NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ICBC

Author: Johnny Green

Johnny Green is a cannabis activist and prolific author from Oregon. Green was the High Times Freedom Fighter of the Month in May 2017 and appeared in the Netflix cannabis documentary 'Grass is Greener.'
cookie cookies edible infused edibles

Germany’s Health Minister Should Not Be Scared Of Legal Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis-infused edibles are not only a growing sector of the emerging legal cannabis industry; they play a vital role in boosting public health outcomes. After all, it is no secret that a lot of consumers light cannabis flower on fire and inhale the smoke. While cannabis smoke is not the same as tobacco smoke, it’s still better in nearly every instance for someone to refrain from inhaling smoke and instead consume something in a smokeless form.

To be clear, I am not shaming anyone for smoking cannabis, and I will be the first to point out that I do it myself every single day. For many consumers, it’s the easiest and most affordable way to consume cannabis. With that being said, legal cannabis edibles are a vital component of any winning cannabis public policy strategy that is geared towards boosting public health outcomes, such as what is being pursued in Germany.

German ministers unveiled a long-awaited national cannabis reform strategy earlier this month, with the plan involving legalizing personal freedoms such as possession and cultivation, as well as legalizing noncommercial cannabis clubs. Those components will serve as the first facet of a multi-pronged approach to legalization, followed by the launch of regional pilot programs.

If Germany’s Health Minister has his way, legal cannabis edibles will not be a part of the equation, and if so, that will be truly unfortunate:

Minister Lauterbach’s quote auto-translates from German to English to: “That has to go,” says @Karl_Lauterbach about hash cookies. So-called edibles “are often aimed at children and young people in a dangerously trivializing way. I don’t want them.”

For many years unfounded fears of legal cannabis edibles served as a go-to talking point for cannabis opponents. To some extent that is still the case, so it is unfortunate to see Minister Lauterbach echoing it. Minister Lauterbach should consider what legal jurisdictions are already doing to mitigate what he claims to be concerned about.

For starters, legal adult-use edibles are only sold via regulated outlets to people who can sufficiently prove that they are adults. Compare that to what is happening in Germany right now, where a thriving unregulated edibles market already exists and presumably no one is checking anyone’s ID.

Additionally, legal markets have advertising regulations in place pertaining to cannabis products, including no use of names, characters, or in some cases even shapes that can be construed as being ‘aimed at children and young people.’ Furthermore, packaging regulations are such in legal markets that everything needs to be in child-proof containers before being provided to consumers.

Clearly, there are reasonable steps that can be taken to help mitigate Minister Lauterbach’s professed fears. If other jurisdictions can do it, so can Germany. Otherwise, if cannabis edibles remain prohibited in Germany, the unregulated market will continue to fill the supply void, and obviously, the demand is not going to go away.

If Germany truly wants to legalize cannabis in a manner that boosts public health outcomes, edibles have to be a part of the legalization model. Consumers should not be forced toward inhaled cannabis products if they would prefer smokeless forms of cannabis. Just as consumers in Germany deserve to purchase and consume tested, regulated cannabis flower, so too should they be able to purchase and consume tested, regulated edibles.

Germany

cannabis plant fan water leaf

How Will Germany’s Legalization Model Compare To Other Legal Jurisdictions?

Adult-use cannabis policy is taking shape in Germany after many details were provided during a press conference held earlier this month. While there are some details that need to be further explored, below is what we know right now regarding the first phase of legalization according to the current plan:

  • The legal age will be set at 18 years old
  • Personal possession will be limited to 25 grams
  • Personal cultivation will be limited to 3 plants
  • Noncommercial cannabis clubs will be permitted

The components listed above will serve as the foundation for the first phase of a multi-faceted approach to cannabis reform in Europe’s largest economy. The second phase of the plan will result in regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot programs, which for the providers and consumers involved, will yield a situation in which adult-use cannabis purchases are completely legal.

Government officials in Frankfurt and Offenbach have already declared their intent to launch such programs, and it’s guaranteed that they will not be the last jurisdiction to do so. It’s quite possible that pilot programs will proliferate in Germany in the coming years.

The second phase will take longer to implement being that more rules and regulations will be involved compared to the first phase of German legalization, and from that standpoint, it’s a good thing that it’s operating on its own timeline separate from the first phase of legalization.

A third phase for German legalization is also being pursued in the form of an ongoing effort to obtain the European Union’s approval for regulated national sales. Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has led that effort since October 2022. So far, the EU has unfortunately refrained from granting such approval.

However, even without nationwide sales to anyone of legal age Germany’s model will still be closer to legalization found elsewhere on the planet than many people may think.

Cannabis Legalization In Uruguay

Uruguay became the first country on earth to pass a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure back in 2013. Although, legal sales at pharmacies did not begin until 2017, which is a fact that many international cannabis observers seem to forget. Much like Germany’s approach to legalization, Uruguay rolled out its legalization model in phases.

The legal age for cannabis in Uruguay is the same as what is being considered in Germany, 18 years old, and home cultivation is permitted (up to 6 plants) in addition to noncommercial cannabis clubs. The possession limits in Uruguay are somewhat unique, in that there are per-month possession and purchasing limits. Taking all of that into consideration, the first phase of German legalization will look a lot like the first phase of legalization in Uruguay.

Uruguay’s legalization model has its limitations, which is true of any legalization model on earth that is currently in existence. Arguably the most notable limitation of Uruguay’s legalization model is that it is for citizens and permanent residents – not tourists. Furthermore, while sales became legal at pharmacies to citizens and residents in 2017, the types of products available to consumers are limited and involve THC percentage caps.

Between 2017 and late 2022, pharmacies in Uruguay were only permitted to sell two varieties of cannabis flower, “alpha” and “beta.” Both options have a THC level of less than or equal to 9% and a CBD level of greater than or equal to 3%. It wasn’t until December 2022 that a third option became available, “gamma,” which contains a THC percentage that is ‘less than or equal to 15%, and a CBD percentage that is less than or equal to 1%.’

Comparing the current situation in Uruguay to Germany’s eventual proposed second phase of legalization demonstrates that the two models are not nearly as different as many cannabis observers seem to be indicating. And whereas Uruguay does not currently appear to have plans to expand its legalization model, Germany’s pursuit of robust, regulated national sales to anyone of legal age is ongoing (and gaining momentum).

Cannabis Legalization In Canada

Canada is currently the only country on earth where someone of legal age (at least 18 years old) can legally purchase a wide variety of cannabis products nationwide regardless of their residency status. Canada became the second country to legalize cannabis for adult use, including sales, back in 2018.

However, Canada’s legalization model also has its limitations. For starters, while cannabis may be available nationwide to some degree, there are still local commerce bans in place. Consider the fact that policymakers in Mississauga, Ontario voted just last week to eventually permit legal retail sales within their jurisdictional boundaries. Canada’s Supreme Court ruled this month that jurisdictions can also ban home cultivation entirely.

The first and second phases of legalization in Germany will obviously not result in the same overall variety of consumer options compared to what can be found in Canada right now for everyone of legal age. However, for people that live in Canada where home cultivation and/or retail sales are still prohibited, comparing their situation to someone in future Germany who can cultivate their own cannabis, join a noncommercial cannabis club, and sign up for a local pilot program highlights that the ‘legalization gap’ will not be as wide for many consumers in Germany compared to Canada soon. At least not as wide as many people may think.

Cannabis Legalization In Malta

Malta will forever hold the distinction of being the first European country to pass a national adult-use legalization measure, having done so in late 2021. With that being said, Malta’s legalization model is much more limited in size and scope compared to Uruguay and Canada.

The legal age for adult-use cannabis in Malta is also 18 years old. Like Canada, adults in Malta are permitted to cultivate up to four cannabis plants, and like Uruguay, Malta will eventually permit noncommercial cannabis clubs. Yet, unlike Uruguay and Canada, there will be no other means in Malta by which to legally acquire legal cannabis other than gifting – no pharmacy or store sales.

Malta’s adult-use possession limit is set at 50 grams, which will likely be the only component of Malta’s adult-use legalization model that is better than what will be implemented in Germany under the nation’s first phase of legalization. Once the second phase of legalization is launched, Germany’s model will be superior to Malta’s by every measure outside of the personal possession limit parameter.

Cannabis Legalization In The United States

The United States is home to a unique set of cannabis policies and regulations. At the federal level cannabis remains prohibited in the United States to a large degree, however, legalization at the state level is becoming increasingly more common with every passing election and legislative session.

Yet, even in legal states like Oregon where I live, there are still local jurisdictions that prohibit cannabis sales. Also, the legal age in the United States (state-level) is 21 years old. Furthermore, there are legal states in the U.S. that still prohibit home cultivation, with Washington State being a notable one. Washington voters approved a legalization measure in 2012 and yet adults still cannot legally cultivate cannabis for recreational purposes there.

The State of Vermont passed a legalization measure in 2018, however, legalization in the Northeastern state did not include regulated cannabis sales upon initial passage. That didn’t happen until years later. No two states in the U.S. have passed an identical legalization measure, and no two states have entirely identical cannabis regulations. What legalization looks like in the U.S. depends on which jurisdiction you are in, and even within legal states, options afforded to consumers often vary from city to city and county to county.

Evolving Standards For Legalization

What constitutes legalization these days is not as straightforward as it seemed to be not that many years ago. As a longtime cannabis activist in the United States, I remember at the start of the 2010s that simply being able to legally possess and consume cannabis was considered by many to constitute legalization.

Zoom forward to today, and if you ask, ‘what is true cannabis legalization?’ to a group of five cannabis enthusiasts you will probably get twelve different answers. Many cannabis advocates in the United States feel that unless home cultivation is permitted, then true legalization is not achieved. Conversely, many advocates in Europe seem to feel that if national sales are not permitted, then true legalization is not achieved. Often lost in the discussion on both sides of the Atlantic is people recognizing that what is important in a legalization model to one person may not be the same to the next person and that there likely is no ‘right’ answer.

When Thailand implemented its cannabis reform measures last year, many people in the international cannabis community touted it as legalization. That, despite Thailand only legalized low-THC cannabis at a THC threshold that is considerably lower than what is already common in Europe.

Back in September 2018, South Africa’s top court issued a ruling striking down cannabis prohibition as it pertained to personal consumers. At the time, the decision was touted by media outlets around the world as South Africa having ‘legalized cannabis.’ Something similar also happened in Mexico in 2018 and in Italy in 2019 after historic cannabis court decisions were rendered in those countries.

Evolving Cannabis Landscape In Germany

All the examples of legalization in jurisdictions around the world cited in this article provide important context to what is happening in Germany right now, and how the nation’s approach to legalization fits into the bigger picture. That is a vital consideration that must be made by people trying to anticipate where things are headed in the coming years, not only in Germany but also in the rest of Europe.

Europe’s cannabis legalization model is taking shape, and there will seemingly be a heavy reliance going forward on home cultivation, gifting, noncommercial clubs, ‘cannabis light,’ and regional adult-use pilot programs. Whenever national sales arrive for anyone and everyone of legal age within Germany’s borders, whenever that ultimately occurs, the actual leap will likely end up not being nearly as great as it probably seems like it will be right now.

Phase one of German legalization is a really big deal by many measures. Cannabis prohibition is a failed public policy in Germany, and it’s time for a more sensible approach, particularly as it pertains to individual liberties.

Thankfully, the first phase of German legalization is not a final destination, but rather, just one of the multiple stops along the way toward comprehensive national reform. Things are evolving rapidly in Germany right now, and that is already having a butterfly effect on the continent. Make sure to head to Berlin in June to attend the International Cannabis Business Conference and find out the latest and greatest information straight from the international cannabis experts that are on the frontlines of policy and industry.

Germany

frankfurt germany

Frankfurt And Offenbach Declare Intent To Launch Pilot Adult-Use Cannabis Sales

A little over a week ago federal ministers in Germany held a press conference in which they provided details regarding the nation’s current legalization plan. The plan has two phases, with the first involving legalizing personal cannabis possession, use, and cultivation, as well as permitting noncommercial cannabis clubs.

The second phase of legalization in Germany will involve the launch of localized adult-use cannabis commerce pilot projects, sometimes also referred to as ‘model region’ projects. The projects will allow localities to launch regional, regulated cannabis sales in Germany for regulatory research and public policy development purposes.

While much is yet to be determined regarding what exact regulations will be involved, there are some components that are out to the public now after the April 12th press conference, and at least two jurisdictions in Germany are already declaring their intent to pursue pilot projects.

Frankfurt And Offenbach

This week, mere days after the historic press conference in Germany, policymakers in Frankfurt and Offenbach both indicated publicly that their jurisdictions will pursue legal localized cannabis sales as a means to combat the unregulated market.

“If the consumer is no longer stigmatized and criminalized, the discussions about risks can be conducted in a completely different way,” stated Artur Schroers, Head of the Drugs Department of the City of Frankfurt, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine.

Both Frankfurt and Offenbach reportedly issued declarations of intent to pursue the pilot programs, however, both jurisdictions will need to wait until a legalization measure is formally introduced and adopted, and comprehensive information becomes available regarding how jurisdictions can apply and what requirements will be involved.

European Union Lobbying Will Continue

Multiple lawmakers in Germany are calling for the immediate introduction and implementation of the adult-use legalization plan presented at the press conference earlier this month, and for there to be no further delays in doing so.

Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach continues to serve as a political pinball of sorts, bouncing between working with domestic lawmakers at home and lobbying the European Union in an effort to get the EU’s permission for Germany to pursue wider reforms. The lobbying effort essentially serves as a third phase for German legalization, albeit on a separate path and timeline compared to the first two phases.

frankfurt, Germany, offenbach

Brand Front Of The Brandenburg Gate Berlin

These Sectors Of Germany’s Cannabis Industry Will Thrive Under Phase 1 Of Legalization

Germany’s long-awaited legalization plan was announced earlier this month, with multiple federal ministers participating in a widely viewed press conference.

“In a first step, cultivation in non-profit associations and private cultivation should be made possible nationwide.” Government officials stated in a press release after the historic press conference.

According to details offered up during the press conference, Germany will institute a possession limit of up to 25 grams of cannabis and a cultivation limit of a maximum of three plants as part of the first phase of national legalization. The legal age will be set at 18.

The other key component of the legalization plan’s first phase, which will serve as the foundation for adult-use cannabis access for many consumers in Germany, will be noncommercial associations or clubs. Membership will be capped at 500 consumers per club.

“Membership fees cover the cost price, staggered according to the quantity supplied (possibly with a basic flat rate and an additional amount per gram supplied). The number of members per association is limited to a maximum of 500 with a minimum age of 18 years and domicile or habitual abode in Germany. The number of associations can be limited by population density.” Germany’s government press release stated.

The personal freedoms afforded to consumers under the first phase of Germany’s legalization plan will create various opportunities for entrepreneurs. Below are some noteworthy examples.

Consumption Devices

When it comes to cannabis consumption technology, Germany is second to none. After all, the European nation is the birthplace of the Volcano by Storz & Bickel, which remains the best cannabis flower vaporizer on the market despite so many other consumption gadgets entering the space since the Volcano’s introduction in 2000.

New cannabis freedoms for consumers and the rise of cannabis clubs in Germany will surely be met with innovations in cannabis consumption technology. As one of the many people out there that operates a cannabis consumption gadget review channel, my eyes are glued on Germany to see what inventions inevitably debut in the nation’s cannabis clubs.

Home Cultivation Equipment

Every adult household in Germany will be permitted to cultivate up to three plants according to the provisions contained in the recently unveiled legalization plan. It’s a very safe bet that there will be a huge boost in domestic personal cultivation soon in Germany. That, in turn, will create enormous opportunities for home cultivation equipment companies.

Smaller scale equipment such as cultivation tents, ventilation, energy-efficient LED lighting, nutrients, grow mediums, and odor control are just a handful of examples of cultivation products that will be in demand during phase 1 of German legalization. Larger-scale equipment will also experience a spike in demand once cultivation clubs start launching.

Educational Services

Anyone that follows internet search trends knows that leading up to cannabis legalization, and well beyond legalization, consumers look for cannabis information at an increasing rate. Long-time cannabis consumers are less likely to seek out educational resources, however, they only represent one part of Germany’s consumer base. Adults that are new to cannabis, or coming back after a long break, will want to learn the best ways to consume and cultivate cannabis, and that creates tremendous opportunities for cannabis educators.

‘Cannabis Light’

Germany, like most European countries, has a lot of demand within its borders for ‘cannabis light.’ The low-THC variety of cannabis products may not be the product of choice for every cannabis consumer in Germany, however, it’s an option that is already widely available to consumers.

Germany is in the process of shoring up regulations surrounding industrial hemp and products derived from it, which will hopefully provide some certainty to Germany’s low-THC industry. With adult-use commerce likely to come farther down the road compared to what presumably will be a much faster process for legalizing personal possession, cannabis light will be a popular option for some consumers.

Clubs Beyond Cannabis Sales

While we now know various details about what noncommercial cannabis clubs will eventually look like in Germany, there are still many components and regulations that are being worked out. With that in mind, this section is admittedly based on personal conjecture. However, I assume that noncommercial cannabis clubs will be able to sell other things beyond just cannabis itself, and owning a very popular cannabis club creates significant ancillary profit potential.

Food, beverages, merchandise, and a whole host of other things will be in high demand at cannabis clubs in Germany, no pun intended. Crafty entrepreneurs that can create an environment and experience that resonates with cannabis consumers in Germany can reap considerable financial rewards even if they never make a dime on cannabis sales.

Tourism

Cannabis-based tourism is going to increase in Germany during Phase 1, even if Phase 1 does not involve national sales to all adults. The tourism sector of the cannabis industry is made up of some of the most innovative entrepreneurs on earth, and no one should be shocked by some of the concepts that will inevitably pop up in Germany. Tours and museums are just a couple of the cannabis tourism ideas that are already popular in other legal jurisdictions.

Industry Service Providers

If you are familiar with the gold rush period in the United States many years ago, then you likely know that the people that made the most consistent money were those that sold axes, shovels, and other goods to gold miners, not the gold miners themselves per se. To some degree, the same could be true in Germany when it comes to industry service providers. Industry software, packaging, and other services will be in demand during phase 1, and entrepreneurs that can supply the demand will be financially rewarded.

Research and Consulting

Entrepreneurs and investors are already flocking to Germany to try to be strategically placed to take full advantage of the upcoming reforms, and many of them need consulting services. Additionally, there will be a huge spike in cannabis-based research in Germany with researchers exploring any and all things related to cannabis, including social science-based research. Both areas of the cannabis space possess significant potential for individuals with the right backgrounds and skill sets.

Culture-Based Brands

Cannabis culture is far from being a new thing, and while it may not look like it did decades ago, cannabis culture still creates huge opportunities for entrepreneurs. Clothing, gear cases, and media outlets are just a few examples of culture-based brand opportunities that already exist in Germany and those opportunities will only become more plentiful going forward.

Learn More in Berlin in June

Every one of the previously mentioned areas of Germany’s emerging cannabis industry will be discussed at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, which will be held on June 29-30 at the Iconic Estrel Berlin Hotel. Cannabis leaders from over 80 countries will be in attendance and with so much going on in Germany right now, the conference is a must-attend for anyone who is serious about succeeding in Germany’s industry, as well as those wishing to succeed at the continental and international levels. Purchase your tickets today before the event sells out!

Germany

Cannabis Europa

Attend Cannabis Europa 2023 In London In May

The emerging legal cannabis industry in Europe is set for exponential growth in the coming years. Germany recently announced its adult-use cannabis legalization plan and several countries in Europe are expected to do the same soon.

In addition to adult-use reform, the legal medical cannabis industry is continuing to expand across Europe. The rise of adult-use legalization will obviously impact Europe’s medical cannabis industry to some extent, however, much is still unclear regarding how both sectors of the industry will operate alongside each other in the future.

The next three to five years in Europe will be pivotal for the emerging legal cannabis industry, and with it, the timing for entrepreneurs and investors trying to gain a meaningful footprint in the space.

Industry policies, rules, regulations, and other framework components that are being created and implemented during this crucial period will largely determine what the future of Europe’s cannabis industry looks like for decades to follow.

That is why it is so important for cannabis entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other leaders to network and learn from each other as much as they can right now. A great opportunity to do exactly that is coming to London on May 2-3, 2023, when Cannabis Europa’s flagship event comes to the Barbican Centre.

“We are ultimately trying to change society by bringing about acceptance and accessibility to cannabis in Europe,” stated Stephen Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners at last year’s Cannabis Europe event. It’s a mission that remains true for this year’s event as well.

The venue for the event, the Barbican Centre, is a return to Cannabis Europa’s roots, with the location previously serving as the venue for the first-ever Cannabis Europa conference back in 2018. The event’s two-day agenda covers a range of topics. Below is a sampling of the event’s speakers. For a full list click this link:

  • Alex Rogers – Founder & CEO, International Cannabis Business Conference
  • Dorien Rookmaker – MEP for the Netherlands, European Parliament
  • Bell Ribeiro-Addy – Member of UK Parliament, Labour Party
  • Ronnie Cowan, MP – Member of UK Parliament, Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Christian Werz – Scientific Associate, Federal Office of Public Health Switzerland
  • Mitch Barchowitz – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Merida Capital Holdings
  • Professor David Nutt – Head of Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London

Cannabis Europa will also offer a digital networking platform that will enhance the conference experience and help attendees get the most out of the two-day event. Features include viewing the attendee list, exploring partners’ virtual exhibition booths, learning and conversing via virtual ‘discussion rooms,’ and much more. You can find more information about Cannabis Europa, including how to register for the event, at: www.cannabis-europa.com

cannabis europa, london

cannabis plant

German Government Announces Plans For Permitting Adult-Use Home Cultivation

Today in Germany federal ministers from the nation’s government held a press conference in which they announced components for what will serve as the ‘first phase’ of adult-use cannabis legalization in the European Union’s most populous country.

“In a first step, cultivation in non-profit associations and private cultivation should be made possible nationwide. In a second step, the sale in specialist shops will be implemented as a scientifically designed, regionally limited and time-limited model project. In the model project, the effects of a commercial supply chain on health and youth protection as well as the black market can be scientifically examined in more detail.” Government officials stated in a press release after today’s press conference.

According to details offered up during the press conference, a video of which is embedded at the end of this article, there will be a possession limit of up to 25 grams of cannabis and a cultivation limit of a maximum of three plants. The legal age will be set at 18.

“Cannabis is a common stimulant. It is often offered and used illegally in Germany. This is often a health hazard. Adolescents in particular are impaired in their social and cognitive development by cannabis. Despite this, more and more young people are using the drug. The black market goods are often contaminated and create additional health hazards. We can no longer accept this. That’s why we dare the controlled sale of cannabis to adults within clear limits and push back the black market, flanked by preventive measures for young people. Health protection is the priority. The previous cannabis policy has failed. Now we have to break new ground.” said German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach about cannabis policy in Germany.

“The previous restrictive handling of cannabis in Germany has failed. Banning cannabis criminalizes countless people, pushing them into criminal structures and tying up immense resources from law enforcement agencies. It’s time for a new approach that allows more personal responsibility, pushes back the black market and relieves the police and public prosecutor’s offices. We trust people more – without downplaying the dangers that can emanate from cannabis consumption.” added German Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann.

Another key component of the legalization plan’s first phase, which will serve as the foundation for adult-use cannabis access for many consumers in Germany, will be noncommercial associations or clubs. Membership will be capped at 500 consumers per club.

“Membership fees cover the cost price, staggered according to the quantity supplied ( possibly with a basic flat rate and an additional amount per gram supplied). The number of members per association is limited to a maximum of 500 with a minimum age of 18 years and domicile or habitual abode in Germany. The number of associations can be limited by population density.” today’s press release stated.

“The use of cannabis is a social reality. Decades of prohibition policies have turned a blind eye to this and, above all, caused problems: at the expense of our children and young people, the health of consumers and the law enforcement authorities. Now we are creating a coherent and pragmatic cannabis policy from a single source, from cultivation to consumption. Nobody should have to buy from dealers without knowing what they are getting. Through controlled cultivation and distribution within the framework of cannabis clubs, we strengthen youth and health protection. And: We cut the ground for organized crime, which does not even shy away from selling it to children. With a regional model project, we are also exploring the possibilities of a commercial supply chain.” said Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir.

The second phase of the legalization plan announced today, which the Minister of Agriculture touched on in his comments, will involve the launch of regional adult-use commerce pilot projects, somewhat similar to what is in place in Basel, Switzerland. Although, what will likely be implemented in Germany will presumably be on a much larger scale. The following details were released today regarding pilot projects:

  • The project duration is 5 years from the established supply chain.
  • There is a spatial restriction to delivery points and adult residents of certain districts/cities in several federal states (opt-in approach).
  • Within the framework of the law, approval of the sale of edibles is being examined in compliance with strict youth and health protection regulations.

A third phase for legalization, which appeared to only be lightly alluded to today, is the push for nationwide adult-use sales. Leading up to today’s press conference Germany’s Health Minister indicated via comments to the media that the push for nationwide sales is not over. Rather, more time will be needed to lobby the European Union which appears to be willing to allow possession, home cultivation, noncommercial clubs, and regional pilot programs yet is still not willing to approve national sales. Thankfully, German lawmakers are not giving up, albeit moving forward on other legalization components pertaining to personal freedom in the meantime.

“The cornerstones of the 2-pillar model (“ C lub A nbau & Regional -Modell/ CARe ”) have been developed by the Federal Ministry of Health as the leader, as well as the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Federal Ministry of Economics and the Federal Foreign Office in accordance with the technical responsibilities. The EU and international law limits were taken into account. On the basis of the key issues paper, the federal government will now present a draft law at short notice.” government officials stated in today’s press release.

“The federal departments are working on all parts of the project within the scope of their respective responsibilities under the overall leadership of the BMG. Both pillars are incorporated into concrete draft laws, with the working draft for pillar 1 being presented in April 2023, followed by the draft law for pillar 2. The results of the scientific report already commissioned on the effects of the legalization of recreational cannabis on health and youth protection in other countries are taken into account for both pillars.” the press release also stated.

“At the same time, the Federal Government is continuing its efforts (particularly through the missions abroad) to promote its approaches to its European partners and is also examining the extent to which a sufficient number of EU Member States can initiate the initiative in order to comply with the relevant EU legal framework in the medium term to be made more flexible and developed further.” the press release concluded.

Germany

germany flag

Germany’s Legalization Strategy Is The Right Approach

Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is widely expected to formally introduce his long-awaited cannabis legalization measure this month. As German lawmaker Carmen Wegge (SPD) stated last week, “It would be nice if the draft law would be presented on 20.4.2023.” Whether April 20th proves to be the actual date or not is something that will have to be seen as the month progresses along, however, the measure’s introduction seems to be imminent at this point.

The global conversation regarding adult-use cannabis legalization in Germany has transitioned from the question of ‘if,’ past the question of ‘when,’ and now on to the question of ‘what?’ According to prior reporting, Germany is expected to pursue a two-faceted approach to legalization policy and commerce. The two-faceted approach is reportedly a result of ongoing negotiations between the European Union and Germany’s Health Minister.

The first phase of legalization that is reportedly going to be pursued involves legalizing home cultivation, ‘noncommercial’ cannabis clubs, and the suspension of cannabis prohibition enforcement as it relates to consumers. Several lawmakers in Germany have advocated for not holding up reform as it pertains to personal liberties while trying to work out the details of what will be involved with regulated national sales, with the latter being a much heavier lift compared to the former.

“The first part of the reform measure could come into force before the summer break of the Bundestag, as Wegge and Heidenblut are speculating. This would be an urgently needed relief for millions of consumers. What this 2-phase approach means for the commercial route and the numerous companies preparing for a free market model, remains to be seen,” Kai Friedrich Niermann of law firm KFN+ said, per our prior reporting.

Adult households would be able to cultivate between 3-5 plants in Germany according to what is reportedly being considered, and adults would be able to possess up to 50 grams. Cannabis prohibition enforcement involving individual cultivation, possession, and/or use (not including DUI laws) would be suspended under the reported plan. According to a 2021 report from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany would save 1.05 billion euros annually by no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition, in addition to judiciary savings of 313 million euros per year.

“For reasons of European law, comprehensive legalization is obviously not feasible in the short term. We are therefore supporting Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and the Federal Government with practicable steps toward legalization. From our point of view, these can be model projects, decriminalization and self-cultivation.” SPD leadership previously stated according to initial reporting by Legal Tribune Online (translated from German to English).

The European Union has not granted its permission for legal national sales to Germany, or any other member nation so far. The only country to pass a national legalization measure in Europe as of this article’s posting is Malta, and Malta’s legalization model does not involve regulated national sales. Rather, Malta’s legalization model is built on home cultivation and noncommercial cannabis clubs, which is also likely to be the case in Germany.

However, whereas Malta does not seem to have plans for a localized cannabis commerce pilot model, Germany does. How many jurisdictions will be involved, how many consumers will be able to participate, and what products they will be able to purchase are all questions that are yet to be answered, although, some form of pilot programs do appear to be on the way in Germany. If enough jurisdictions are allowed to proceed, a potentially significant number of consumers could be able to make regular, legal purchases. That in itself presents tremendous entrepreneurial and investor opportunities, particularly in the personal consumption accessories and home cultivation sectors of the emerging cannabis industry.

People often try to compare Germany to Canada and Uruguay, and to a lesser extent, the United States, however, comparing legalization models and efforts in those countries to Germany is like comparing apples and oranges due to various political factors, not the least of which is that Germany is part of the European Union and Canada, Uruguay, and the United States are not. The position in which Germany operates in the global political landscape is not the same as other nations.

When all is said and done, Germany will get its legalization cake and eat it too. In the short term, consumers will get the justice and freedom that never should have been taken away from them in the first place. Adult consumers will be able to cultivate cannabis, gift it to other adults, and eventually frequent noncommercial cannabis clubs and/or outlets that are part of a local pilot program, all without worrying about losing their freedom or having their life impacted by the criminal justice system in some way. The significance of that cannot be overstated, especially considering that the cost savings by no longer enforcing failed prohibition will be considerable, and that will benefit all citizens of Germany.

Meanwhile, the battle to legalize national sales and get the European Union on the right side of history will continue, which serves as the second facet of the reported German legalization push. Whether people realize it or not, the first facet of the legalization push is going to bolster the chances of the second phase succeeding. When Germany implements the first phase of legalization, which is a much easier lift compared to regulated national sales and will presumably take effect quickly, it will encourage other countries to do the same. Leadership in the Czech Republic has already indicated that it will pursue legalization alongside Germany, and it’s virtually guaranteed that success in both countries will encourage other European nations to pursue similar reform.

Also, noncommercial clubs and localized pilot programs will be afforded the opportunity to create data and other useful information for social and hard science research. Assuming that those forms of legalized commerce succeed, it will yield more successful examples for lawmakers like Karl Lauterbach to point to when making their arguments to the European Union. Germany is clearly building and leading a coalition of European nations that want to pursue a regulated cannabis system versus sticking with the unregulated (and failed) prohibition status quo, and the fact that Germany appears to not be letting the second facet of legalization hold up the first one is the right move in my opinion. No one should be subjected to the criminal justice system due to being an individual cannabis consumer, and that includes no one being subjected to a fine which can also have a negative impact on an individual long after the fine is paid. Germany is set to free the plant, and in the process free the people, and that is an amazing thing by every measure.

Germany

wall street stock market stocks nasdaq exchange

Ispire Technology Inc. Announces Closing Of Initial Public Offering

One of my favorite cannabis technology companies is Ispire, which makes cannabis consumption devices such as the DAAB. The company’s stock recently began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. Below is more information about it via a press release from GlobeNewswire:

Ispire Technology Inc. (“Ispire” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: ISPR), a leader for vapor technology, providing high-quality, innovative products with first-class performance, today announced the closing of its initial public offering of 2,700,000 shares of common stock at the initial public offering price of $7.00 per share. Gross proceeds from the offering were approximately $18.9 million, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 4, 2023.

US Tiger Securities, Inc. acted as sole book-running manager for the Offering. TFI Securities and Futures Limited and Prime Number Capital, LLC acted as underwriters for the offering.

In addition, 1,750,000 shares of common stock may be offered by two selling stockholders pursuant to the prospectus. These shares may be sold from time to time by the selling stockholders, who have not engaged any underwriter in connection any sales they may make. The Company will not receive any proceeds from sales by the selling stockholders.

The offering was made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus related to the offering may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov, or by contacting US Tiger Securities, Inc., 437 Madison Avenue, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10022; email: IB@ustigersecurities.com.

A registration statement relating to these securities being sold in the initial public offering was declared effective by the SEC on April 3, 2023. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Ispire Technology Inc.

Ispire is engaged in the R&D, design, commercialization, sales, marketing and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. The Company has or licenses from a related party more than 200 invention/design patents received or filed globally. Ispire’s tobacco products are marketed under the Aspire brand name and are sold worldwide (except in the PRC and Russia) primarily through our distribution network. Ispire’s cannabis products are marketed under the Ispire brand name primarily on an original design manufacturer (ODM) basis to other cannabis vapor companies. Ispire currently sells its cannabis vaping hardware only in the United States, and it recently commenced marketing activities in Canada and Europe, primarily in the European Union.

Please visit www.ispiretechnology.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and YouTube. Any information contained on, or that can be accessed through, the Company’s website, any other website or any social media, is not a part of this press release or the prospectus.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release and the prospectus contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements;” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis for Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the documents that referred to in the prospectus with the understanding that the Company’s future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. Other sections of the prospectus include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, the Company operates in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for the Company‘s our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company and the Underwriters qualify all of the forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

The prospectus contains certain data and information obtained from various government and private publications. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. The e-vapor industry may not grow at the rate projected by market data, or at all. Failure of this market to grow at the projected rate may have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business and the market price of the shares of common stock. In addition, the rapidly evolving nature of this industry results in significant uncertainties for any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of the market. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the prospectus relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the prospectus. Neither the Company nor the Underwriters undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read the prospectus and the documents that we refer to in the prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which the prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

Investor Relations Contact:
Raphael Gross
203.682.8253
ir@ispiretechnology.com

ispire

nba basketball national association

Why Is Mexico’s President Criticizing The NBA’s New Cannabis Policy?

Earlier this month the National Basketball Player’s Association, which represents National Basketball Association (NBA) players, announced that it had reached a tentative agreement with the league.

“The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, pending ratification by players and team governors. Specific details will be made available once a term sheet is finalized.”

The NBA is, of course, the world’s most popular basketball league and has historically prohibited cannabis and penalized its players both for cannabis use as well as when players were subjected to criminal justice cannabis prohibition away from their teams. With that in mind, the tweet below from a top NBA analyst is very significant:

As Shams noted in his tweet, the NBA had already suspended cannabis testing for multiple seasons, starting with the ‘bubble’ that ended the 2020 pandemic-plagued season. It appears that once the collective bargaining agreement between the players and the league becomes official, cannabis prohibition as it pertains to player use will finally end.

For many people, myself included, the end of cannabis use prohibition in the NBA is welcomed news (albeit long overdue). However, one notable exception to the joy is Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who fired off the following tweets in response to the NBA’s announcement, in addition to airing other grievances about the U.S.:

The first tweet auto-translates to, “They threaten to invade, they sell high-powered weapons in their street markets, they do nothing for their young people, they suffer —unfortunately— from the terrible and deadly fentanyl pandemic, but they do not address the causes. They are not concerned with well-being, only money, nor do they strengthen moral, cultural and spiritual values; Nor do they limit drug use, on the contrary, they encourage it even in sports. It’s sad and decadent.”

The second tweet auto-translates to, “Thats what I refer. It is contradictory and hypocritical:” followed by a link from Mexican media outlet El Universal, which reported that the NBA will allow the use of cannabis by its players.

There are two grievances aired by Mexico’s President in his tweets that I feel compelled to air my own grievances about, being that both of the points made by Mexico’s President are ignorant and born out of reefer madness prohibitionist strategies.

The first is that cannabis use is ‘encouraged in the NBA’ via the reported new collective bargaining agreement. At no point in time has the player’s union, the NBA, or the United States government encouraged NBA players to use cannabis. Rather, the players have argued that the league’s prohibition on cannabis use is harmful and that it serves no purpose in the NBA.

On the NBA side of the equation, league officials have tried very hard to maintain the status quo and keep cannabis prohibition in place for decades. I know this to be true because I advocated alongside 18-year NBA veteran Clifford Robinson who did everything he could to right the wrongs that he was subjected to by the NBA, and any and all inquiries we pursued with the league between 2016 and Clifford’s untimely passing in 2020 were either ignored or met with stoner jokes.

My experience lobbying the NBA to get on the ride side of history in tandem with Clifford Robinson is anecdotal to be sure, however, there is zero evidence that NBA leadership has ever ‘encouraged’ cannabis use by players, and there’s a mountain of evidence backing up the opposite. The NBA is not encouraging its players to consume cannabis, rather, the NBA is agreeing to allow its players to consume a plant that is 114 times safer than alcohol – a plant that is now legal in a growing list of states and the entire nation of Canada.

The second point made by Mexico’s President that I take direct issue with is his selective pearl-clutching when it comes to the fentanyl crisis. The fentanyl crisis is definitely serious, which is why it is a huge disservice for Mexico’s President to try to shame the cannabis plant given that a laundry list of peer-reviewed studies have found that cannabis can be an effective substitute for opioids.

Cannabis reform quite literally helps reduce opioid use by allowing people to use a far-less harmful substance, and studies have demonstrated that people will do so when given the legal opportunity. Cannabis is an effective pain management tool, and anyone that claims otherwise is likely profiting off of the opioid industry in some way.

If Mexico’s President truly cared about addressing the fentanyl issue then he would be encouraging governments, sports leagues, and other powerful entities to embrace the cannabis plant rather than demonize it. Yet, that is clearly not President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s goal. His goal is to apparently push reefer madness talking points on Twitter, and that is truly unfortunate.

Mexico, nba

German Parliament

New Details Of German Health Minister’s Cannabis Legalization Plan Surface

The adult-use legalization saga in Germany experienced new twists and turns this week, with reports surfacing that provide new details about Health Minister Karl Lauterbach’s pending legalization plan. In October 2022, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach presented a long-awaited legalization plan to the federal cabinet. After the presentation, Minister Lauterbach started lobbying the European Union for its permission to proceed with a national legalization plan.

Since the 2021 federal election, the eyes of the international cannabis community have remained largely focused on Germany to monitor any developments coming out of the country, which is home to Europe’s largest economy. Legalization has yet to become a reality in Germany, however, the legalization process has experienced no shortage of metaphorical fireworks, including the most recent developments that made headlines at the end of this week.

Scaled Back Legalization?

Towards the end of December 2022, certain lawmakers in Germany were seemingly already growing tired of the legalization process’ pace, as demonstrated by the blocking of funding to Germany’s Health Ministry due to perceived delays in a measure being formally introduced. Even prior to Minister Lauterbach’s presentation in October 2022 to the federal cabinet, a version of a legalization plan was leaked to the media. The legalization plan was perceived as being too restrictive, generated considerable public outcry at the time, and ultimately resulted in a less-restrictive plan being presented to the federal cabinet mere days after the leak initially occurred.

Much like a political pinball, Minister Lauterbach has bounced between the European Union and the Bundestag since October, with his legalization plan seeming to evolve on a somewhat rolling basis. In January 2023, Minister Lauterbach indicated publicly that he was ‘certain’ that the European Union would grant its approval and that a formal introduction of a legalization measure would occur ‘in the first quarter of this year.’ Minister Lauterbach added at the time according to the report, that he had ‘no reason to doubt this schedule.’ As anyone with access to a calendar will quickly notice, the first quarter of 2023 has passed, and yet, there is still no legalization measure introduced.

Instead, what surfaced at the end of the first quarter of 2023 were comments made by Minister Lauterbach which suggest that his legalization plan has regressed after talking to the European Union. According to domestic reports, the current plan does not involve national sales, but rather, pilot programs akin to what is going on in Switzerland. The pilot phase for legalization is reportedly planned for a four-year period. The two bright spots of Minster Lauterbach’s recent comments involve home cultivation and private cannabis clubs, which apparently don’t require European Union approval. Although, neither of those components is exactly shocking given that Malta has already passed a measure that included both components.

Domestic Political Checks And Balances

Until an adult-use legalization measure is formally introduced in Germany, the world will ultimately not know what legalization components will be involved. The desires of the European Union will have to be weighed against the demands of the current governing coalition in Germany, which as previously mentioned, has members that will presumably not accept a limited legalization model. Furthermore, some of them will not tolerate additional delays in a measure being formally introduced.

Obviously, Minister Lauterbach cannot please all stakeholders when it comes to a legalization measure, and his ultimate bosses are located in his home country. I am still of the opinion that there will be one or more leaks to the media in the coming weeks to further build domestic political pressure around Minister Lauterbach, urging him to disregard some concessions being reportedly demanded by the European Union. It certainly feels like a showdown is brewing in my opinion.

Domestic coverage indicates that a commissioned expert opinion report ordered by the German Federal Ministry of Health is not expected to be ready until the end of April. It’s quite possible that a formal introduction of a legalization measure may not occur until well after that particular report is finalized. After all, the expert opinion report is just one of the facets involved with the push to legalize cannabis in Germany. All the international cannabis community can do in the meantime is wait, and for those that live within Germany’s borders to keep the pressure on Minister Lauterbach and continue to urge him to step up and introduce a legalization measure that is meaningful and truly reflective of what German voters want.

Germany, karl lauterbach

cannabis joint lounge social use space consumption

The Best Way To Address Concerns About The Smell Of Cannabis Is To License Clubs

When people complain about ‘the smell of cannabis’ they are usually talking about the smell that is created by burning cannabis. I suppose that in some instances people are complaining about the smell of actual cannabis plants being cultivated, however, it seems like that is far less prevalent.

The smell of cannabis smoke as a nuisance is being pointed to seemingly more often these days, with a recent high-profile example of that coming via comments made by British politician Keir Starmer, captured in a tweet below:

Starmer went on to explain that, “There’s a family in my constituency – every night cannabis smoke creeps in from the street outside into their children’s bedroom – aged four and six. That’s not low level – it’s ruining their lives.”

In response to Starmer’s comments, YouGov conducted a poll asking how many Britons can recognize the smell of cannabis. Below are the poll’s results:

While the YouGov poll may seem a bit silly to some people, the issue of public cannabis use and reported nuisances related to odor and smoke is serious and worthy of a rational discussion. The issue could be directly addressed by governments allowing private cannabis clubs to operate.

Many cannabis consumers and patients consume in public settings because they do not have any other place to do it. If they are travelers, most hotels and other tourist lodging do not allow smoking indoors. The same is true of many residential structures.

But unlike tobacco cigarettes, the consumption of which is accommodated in many public spaces in various ways, cannabis consumers are left to figure out their consumption settings on their own, which typically ends up being sidewalks, alleys, and the sides of buildings.

By affording consumers and patients private settings in which to consume cannabis, such as at clubs or in designated outdoor smoking spaces at other venues, nuisances related to the smell of cannabis and smoke will likely subside. They will never go away entirely, just as the smell and smoke from tobacco consumption have never been 100% eliminated, but there will obviously be a significant reduction.

Furthermore, the spread of the legal cannabis industry will yield many smokeless options for cannabis consumers and patients, and that will help too. Ironically, many of the same people complaining about odors and smoke from cannabis use also seem to oppose the spread of the cannabis industry, and from that standpoint, they are their own worst enemy, which is unfortunate.

If lawmakers truly care about mitigating any nuisances related to cannabis, then they should logically support public policy solutions that directly address their concerns. That obviously includes permitting social cannabis use in some meaningful way.

keir starmer

paris france

When Will France Legalize Cannabis For Adult Use?

Cannabis consumption in France is more common than in many other parts of the world, as demonstrated by recent survey data that was collected and analyzed by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies. In its most recent survey involving adults aged 18 to 64, the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies found that 10.6% of the survey participants reported having consumed cannabis within the last year. With so many people consuming cannabis in France, it begs the question, when will France pass an adult-use legalization measure?

The same survey by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Tendencies, which was conducted in conjunction with the Santé Publique France agency, found that 47.3% of the survey participants reported having consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime. To put these numbers into perspective, United States survey data indicates that roughly 49% of adults report having consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetime, and roughly 12% report being an annual consumer.

Yet, whereas the U.S. is trending in the right direction when it comes to cannabis reform, the same cannot be said about France. Late last year France lifted a previously implemented ban on CBD products, however, that is clearly not enough. Even with legalization looming across the border in Germany, leaders in France are indicating that they want to take a ‘wait and see’ approach.

Monitoring From Afar

Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is currently lobbying the European Union to gain approval for Germany to proceed with an adult-use legalization measure that would result in the launch of nationwide legal adult-use cannabis sales. According to recent comments made by Minister Lauterbach, he has received “very good feedback” from the EU and indicated that a formal introduction of a legalization measure will happen very soon.

Many countries around the globe are watching Germany with a very close eye, particularly countries on the European continent. Leadership in the Czech Republic has already indicated that it will try to follow Germany’s lead if/when Germany passes an adult-use legalization measure. Unfortunately, leaders in France appear to be taking a more passive approach.

“France will closely monitor the evolution of the German legislative framework, especially with regard to its potential impact on cross-border regions,” the office of French Health Minister François Braun recently told EURACTIV France. The comments from the French Health Minister do not instill any confidence that France will be legalizing any time soon. If anything, they seem to indicate that increased prohibition enforcement may be on the horizon along the France/Germany border.

Boosting Public Health

Whether international cannabis observers realize it or not, Germany is currently doing a considerable amount of the heavy lifting to legalize cannabis across the European continent. The biggest hurdle to comprehensive continental adult-use reform is the European Union, and if/when Germany can overcome that hurdle, it will have created an adult-use legalization blueprint for other European countries to copy, including France.

With a reported second-highest cannabis consumption rate on the European continent, France’s consumer base is enormous. With some minor exceptions, a vast majority of what France consumers are inhaling and/or ingesting is completely unregulated. That is problematic from a public health standpoint and can be largely mitigated by launching a regulated adult-use industry.

That premise largely serves as the crux of the argument being made right now by Germany’s Health Minister to the EU. It’s an argument that France would be well-served to be on the right side of, and there are calls from within France to do so. The consumption of unregulated cannabis products is a public health concern according to France’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Council. The Council is recommending legalization, and policymakers in France should follow that recommendation as soon as possible.

France

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