Results for: Cannabis Legalization

A new survey conducted in Germany by Bloomwell Group GmbH reveals that 94% of respondents use cannabis for at least one health reason, highlighting the potential of the country’s medical cannabis market. Despite recent legalization, access to medical cannabis remains limited, with many consumers resorting to the illicit market due to limited physician knowledge and stigma. The survey calls for greater public awareness, education for physicians, and improved access to telemedicine services to ensure safe and reliable access to medical cannabis.

Germany’s new cannabis legalization law, effective from April 1st, allows for the retroactive release of individuals imprisoned for possessing up to 25 grams of weed. However, data reveals that only a few prisoners have been freed, raising questions about the law’s impact and highlighting the challenges faced by the judiciary.

The amount of cannabis seized at UK airports has tripled in 2024, driven by overproduction in countries with legal cannabis programs and the lucrative black market in the UK. The British National Crime Agency (NCA) attributes the rise to higher prices for cannabis in the UK, making it a tempting target for smugglers despite the hefty penalties. While some couriers are misled about the risks, the NCA warns of significant prison sentences and the involvement of organized criminal gangs.

Republican VP hopeful JD Vance, known for his criticism of Donald Trump, has now seemingly aligned with the former president on the issue of cannabis legalization. This shift comes after Vance previously opposed recreational marijuana in Ohio, despite its overwhelming approval by voters. The article examines Vance’s evolving position on cannabis and contrasts it with Trump’s recent stance on the issue.

The debate surrounding cannabis legalization in the US encompasses various aspects, including economics, law, and social justice. As of April 2024, recreational cannabis is legal in 24 states, allowing half of the US population to consume it legally. However, cannabis remains illegal under federal law, a status that investors anticipate may change soon. Industry expert Emily Paxhia outlines three potential pathways for cannabis legalization: federal rescheduling, legislative action, and the judicial route. The federal rescheduling route involves reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III substance, acknowledging its medical benefits and lower potential for abuse. The legislative route focuses on passing the SAFE Banking Act, which would bridge the gap between federal and state laws, facilitating banking and financial services for cannabis businesses. The judicial route emerged when cannabis companies in Massachusetts challenged the interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act in court, potentially leading to more equitable tax treatment and retrospective financial adjustments for impacted companies. As the cannabis industry continues to expand, pressure for federal legalization intensifies. The outcome of these three pathways will significantly impact the industry, providing access to more capital, boosting consolidation, enhancing production efficiency, and expanding operations.

North Carolina State Senator Graig Meyer (D) has launched a groundbreaking campaign ad, ‘Two Stops,’ highlighting racial disparities in marijuana enforcement. Meyer aims to make cannabis legalization a central topic in upcoming state elections, alongside efforts to expunge records for low-level cannabis offenses and reinvest tax revenue in impacted communities. The ad has sparked widespread discussions about racial inequality in law enforcement, adding momentum to Meyer’s Senate Bill 346, which proposes cannabis legalization and taxation. This initiative aligns with the growing presence of cannabis in both national politics and the state’s landscape, as evidenced by the recent opening of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ medical cannabis dispensary, the first in North Carolina. However, significant legislative challenges remain, as North Carolina does not allow for ballot initiatives, requiring bipartisan consensus in a Republican-dominated General Assembly.