Johnny Green, Author at International Cannabis Chronicle

5 Reasons To Attend An International Cannabis Business Conference Event In Europe

Written by Johnny Green on January 26, 2023. Posted in Archives, Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science, Trending News.

The International Cannabis Business Conference is the world’s leading cannabis industry and policy event series. Below is a list of reasons why you should attend an upcoming event, including our B2B event in Barcelona in March, and our series’ flagship event in Berlin in June.

1. A Truly Global Following

The legal cannabis industry is spreading across the world which is creating unique business opportunities at the continental and global levels. It also creates many additional hurdles, not the least of which is effectively networking with people that are often located on the other side of the planet. The International Cannabis Business Conference makes effective networking significantly easier for attendees, with entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry service providers from over 80 different countries having attended past events.

2. Timely Information

The emerging cannabis industry is evolving at a faster pace and in more significant ways than any other large industry on earth. Just as laws are being reformed on a seemingly rolling basis in many parts of the world, so too are the regulations that govern the legal cannabis industry. Knowing the right information, and equally important knowing it in a timely fashion, can literally be the difference between a company succeeding or failing in the cannabis space. The International Cannabis Business Conference gathers true experts and leaders from around the globe so that attendees can learn the best and latest information straight from the individuals and entities that are on the frontlines of cannabis policy and industry.

3. Emerging Technologies

The International Cannabis Business Conference has debuted a number of emerging cannabis technologies, including technology related to cultivation and consumption. Every event for several years has featured exhibitors and speakers that are innovating the cannabis world for consumers, patients, and businesses. Being that the International Cannabis Business Conference has a truly global following, inventors and researchers from around the planet know that the best way to get their idea, concept, and/or findings on the world stage is to bring it to an International Cannabis Business Conference event.

4. Amazing Venues

Part of what makes the International Cannabis Business Conference events so special is where they are held. With people traveling to the events from the far reaches of the planet, International Cannabis Business Conference events double as a world class travel experience for many attendees, with the conference locations being recognized internationally as some of the top venues on earth. It’s one of the many reasons why the International Cannabis Business Conference experience is unparalleled.

5. Entertainment in Addition to Education

Anyone that has ever attended an International Cannabis Business Conference event will likely be quick to tell you how amazing the conference after-parties are. In addition to bringing in world class speakers and exhibitors, the International Cannabis Business Conference events also provide attendees with an opportunity to be entertained by renowned international musicians. Attendees can use the opportunity to unwind after listening to presentations and networking all day, or they can continue their conversations in a more relaxed setting. No other cannabis conference series provides the same level of entertainment value as the International Cannabis Business Conference.

Europe

What’s Really Going On With Cannabis In Spain?

Written by Johnny Green on January 22, 2023. Posted in Archives, Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science, Trending News.

Cannabis consumers and patients live in some truly amazing times in many parts of the world thanks to the tireless efforts of cannabis activists in those jurisdictions. The hard work and sacrifice of activists has helped topple cannabis prohibition policies in many areas across the globe, and consumers and patients are benefitting from freedoms that should have never been taken away in the first place.

When it comes to the consumer experience in particular, Spain likely tops the list of ‘best places on earth to consume cannabis.’ Part of that is due to the quality of cannabis that can be fairly easy to obtain in many cities in Spain, particularly in Barcelona. The Moroccan hash that is for sale at nearly every reputable club in Barcelona is as good or better than anything you will find anywhere else on earth, other than in Morocco, obviously.

The other major factor contributing to Spain’s unparalleled consumer experience is the nation’s clubs. When most people outside of Spain think of the nation’s cannabis scene, clubs are likely the first thing that comes to mind, and rightfully so. Whereas cannabis communities in many other countries are just starting to explore the concept of social cannabis use, Spain seems to have already largely perfected it.

Very few things yield as much of a ‘fear of missing out’ reaction from cannabis enthusiasts as seeing images and videos from a Spanish club on a busy day. To say that it looks like everyone is having a good time is a major understatement.

With all of that being said, Spain still has a lot of roadblocks and hurdles to overcome on the public policy side of the equation, as there’s a fairly substantial disconnect between the nation’s cannabis policies and the reality of what is actually occurring on the ground.

That disconnect can make it tough to know what is really going on in Spain right now, and equally important, where things are likely headed in the near future. To get the real scoop we reached out to Bernardo Soriano Guzmán of S & F Abogados. S & F Abogados is Spain’s leading law firm specializing in cannabis.

Bernardo explained that there are three fronts in the effort to reform the nation’s cannabis laws in ways that will help ensure that the nation’s industry will thrive – adult-use cannabis, medicinal cannabis, and industrial cannabis.

“During this legislative term, four laws have been presented in the Congress and Senate to regulate adult-use cannabis. One of them has been drafted by S&F Lawyers along with other collaborators. A law that fully regulates the production and distribution cycle of cannabis and non-psychoactive cannabis.” Bernardo Soriano Guzmán explained.

“Despite this intense legislative activity, none of the laws currently have the necessary majority for approval. So, without a doubt, this electoral year that we begin, the regulation of cannabis will be an important point in the political programs and possible electoral alliances for the formation of the next government of Spain, as has happened in Germany in 2021 with the coalition of the traffic light.” he went on to say.

” Last year 2021, a resolution in the form of a report of conclusions was approved in the Congress of Spain to give access to patients of medicinal cannabis. This report is pending to be implemented once the Spanish Medicines and Health Products Agency (AEMPS) proposes how to do it. The regulation proposed is quite restricted to strictly pharmaceutical channels, with flowers of cannabis not having a predominant role, rather finished products and magistral formulas.” Bernardo stated in regards to medical cannabis in Spain.

“Self-cultivation for medicinal use is also not allowed. Additionally in Spain for years licenses for research and production of medicinal cannabis have been granted, a total of 21 licenses having been granted to date December 2022.” he concluded about current medical cannabis policy and regulations in Spain.

“The position of the Spanish authorities is very restrictive beyond the classic industrial uses of hemp (production of fiber and seeds). The use of hemp flowers is prohibited, even for the extraction of unregulated cannabinoids (Cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabidiol…).” Guzmán stated about industrial cannabis in Spain.

“This situation has generated a multitude of proceedings in the courts that have made the Supreme Court recently confirm in a ruling the restrictive vision of the Spanish authorities. This situation clashes quite with the wave of positive changes regarding hemp that are taking place in Europe, especially as a result of the position of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Countries such as France which recently, in a completely contrary line to that of the Spanish authorities, has finally authorized the use of hemp flowers for all uses.” he concluded.

Bernardo Soriano Guzmán will serve as the moderator for the ‘Squaring The Circle Of Industrial Hemp In Spain’ panel at the upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in Barcelona, taking place on March 9th as part of a super-event collaboration with Spannabis.

Early bird ticket pricing expires on February 15th.

barcelona, Spain

What Are The Top Cannabis Companies In Spain?

Written by Johnny Green on January 16, 2023. Posted in Archives, Business.

Spain’s cannabis community is second to none in many ways, and its current industry model is very unique. Unfortunately, public cannabis policy in Spain is not as advanced as it needs to be for the nation’s emerging industry to reach its full potential.

However, there are still several cannabis companies operating in Spain right now that are true global industry leaders. As the legal industry continues to spread across the planet cannabis enthusiasts and observers need to keep the company names below on their radars.

Spannabis

When you are talking about the cannabis scene in Spain, or Europe for that matter, Spannabis should always be at the top of the list. Spannabis is the world’s largest cannabis gathering, and once again will be partnering with the International Cannabis Business Conference, Spain’s largest cannabis B2B conference, to put on a super-event in Barcelona in March that is a must-attend.

Dinafem

Dinafem Seeds is a cannabis seed bank based in Donostia, Gipuzkoa that provides one of the best selections of cannabis genetics available on the market, including many award-winning cannabis genetics. Per the company’s disclaimer on their website, they “refuse to sell cannabis seeds to anyone who we believe is going to use them to grow cannabis in countries where it is illegal,” so keep that in mind.

Plantasur

Plantasur is a B2B wholesale distribution company that supplies brick and mortar storefronts, online grow stores, and other companies in the cannabis industry. With over 5,000 products offered, Plantasur provides many of the most important cannabis cultivation and consumption gadgets in the space today.

Delicious Seeds

Delicious Seeds was established in 2009 and describes themselves as defending “a harmonious growth process, based on the values of equality, efficiency and transparency.” The company’s staff is highly qualified and can advise aspiring cultivators of all skill levels on any questions that may arise with free and personalized attention.

Hortitec

Hortitec specializes in B2B crop product distribution for technical horticulture. The company has multiple offices in Spain, and is committed to professionalism, quality, sustainability and investment in technology, always seeking continual improvement to offer the best products and services to their customers.

Kannabia Seed Company

Kannabia was originally founded in 2008 and per their website, “is dedicated to cannabis seed growers and marijuana.” The company was influenced by the concerns and suggestions of cannabis cultivators and they have spent years developing systems that ensure the optimal development of the genetics that they offer.

Smoking

One of the most iconic cannabis brands in Spain is a company named Smoking. The rolling paper company was first founded in 1879 and products are currently manufactured by Miquel y Costas in Barcelona. According to the company’s website, they were one of the earliest factories to ever produce rolling papers.

Canamo Magazine

Spain is home to several insightful and entertaining cannabis media outlets, with one of the best of them being Canamo Magazine. The media outlet offers both print and digital content, including content related to news, culture, and cultivation.

Alchemia

Alchemia Grow Shop was inaugurated in April 2001 in a small store in the heart of Figueres. The company has since increased in size and influence and now offers over 6,000 items for sale, involving more than 1,500 strains and 63 seed banks, including Philosopher Seeds, their own seed bank created in 2008 to share their best genetics with clients and friends.

Spain

Lithuania’s President Should Not Be Afraid Of Cannabis Reform

Written by Johnny Green on January 14, 2023. Posted in Archives, Policy, Trending News.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda recently participated in an interview for LRT Radio during which he was asked about efforts to decriminalize cannabis in his country. Unfortunately, the response was not favorable. President Nausėda made it clear that he does not support cannabis reform, and offered up a handful of classic anti-cannabis talking points in his comments. Like something out of a reefer madness script, Lithuania’s top leader indicated that he was fearful of what would happen to youth consumption rates if/when the country decriminalized cannabis possession.

According to what President Nausėda stated to LRT Radio, he feels that the government must ‘first educate’ the nation prior to even considering cannabis reform measures. He did not appear to go into detail as to what an education effort would look like, and most importantly, how education would make prohibition any more effective than it currently is (or isn’t). The lack of any details speaks volumes about whether or not Lithuania’s top leader is actually sincere, or merely just trying to delay the process in order to maintain the status quo.

What Would Decriminalization Look Like In Lithuania?

In June 2022, lawmakers in Lithuania’s Parliament voted in favor of a cannabis decriminalization measure, sending it off for further debate in the Seimas committees. In December 2022 Lithuania’s Parliament took an unusual step of approving a cannabis decriminalization measure, making the offense of cannabis possession part of Lithuania’s Code of Administrative Offences, yet, lawmakers also kept cannabis as part of the nation’s Criminal Code. The measure still appears to face additional steps before taking effect, with LRT Radio reporting that lawmakers referred the draft “back to the Committee on Law and Legislation for further improvement.”

The measure from late last year provides for warnings for cannabis possession, or fines of between 50 and 300 euros for first offenses. Fines for subsequent offenses could be as much as 300 to 1,000 euros. The Ministry of Health would be tasked with defining what constitutes personal possession. Anyone caught three times in one year for personal possession would be “obliged to go to a centre for addiction diseases and to follow a treatment programme designed by a psychiatrist.” Considering all of those provisions, what is being proposed in Lithuania is very strict compared to cannabis policies found in many other countries. That, in itself, begs the question, how have youth consumption rates fared in jurisdictions that have already reformed their cannabis laws?

What Does The Data Indicate?

I reside in the State of Oregon in the U.S., which holds the distinction of being the first state in the nation to pass a cannabis decriminalization measure (one ounce) all the way back in 1973. Oregon was also one of the first states to pass an adult-use legalization measure (2014), with only Washington and Colorado having passed a similar measure before Oregon (2012). Legal sales began in Oregon in late 2015, and leading up to every one of those milestones cannabis opponents clung to talking points that are nearly identical to those currently being made by Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda.

Per government data from the Oregon Health Authority, not only was there no spike in youth consumption following the launch of legal adult-use sales and outright possession legalization in 2015; youth consumption rates actually went down from 2012 to 2018 in Oregon. A broader study conducted by researchers at Michigan State University, which involved consumption survey data from over 800,000 respondents in states where cannabis sales were permitted, also found no spike in youth cannabis usage rates.

A study in 2021 conducted by researchers in Canada found ‘no significant differences’ in cannabis consumption rates before and after cannabis legalization in Canada. As of May 2022, data out of Uruguay also demonstrated no sustained changes in youth consumption rates post-legalization. Cannabis reform in all of those jurisdictions is far greater than what is being proposed in Lithuania, and just as there was no spike in youth rates in those jurisdictions, the same will presumably prove to be true in Lithuania if/when lawmakers get on the right side of history, including and especially Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.

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Which Country Is More Likely To Legalize In 2023 – The U.S. Or Germany?

Written by Johnny Green on January 8, 2023. Posted in Archives, Policy, Trending News.

When it comes to the ongoing fight to end global cannabis prohibition, there’s a saying that I often use – the bigger the nation’s economy, the bigger the domino. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly believe that cannabis legalization in every country is significant, and that any such victory should be thoroughly celebrated. However, there’s clearly a difference from an overall momentum-building standpoint between nations in regards to cannabis politics, and that is largely based on economic clout in the international community. For evidence of that, consider how much of the international cannabis community’s focus is dedicated to monitoring what is going on in Germany and the United States.

The United States and Germany are two of the top four economies on earth, ranked first and fourth respectively. The other two countries that round out the top four are China (second), and Japan (third), and as anyone that monitors international cannabis politics will be quick to point out, China and Japan are trending in the wrong direction and will not be legalizing cannabis for adult-use anytime soon. Conversely, both the United States and Germany are trending in the right direction, with advocates in both nations pushing harder than ever to end cannabis prohibition at the federal level within their borders. Advocates around the world are watching closely to see if either domino falls in 2023 because, after all, either domino falling would dramatically boost the chances of legalization efforts happening elsewhere on the planet.

Will The United States Legalize In 2023?

The United States is a very unique place when it comes to cannabis policy. At the federal level cannabis is a Schedule I substance and is greatly restricted, although hemp is legal and limited cannabis research is also permitted. Meanwhile, cannabis is legal for adult-use in a growing number of states and is legal in medical form to some degree in nearly every state. It makes for an interesting situation from a political science standpoint in that every year cannabis reform seems to spread at the local level in the United States while legalization at the federal level remains elusive.

A new Congress was recently sworn in after a federal election in the U.S., and it’s virtually guaranteed that no major legislation will be able to pass through both chambers in the next two years due to each chamber being controlled by opposing political parties. Cannabis reform, unfortunately, is going to presumably take a back seat to 24 months of partisan food fighting in the U.S. Arguably the saddest irony from a political science standpoint is that federal cannabis legalization is extremely popular in the United States, with Gallup’s most recent annual legalization poll holding steady at a 68% approval level for legalization. You will be hard-pressed to find anything in U.S. politics right now that has that level of support among all voters.

Cannabis advocates in the U.S. have remained hopeful year after year that federal legalization would finally happen in some fashion just to have their hopes dashed, and I personally think that the odds for legalization were better in the last Congress than this new one. Divisiveness is at the top of the menu in Washington D.C. right now, and even limited cannabis reform measures are likely to languish in the 118th Congress, with full legalization almost certainly being completely out of reach for the time being.

Will Germany Legalize In 2023?

Legalization’s progress in Germany may not currently be as some want it to be, myself included, however, Germany has a far greater chance of passing a federal adult-use legalization measure in 2023 compared to the United States. Pro-cannabis lawmakers in Germany have gone as far as blocking some of the Health Ministry’s funding due to delays in the introduction of an adult-use legalization measure. Politics and federal funding work different in the U.S. compared to Germany, and yet even with that factored in, there’s no equivalent level of pressure being incorporated by lawmakers in the United States right now. Performative federal cannabis legalization rhetoric is abundant in the U.S. Congress’ hallways, but actual action is rare on both sides of the aisle.

Germany’s Health Minister is currently trying to make his case at the European Union for a legalization measure to be introduced. The Minister previously indicated that the European Union’s approval would be required prior to a formal introduction of a legalization measure in Germany. Every day that the European Union lobbying process drags on pro-cannabis lawmakers in Germany grow increasingly frustrated, and rightfully so.

At some point in 2023 a German legalization measure needs to be introduced, regardless of if it has the blessing of the European Union or not. If the European Union does grant its approval in the coming months, that would nearly guarantee legalization’s passage in Germany not too long after the granting of the approval. However, in a scenario in which the European Union does not grant its approval in the first half of 2023, the pressure to introduce a measure in the second half of 2023 will be enormous. After all, legalization was part of the German governing coalition’s agreement once the 2021 election results were finalized.

It’s likely a safe bet that Germany’s Health Minister will not receive the same level of grace in 2023 that he did last year, and as we have already seen, there will be budgetary ramifications for any perceived delays. If pressure proves to be enough to get a measure introduced early enough in 2023, and the measure is truly in line with the spirit of the coalition government’s previously agreed upon legalization goals, then legalization could certainly occur in Germany in 2023. If that happens, that will, in turn, boost legalization’s chances on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Germany, united states

Italian Army Seeks To Supply Country’s Entire Medical Cannabis Program

Written by Johnny Green on January 4, 2023. Posted in Archives, Policy, Trending News.

Back in April 2015, Italy’s Army did something that shocked many people around the world – it unveiled to the international community a cannabis farm that it operated. The unveiling came months after a government announcement that the project would begin operations, although seeing so many plants in full bloom received considerably more attention than the government’s initial announcement back then.

The concept of a government cultivating cannabis is not new. After all, for over 50 years a federal cannabis research cultivation project has operated at the University of Mississippi in the United States, and some of the cannabis from the research program is supplied to a very limited number of medical cannabis patients. However, Italy’s medical cannabis effort involving the military is much different in size and scope.

When Italy’s Army held it’s unveiling in 2015, the stated goal of the cultivation project was to cultivate enough medical cannabis to supply thousands of patients, to keep the cannabis secure throughout the cannabis’ lifecycle, and to lower medical cannabis prices for approved patients. Zoom forward to today, and the cultivation project operated by Italy’s Army will likely end up supplying nearly half of the nation’s medical cannabis program in 2023, with the remaining medical cannabis supply coming from imports. Leadership in Italy’s Army recently expressed publicly a new goal of eventually supplanting exports entirely with domestically produced medical cannabis.

Increasing Cultivation Output

Currently, Italy’s medical cannabis policy requires that 1,500 kilograms of cannabis be cultivated, harvested, and provided to registered medical cannabis patients in a year. The Italian Army’s goal for 2023 is to cultivate enough cannabis to fulfill 700 of those required kilograms. To put that figure into perspective, the Army’s cultivation operation, which is located just outside of Florence, yielded 50 kilograms in 2020 and 300 kilograms in 2022.

“The next step is self-sufficiency — that’s our ambition,” said Nicola Latorre according to Defense News. Latorre leads the Italian Defence Industries Agency in charge of the cultivation project. All of the domestically produced cannabis that is part of the Army-operated program is cultivated indoors. Apparently the program started by utilizing two rooms, which has since expanded to ten. Presumably, the additional space required to increase production has already been identified and will be located at the same secure facility.

Part of the reported strategy to boost production also involves improved cultivation technology and techniques, including “perfecting lighting, watering, temperature and ventilation” as well as the use of a “blend of secret nutrients developed in-house.” The cannabis is cultivated hydroponically, and in addition to pursuing the goal of boosting overall production, Italy’s cultivation program will start providing patients with cannabis-infused olive oil at some point in 2023.

Expanding Safe Access To All Suffering Patients

It is great news, in general, that domestic medical cannabis production is increasing in Italy. With that being said, developing a nation’s medical cannabis supply in a way that gives the entire monopoly to the government and cultivating all cannabis under artificial lighting is far from optimal. In order for a medical cannabis program to reach its full potential, it needs to help as many suffering patients as possible, and that requires, among other things, a comprehensive approach to sourcing cannabis and providing safe access.

A landmark decision was rendered by Italy’s Supreme Court in late 2019 that provided some level of legal protections for limited home cultivation. The decision was significant to be sure, however, patients still run the risk of selective enforcement and specified cultivation rights need to be codified into Italian law for all suffering patients. Furthermore, the list of qualifying conditions for Italy’s medical cannabis program needs to be expanded considerably.

In addition to sensible medical cannabis policies that pertain to individuals, Italy needs to expand who can cultivate cannabis on a large scale. The Army can and should continue to cultivate cannabis if it wants to, if for any reason to boost competition and keep prices low, however, domestic private sector and charitable organizations also need to be allowed to operate in a similar fashion to help ensure that Italy’s medical cannabis industry truly becomes self-sustaining for the long haul, and that as many suffering patients get helped as possible in the process.

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The Top International Cannabis Stories Of 2022

Written by Johnny Green on December 25, 2022. Posted in Archives, Business, Entertainment, Policy, Science, Trending News.

As 2022 draws to a close we will look back on the biggest stories from the international cannabis community over the last year.

Germany

The biggest story of 2022 for international cannabis was clearly the unveiling of the long-awaited adult-use legalization plan in Germany. Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach made a formal presentation of the plan to the federal cabinet in October, and Minister Lauterbach is currently lobbying the European Union for its approval to officially introduce the measure which would legalize adult-use sales, possession, and home cultivation. The measure would also remove cannabis from Germany’s narcotics law. Legalization in Germany will have a domino effect on the continent, if not the world, with leaders in the Czech Republic already indicating that they will follow Germany’s lead.

Thailand

It is likely a safe bet that Thailand experienced more cannabis policy activity in 2022 than any other nation on the planet. In June Thailand implemented a very unique and historic cannabis policy, providing the opportunity for every household in the country to sign up to cultivate low-THC cannabis. In many ways Thailand’s new approach to cannabis policy is unlike anything else on earth. Unfortunately, after the new policy took effect cannabis opponents ramped up efforts to go backwards on cannabis policy. Regardless, 2022 was an enormous year for Thailand on the cannabis policy front.

Italy

In late 2021 Italy seemed poised to legalize cannabis in 2022, with local activists having submitted hundreds of thousands of signatures to put legalization to a vote. Enough of the signatures were deemed to be valid, however, Italy’s Supreme Court effectively vetoed the measure in February before voters receive the opportunity to weigh in.

Malta

One of the brightest moments in 2021 occurred when Malta became the first country in Europe to pass an adult-use legalization measure. The measure legalized possession and non-profit cannabis clubs, yet it did not legalize a regulated industry. Fortunately, it was announced this month that progress was made on the bureaucratic front for cannabis clubs, which was often unclear throughout 2022, and that applications for clubs will be available early in 2023.

Russia

It was a particularly tumultuous year for international basketball superstar Brittney Griner who was arrested at a Moscow airport for allegedly possessing vape pen oil in her luggage. Griner played professional basketball in Russia, in addition to the United States, and was traveling for work purposes. Griner would eventually be convicted and sentenced to 9 years of hard labor in a Russian prison camp. Fortunately, Griner would be freed as part of a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, ending the 10-month ordeal, but not before highlighting how truly terrible Russia’s cannabis policies are.

Slovenia

Cannabis reform efforts ramped up considerably in Slovenia in 2022, with one of the nation’s leading public health experts, Cf. Dušan Nolimal Ph.D., calling for an end to cannabis prohibition in the Balkan nation via an op-ed in the country’s largest media publication. The University of Ljubljana, in conjunction with the Research Nature Institute, also held a seminar in 2022 that featured leading cannabis experts from all over the globe.

Canada

Canada is home to the largest ‘cannabis policy experiment’ on earth as of right now, and 2022 marked the four-year anniversary of the launch of national adult-use sales in Canada. As part of Canada’s cannabis policy approach, the government is conducting a four-year review to see what lessons can be learned. That information will not only be useful to Canada, but also to other countries that are considering following in Canada’s footsteps.

United States

Federal cannabis policy reform in the United States continues to remain elusive on many fronts, however, there was one historic moment in 2022. For the first time since the start of federal cannabis prohibition in the United States the nation’s Congress passed a stand-alone cannabis measure. The ‘Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act’ was passed and signed into law this year, with the measure geared towards boosting cannabis research efforts in the U.S. Unfortunately, the research legislation was the only federal cannabis measure passed in the U.S. in 2022.

Morocco

Historically, Morocco has served as a top international supplier of unregulated cannabis, especially hashish. Morocco was very active in 2022 as it works to move domestic cannabis production into a regulated system. In a historic first, Morocco issued the nation’s first cannabis production permits in 2022.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is currently the largest producer of tobacco on the African continent, with tobacco accounting for as much as 20% of Zimbabwe’s exports. With demand for tobacco products shrinking across the globe, farmers in Zimbabwe are looking for a better crop to cultivate. In 2022 Zimbabwe’s emerging cannabis industry made significant strides, with nearly 5 dozen cannabis companies operating within Zimbabwe’s borders during the year.

Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the poorest countries on earth, with war and conflict being a big contributor. Any economic boost is surely welcomed in Rwanda, and fortunately cannabis reform and an emerging industry are ramping up. Rwanda’s government designated 134 hectares for cannabis production in 2022, and that will hopefully lead to more economic opportunities for the African nation.

Israel

When it comes to cannabis research, Israel has long served as an international leader. Every year researchers in Israel conduct insightful cannabis research, and 2022 was no exception. Additionally, one thing that was extra noteworthy in Israel in 2022 was the nation permitting cannabis seed exports to the United States for the first time.

China And Japan

At a time when cannabis reform seems to be spreading to every corner of the globe, China and Japan are both going in the opposite direction. In China’s largest financial hub, Hong Kong, government officials announced a looming crackdown on CBD businesses in 2022 (to take effect in 2023), with the proposed penalty for future violations being as much as 7 years in prison. In Japan, a government health panel recommended in 2022 that the country boost limited safe access to medical cannabis, which is commendable to some degree. However, coupled with that was an additional recommendation to make the mere act of having consumed cannabis a crime, and that is obviously unacceptable.

Australia And New Zealand

The University of Sydney announced in 2022 that it would offer free cannabis testing to residents of the Australian Capital Territory. In New Zealand, where voters narrowly shot down an adult-legalization measure two years prior, the government announced in 2022 that domestic cannabis production would finally become a reality after years of patients having to solely rely on imported products.

Uruguay

Uruguay will always hold the title of being the first country to ever pass a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Yet, the nation’s cannabis policies are still evolving all of these years later, with it being announced in late 2022 that pharmacies would start selling a new variety of cannabis with higher amounts of THC and lower amounts of CBD.

Colombia

It was a very active year in Colombia, where lawmakers continue to work towards passing an adult-use legalization measure. Successful votes were held in 2022 to push legalization forward, and it could result in legalization being pushed over the top in the coming year.

Brazil

Brazil was another country that experienced quite a bit of cannabis activity in 2022, on both the political and industry sides of the cannabis equation. This year also included court decisions in Brazil that bolstered legal protections for medical cannabis patients that cultivate their own medicine.

Argentina

Not to be outdone when it comes to cannabis activity in 2022, Argentina could easily make a case that it was the most active nation in South America. In addition to issuing its first domestic cannabis production license, the government of Argentina launched a public company to provide seeds, testing, and training to the nation’s emerging industry.

Bermuda

It was a bittersweet year for cannabis advocates in Bermuda, where lawmakers approved a substantial cannabis reform measure just to have it later blocked by the nation’s UK-appointed Governor. Due to colonization laws, Bermuda must receive ‘royal assent’ from the UK via an appointed Governor. It’s unclear if/when Bermuda will ever be able to decide its own cannabis policies.

**What Didn’t Happen In 2022**

Just as it is important to highlight what did occur in 2022 within the international cannabis community, it’s also worth mentioning what did not occur. Going into 2022 Luxembourg seemed poised to pass an adult-use legalization measure, with the same seeming to be true about Mexico and South Africa as well. Unfortunately, legalization never materialized in any of the three countries in 2022.

In the cases of Mexico and South Africa, previous court decisions determined that cannabis prohibition was unconstitutional, however, lawmakers have struggled to fully implement those decisions. Hopefully 2023 will prove to be the year that legalization measures get across the finish line in all three countries, and beyond.

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cannabis joint lounge social use space consumption

Could Malta’s Cannabis Club Licensing Model Benefit Spain?

Written by Johnny Green on December 12, 2022. Posted in Archives, Business, Entertainment, Policy, Trending News.

As I often point out, Spain is home to one of the most amazing cannabis communities on earth, particularly Barcelona where we co-host the world’s largest cannabis superconference every year with Spannabis. Whereas cannabis communities are just starting to take off in many parts of the world, Spain’s community was thriving decades ago, and that continues to this day.

The backbone of Spain’s cannabis community is, of course, cannabis clubs. It is no secret that hundreds of cannabis clubs exist throughout Spain, with Barcelona being a particularly popular destination for clubgoers. Clubs are a great way to obtain cannabis and to socialize with like-minded people.

Cannabis clubs are unregulated in Spain, which can be confusing for many people being that there are so many of them. Cannabis clubs are tolerated to a large degree in Spain, however, that doesn’t mean that they are legal. It creates a catch-22 of sorts for cannabis reform advocates, in that the same thing that makes Spain so special (access to lots of clubs) is also the same thing that makes it hard to move the needle.

I have worked as a cannabis activist for a long time and so much of the enthusiasm behind cannabis reform efforts I helped with was predicated on boosting personal freedom. In Spain there seems to be an understandable enthusiasm gap, in that people already experience a great amount of freedom. That, combined with world class cannabis, makes it difficult to get people fired up.

With that being said, cannabis reform still needs to occur in Spain so that selective enforcement is eliminated and that the domestic industry can reach its full potential. Cannabis club operators should be able to get licenses like any other business, albeit with industry specific regulations. Eliminating the uncertainty by regulating clubs would help the situation in many ways.

So what is going to move the needle in Spain? One thing that may yield some movement is legalization elsewhere, such as in Germany. However, Germany’s legalization model doesn’t appear to include clubs, at least not at this time, so it may not be enough of an ‘apples to apples’ situation to raise enough eyebrows in political circles in Spain.

One thing that I am very interested to see unfold, and whether it has any policy butterfly effect on Spain, is the rise of cannabis clubs in Malta. Malta passed a national adult-use legalization measure late last year, making it the first country in Europe to do so.

The measure was largely built on the premise of consumers obtaining their cannabis from non-profit cannabis clubs. The only other way for adults to obtain cannabis is to cultivate it themselves or be gifted it. As we previously reported, Malta is expected to start accepting applications for non-profit cannabis clubs in February, which is obviously not too far away.

It is unclear right now how long it will be after applications are initially collected before the first regulated club is opened, however, things do seem to be moving along. Once Malta officially rolls out its cannabis club licenses, and sets up all of the processes and regulations pertaining to it, it will have created a blueprint for other countries to mimic, including and especially Spain.

I don’t necessarily expect lawmakers in Spain to see it as Malta potentially stealing cannabis tourism away from Spain, but rather, that they will hopefully see that regulating clubs can be done and that Spain could potentially do it in a more economically stimulating way. Only time will tell if that proves to be the case or not.

malta, Spain

Brittney Griner Is Finally Free

Written by Johnny Green on December 9, 2022. Posted in Archives, Entertainment, Policy.

International basketball superstar Brittney Griner is finally free and officially home in the United States after a ten month long saga in Russia. Back in February Brittney Griner, who plays basketball professionally in the United States and Russia, was arrested at a Moscow airport for allegedly possessing a personal amount of cannabis oil in one or more vape pen cartridges.

While Griner eventually pled guilty to the allegations, it’s still unclear if she was ever actually in possession of anything. Many legal observers have pointed out that 99% of criminal cases in Russia end in a conviction, and that by pleading guilty to the allegations it allowed negotiations between the United States (where Griner is a citizen) to formally begin.

Had Griner pled ‘not guilty,’ the case could have drug on forever and prevented any real chance of her seeing her home country ever again. With that in mind, an admission of guilt could have been a procedural strategy that was recommended to Griner by her legal counsel versus serving as actual proof that she was truly guilty of what she was accused of.

Regardless, even if Griner was actually in possession of one or more vape pen cartridges, her receiving even one day in jail would have been an inhumane injustice, let alone the ten years of hard labor in a Russian prison that she was originally sentenced to, or the ten months of incarceration that she ultimately served.

Thankfully, Griner is now home with her family and friends and can start the process of trying to regain her life, although I think it’s a safe assumption that there will be lingering trauma that she will have to deal with forever. I will obviously never know what Griner went through, but she has my utmost sympathy for many, many reasons.

Griner may be free from the Russian criminal ‘justice’ system now, however, she is certainly not free from stigma, as is clearly on display on social media right now. The announcement of the deal being completed to secure her release instantly yielded a robust debate about a number of things, including and especially domestic cannabis policy at the federal level in the United States.

Before I touch on the U.S. cannabis policy component of the debate that is currently raging online, I will point out that two popular talking points on this matter do not carry any water with me. The first is that, ‘Griner violated the law, so she got what she deserved.’ I will never, ever understand how someone can root for cannabis prohibition and the harms it causes to a person.

Cannabis prohibition is wrong, and subjecting people to it is unjust. That is true whether it’s in Russia or anywhere else. What happened to Griner is not a testament to her doing something wrong – it is a testament to how harmful Russia’s cannabis policies are.

The second talking point is something along the lines of, ‘Why not this person or that person? Why only a famous athlete?’ As I understand it based on extensive reporting, there was only one deal on the table to consider, and it was Brittney Griner for the Russian arms dealer that she was traded for. Unfortunately, there was no other offer at all for anyone else, and that renders this talking point completely moot, even though the talking point remains popular on social media.

A valid component of the debate is that domestic cannabis policy in the United States at the federal level is terrible. Just as Griner should not have been incarcerated for cannabis in Russia, so too should no one be incarcerated in the United States for cannabis-only offenses.

Brittney Griner’s return home is absolutely worthy of celebration, just as continuing to work to end the plight of cannabis prisoners within the U.S. is absolutely worthy of every ounce of effort that people can provide. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Brittney Griner, russia

Higher THC Percentages Are Finally Coming To Pharmacies In Uruguay

Written by Johnny Green on December 7, 2022. Posted in Archives, Business, Policy, Trending News.

One of my biggest cannabis public policy pet peeves is when governments institute THC percentage caps on products, primarily due to the negative impact it has on the suffering patients that desperately need cannabis products containing higher amounts of THC. I extend my distain for THC percentage caps to the adult-use industry because whether people realize it or not, many suffering patients obtain their medicine via the adult-use industry when possible, including in Uruguay where low-THC percentage limits have been in place jn pharmacies since legal sales began in 2017.

Uruguay first passed a national adult-use legalization measure back in 2013, making it the first country on the planet to do so since the dawn of prohibition. The historic legalization measure provided for various ways for consumers to obtain cannabis, including private clubs and home cultivation. It also provided for eventual legal sales through pharmacies for two varieties of cannabis flower, “alpha” and “beta” flower. Both options have a THC level of less than or equal to 9% and a CBD level of greater than or equal to 3%. Thankfully, a third option is on the way, and the cannabinoid limits are much more favorable.

“Gamma” Cannabis Flower

Juan Ignacio Tastás, the executive director of the Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis (Ircca), announced recently that Uruguay is set to launch a third variety of cannabis to be sold through pharmacies. The new variety is called “gamma” and will contain a THC percentage that is less than or equal to 15%, and a CBD percentage that is less than or equal to 1%. The new option is expected to be available to consumers in Uruguay starting around December 20th.

To put things into perspective, cannabis flower that tops 30% THC is common in many legal states in the U.S. and in Canada. For some consumers, anything less than 30% is often deemed as not being strong enough. For patients in particular, especially those that suffer from chronic and severe pain, high-potency cannabis flower is an optimal form of medicine.

A huge benefit of adult-use legalization is that patients don’t have to jump through all of the hoops of a medical cannabis program to obtain their medicine. In Uruguay, they simply have to be of legal age and go to a licensed pharmacy that sells adult-use cannabis. However, that only works out if the pharmacy actually sells cannabis that is strong enough to help the suffering patient.

An Evolving Model

Part of the reporting out of Uruguay indicates that yet another strain, a fourth option, is being considered for pharmacies, with a potential release date being next December. No details seem to be available regarding what cannabinoid levels will be involved. It’s definitely possible that an option with an even higher level of THC could be involved, however, without any details surfacing I suppose it’s also possible that it could be a low-THC, high-CBD strain. We will all just have to wait and see.

One thing that is clear is that Uruguay’s adult-use cannabis regulation model, the first one in the history of the world at a national level, is still evolving. That in itself provides a learning moment for other countries that are exploring which components to include and exclude for their legalization frameworks. Lawmakers and regulators in those countries need to approach cannabinoid level limits objectively. By doing so they will no doubt realize that THC percentage limits do not serve any actual scientific purpose, but rather, are born out of reefer madness and as a result they should never be a part of any sensible cannabis public policy.

uruguay

Germany’s Health Minister To Commission ‘An Expert Opinion’ To Help EU Legalization Push

Written by Johnny Green on December 3, 2022. Posted in Archives, Policy, Trending News.

What I would give to be a fly on the wall in the room where private cannabis policy discussions are being held between European Union (EU) leadership and Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach. Health Minister Lauterbach has actively lobbied the European Union for its general approval of a German adult-use legalization plan ever since he presented a legalization proposal to the German federal cabinet back in late October. Various information has surfaced regarding legalization discussions with the EU in recent weeks, with the latest revelation involving Minister Lauterbach reportedly seeking an ‘expert opinion’ to help with the legalization push.

Health Minister Lauterbach presented a plan over a month ago that involves legalizing the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis in Germany, as well as legalizing the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants in adult households. The plan was an evolved version of a previously leaked plan, and more changes could occur between now and a formal introduction of an actual bill. Arguably the most consequential provision of the legalization plan that was presented in late October involves removing cannabis from Germany’s narcotics law. Minister Lauterbach has made it clear that he wants to obtain EU permission for the plan prior to it being formally introduced and considered by lawmakers.

What Will An ‘Expert Opinion’ Involve?

According to Zeit, Minister Lauterbach is bringing in an expert opinion to help make the case for legalization to the EU. “Confidential talks with the EU Commission show that “very good arguments” are needed to convince them of the path they have taken,” stated Minister Lauterbach according to reporting from Zeit. From what I can tell, no announcement has been made regarding who will be providing the expert opinion or what it will include.

“We need good arguments when it comes to cannabis: We commission an expert opinion, develop a draft law at the same time and have it examined by the EU. This should show how we ensure quality, limit consumption & protect children. I am convinced of it.” Minister Lauterbach stated earlier this week regarding the latest wrinkle in the ongoing German legalization saga.

Logically speaking, one of two things is going on right now. Either the EU truly wants to learn more about Germany’s legalization plan, at which point help with crafting additional “very good arguments” via an expert or experts would be helpful. Or, of course, the other possibility is that the EU is trying to drag its feet and slow down the process by seeking ‘more information’ knowing that any amount of information will not change the EU’s opinion. Being that the EU hasn’t weighed in either way for better or worse, all we can do is sit and wait, although I do think that it’s worth asking an obvious question – what arguments can be made to the EU that haven’t already been made regarding the harms of cannabis prohibition and the benefits of legalization and regulation?

Calls To Speed Up The Timeline

Coupled with Minister Lauterbach’s announcement that he is seeking assistance in crafting arguments for the EU was a reiteration that the formal introduction of a legalization measure will not happen by the end of the year. Rather, a formalized draft of the law should be ready for private circulation by the end of the first quarter of 2023, and ‘if things go well’ and the EU blesses the effort, the formalized measure will be introduced in the second half of 2023. That timeline is sure to disappoint many legalization supporters, including supporters that are members of the Bundestag.

“Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach must now draw up a draft law for #Legalisierung from #Cannabis and present it promptly – waiting for #EU and remaining inactive is not an option! As the rapporteurs responsible, we are making that clear once again today.” previously stated Kirsten Kappert-Gonther (Greens) on Twitter (translated from German to English). Kirsten Kappert-Gonther was joined in her call for urgency by Kristine Lütke MdB (FDP).

“Minister of Health @Karl_Lauterbach must not remain idle until the #EU commission has given its feedback! He must submit a #Gesetzentwurf for #Cannabis legalization by the end of the year – so that the controlled release is implemented quickly and does not come until the end of 2023!” stated Kristine Lütke MdB previously on Twitter (translated from German to English).

Germany

Malta To Start Accepting Cannabis Club Applications By February

Written by Johnny Green on December 1, 2022. Posted in Archives, Business, Policy, Trending News.

Malta made continental history late in 2021 when lawmakers passed Europe’s first nationwide adult-use legalization measure. Prior to legalization passing in Malta, the only two other countries that had previously passed national legalization measures were Uruguay in 2013 and Canada in 2018. However, unlike its predecessors, Malta’s legalization model does not provide for sales through pharmacies, storefronts, and for-profit delivery services. Rather, Malta’s legalization model will be built on non-profit cannabis clubs, applications for which people can start submitting as early as February 2023.

Despite legalization’s passage in Malta late last year, there are still no legal means by which to purchase legal adult-use cannabis products. Whereas consumers have a buffet of options from which to make cannabis purchases in Canada, and to a lesser extent Uruguay (residents only), consumers in Malta have continued to wait until the regulatory framework is set up for non-profit cannabis clubs. Thankfully, there appears to be some progress on that front.

Accepting Applications In 2023

The non-profit cannabis club model is not a new concept. Barcelona, where we co-host the world’s largest cannabis super-conference every year along with Spannabis, is home to numerous private cannabis clubs where people can acquire cannabis as well as consume it in a social setting. Uruguay is also home to hundreds of private cannabis clubs, although Uruguay has implemented a regulated system for cannabis clubs compared to Spain where clubs still operate in somewhat of a grey area of the law.

In Malta there will only be two legal sources for adult-use cannabis. One of them is home cultivation. Adult households in Malta can cultivate up to four plants, per the law that was passed late last year. The other source for adult-use cannabis will, of course, be cannabis clubs. However, clubs cannot exist without first having a license, and generally speaking a license cannot be obtained until there is an application and approval process set up. That last part is reportedly finally happening in February 2023 in Malta.

“The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis will be in a position to start accepting applications for cannabis club licenses by next February, according to Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg.” stated Malta Today in its domestic coverage. Malta’s Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis will oversee the non-profit sector, including the cannabis club application process. Leonid McKay is currently the executive chair of the authority.

What About The European Union?

Currently, an adult-use legalization measure is looming in Germany, with the nation’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach currently lobbying the European Union to gain approval prior to formally introducing the measure so that lawmakers in Germany can officially consider it. While some lawmakers in Germany have called for the measure to be introduced immediately, the Health Minister appears to still be seeking EU approval first, at least for the time being.

An obvious question that international cannabis observers are asking on social media and beyond is why is Malta legalizing without so much European Union involvement compared to Germany? It’s a straightforward question that yields some fairly complicated answers. The less complicated answer is that Malta’s legalization model is far more limited than what is being proposed in Germany. Lawmakers in Germany are proposing a nationwide adult-use market where legal purchases will be made at storefronts, similar to what is going on in Canada but on a much larger scale. Malta will have non-profit clubs where people can acquire cannabis, but only if they are members and membership will be limited in many ways I’d assume.

The more complex answer is that Germany’s Health Minister is likely pursuing a strategy that will save legal and political headaches down the road. If the European Union gives its blessing to Germany’s plan, then it largely thwarts potential legal challenges from other EU member nations and mitigates some of the probability of German legalization becoming a political punching bag for cannabis prohibitionists. EU approval would be a final answer in many ways, and while challenges would likely still be pursued, it would be nearly guaranteed that legalization would overcome any challenges if EU approval was granted prior to a legalization measure’s introduction. With that being said, the EU presumably realizes that the decision on Germany will set a precedent, and a big one at that, so it’s not a decision that will be made hastily. The longer it takes for the decision to be rendered, the louder the calls will become within Germany’s borders for lawmakers to hit the gas pedal. In the meantime, the framework for Malta’s limited legalization model will continue to develop.

Europe, Germany, malta

Author: Johnny Green