Club licenses, which will allow them to begin building their cultivation facilities. Once these are completed, the CURA, the Maltese cannabis regulator, will carry out inspections to ensure they comply with the regulations, prior to the start of cultivation. As of June, 26 groups had applied for licenses to open a Cannabis Club. The first Clubs to be launched in the first quarter of 2024.
The Swiss Federal Court has ruled that small amounts of cannabis – up to 10 grams – intended for personal use can no longer be confiscated by the police.
UNITED STATES
The rollout of cannabis legalization in New York State has been put on hold by a judge. A group of veterans has filed a complaint because they believe they are being harmed by the first licenses granted to people who have already been convicted of cannabis. These veterans would also like to be able to sell cannabis. Pending a compromise, no distribution license will be granted in the state.
Michigan cannabis dispensaries sold $275 million in product in July, putting the state on track to hit $3 billion in sales for the year. Michigan had a population of 10 million in 2021.
Last month, the California’s United Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce eradicated over 67,000 illegally grown cannabis plants and seized nearly 4 tons of cannabis products in its fight against the illicit cannabis market.
A recent NHS study found that drinking among 19-30 year olds – including past month drinking, daily drinking and binge drinking – has fallen over the past 10 years in UNITED STATES. At the same time, annual cannabis use among 19-30 year olds is the highest ever recorded by the agency. The survey found that 4% of the cohort had used cannabis in the past year (compared to 25% in 2017), while 11% used it daily (compared to 8% in 2017).
Among adults aged 19 to 30, 8% said they had used hallucinogens in the past year. Five years ago, this proportion was 5% and, in 2012, 3%.
The study also indicates that the consumption of cigarettes, sedatives and opioid drugs for non-medical purposes over the past ten years has decreased among 19 – 30 year olds and 35 – 50 year olds, and that the consumption of amphetamines over the past ten years has continued to decline among 19-30 year olds and increase among 35-50 year olds.
The DEA considers CBD-derived Delta-8 THC to be illegal. According to the agency, “any amount of delta-8-THC obtained chemically is a controlled substance.” Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in Cannabis plants, but only in trace amounts. The vast majority of products containing delta-8 THC are therefore synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.
Canada
Canadian cannabis company Tilray Brands Inc. has acquired eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch, moving it into fifth place in the US craft beer market.
Cannabis producer Organigram has entered into an agreement with Guernsey-based 4C Labs to supply dried medical cannabis flower to the UK market.
Rest of the world
Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court has resumed trial of the case that analyzes the constitutionality of criminalizing illicit drug use. After nearly eight years of suspension, the extraordinary appeal returned to the court’s agenda earlier this month and received the fourth vote in favor of decriminalizing the possession of cannabis for personal use in the Brazil.
Australia introduces its first-ever bill in parliament to legalize the recreational use of cannabis nationwide at the initiative of Green senators.
Research
Scotland’s NHS is to fund a £300,000 clinical trial to explore the effects of CBD on endometriosis-related pelvic pain.
One study measured that cannabis use is “significantly associated” with reduced use of unregulated opioids.
Researchers affiliated with the University of California, San Diego have concluded that police are unable to accurately determine THC-induced intoxication during field sobriety tests.
