Japan’s revised drug laws, effective Thursday, criminalize cannabis use, carrying a penalty of up to seven years in prison. This comes amidst a surge in cannabis-related arrests, particularly among young people, and aims to strengthen drug control while allowing for regulated medical cannabis products.
Germany’s recently implemented cannabis law is facing significant criticism following a high-profile smuggling case. Justice ministers are now pushing for revisions to allow greater investigative powers, addressing concerns about the law’s unintended consequences on organized crime and the black market.
France, despite having Europe’s highest cannabis consumption rate, maintains strict prohibition. With crippling public debt, legalization and taxation are increasingly seen as a potential fiscal lifeline, offering billions in revenue and job creation while potentially reducing crime. However, political delays plague the medical cannabis program, highlighting the complexities of reform.
Germany is taking a significant step towards cannabis legalization with pilot programs in Hannover and Frankfurt, allowing recreational cannabis sales for the first time. These five-year pilot programs will involve limited sales in designated stores, with a focus on data collection and harm reduction. This initiative aims to address the illegal cannabis market, provide a safer alternative for consumers, and inform future cannabis policy decisions.
Despite Germany’s recent legalization of cannabis, the black market remains a significant source of supply, putting consumers at risk. A new study by Sanity Group reveals alarmingly high levels of contaminants, including human and animal feces, viruses, and dangerous pesticides, in black market cannabis samples from across Germany and Europe. The findings highlight the urgent need for regulated cannabis sales to protect consumers’ health.
With Election Day approaching, North Dakota voters are grappling with the potential economic and social impacts of Measure 5, a ballot initiative seeking to legalize recreational cannabis. Supporters highlight the promise of tax revenue and job growth, while opponents raise concerns about public health risks and resource strain. This article delves into the arguments for and against Measure 5, exploring its potential impact on North Dakota’s economy, social fabric, and individual liberties.
The third annual National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit, hosted by the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), will take place in Washington, D.C. from November 13 to 15. This event brings together Tribal leaders, government officials, and industry professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities of cannabis legalization for Indigenous communities, focusing on economic empowerment and the protection of tribal sovereignty.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s proposal to federally legalize marijuana is gaining praise from cannabis industry leaders who see it as a crucial step toward addressing the disproportionate impact of marijuana criminalization on Black communities. The plan includes expungement of nonviolent convictions, targeted grants for Black entrepreneurs, and reforms to housing policies, all aimed at creating economic opportunities and fostering social justice.
A political committee opposing Florida’s cannabis legalization measure, Amendment 3, has received a significant $500,000 donation from an organization reportedly connected to Elon Musk. This comes as the campaign promoting cannabis legalization has amassed over $100 million in contributions. The move has sparked controversy, with supporters highlighting the financial backing of the anti-legalization campaign and its potential influence on the upcoming election.
As the 2024 US election heats up, a trend is emerging: publicly traded companies, particularly in the tech and financial sectors, are making significant donations to Democratic candidates. This influx of funding could be a major boost for cannabis legalization efforts, as many Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, support nationwide legalization.
