The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) will host its third annual National Indigenous Cannabis Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together Tribal leaders, government officials, businesses, and advocates to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Indigenous communities. The summit will address critical topics like hemp derivatives, environmental sustainability, and the impact of rescheduling on businesses and patients.
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.
While recreational cannabis markets boom, industry experts like Brandon Harshbarger, president of Cheech and Chong Global Holdings, express concern over the diminishing focus on medical marijuana. Harshbarger emphasizes the importance of medical cannabis in the initial push for legalization and fears that the industry’s focus on recreational use may overshadow its medicinal benefits.
Luna Stower, Chief Impact Officer at Ispire, emphasizes the critical need to prioritize medical marijuana in cannabis policy discussions. Despite the focus on adult-use legalization, Stower argues that medical cannabis remains fundamental to the movement, providing essential relief to patients suffering from chronic conditions. She also highlights the crucial role of medical marijuana in shaping global cannabis regulations, particularly in countries hesitant about full legalization.
Thailand’s newly appointed health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has announced plans to review the country’s cannabis policy, raising concerns about a potential reversal of the legalization measures implemented in 2022. The ministry is seeking public input to determine the extent of cannabis liberalization in the country. Somsak’s comments follow those of his predecessor, Cholnan Srikaew, who sought to ban recreational cannabis use. However, a bill to this effect has been delayed amid bureaucratic processes and industry opposition. The use of cannabis has become a highly politicized issue in Thailand, with the Prime Minister also vowing to restrict its usage to medicinal purposes only.
