Author: Hazel Norman

Spain’s Minister Of Health Says Medical Cannabis Regulations Are On The Way

Written by Hazel Norman on May 22, 2023. Posted in Policy.

Spain has long served as a unique home for cannabis public policy. Technically, medical cannabis is prohibited in many instances in Spain, with the nation’s legal medical cannabis industry largely built around research and exports.

Domestic medical cannabis patients are almost always left on the outside looking in and have to resort to unregulated sources for their medicine. Fortunately for patients, medical cannabis is fairly easy to acquire in Spain from private cannabis clubs, however, the situation highlights that Spain’s cannabis model is in desperate need of improvement.

When patients and providers have to operate in an unregulated environment, there is a considerable amount of uncertainty involved and that makes it difficult to keep things going at times. Unregulated industries are ripe for selective enforcement towards providers, and patients may end up buying untested products that are not as ‘clean’ as they could be.

Advocates have pushed for reform in Spain for many years, and yet, success has remained elusive. Medical cannabis patients and industry members were hopeful that 2022 would be the year for a regulation bill to get to the finish line just to see their hopes dashed. Fortunately, the nation’s Minister of Health is signaling that movement is on the way. Per El Planteo:

The Minister of Health of Spain, José Manuel Miñones , announced that before the end of May he will present a report that will allow the regulation of the use of medicinal cannabis in the National Health System (SNS) . The news came after some parliamentarians have claimed the delay in the analysis of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (Aemps), whose term ended in 2022.

Miñones also apologized for the delay in his first appearance before the Health Commission of the Lower House. Congress had ruled in favor of regulating medical cannabis in June 2022, and the subcommittee in charge had given Aemps a period of six months to issue recommendations.

What is being proposed is instead of regulating the nation’s private cannabis clubs, patients will be able to legally acquire medical cannabis and products derived from medical cannabis via one of Spain’s licensed pharmacies.

In some countries, such as the United States, pharmacies are not used to dispense medical cannabis outside of a handful of pharmaceutical-grade products. In other countries, such as Germany, pharmacies are used to serve as the backbone of safe access for suffering patients. Whether something meaningful comes out of Spain or not is something that we will all have to wait and see.

Switzerland Cannabis Pilot Programs Set To Expand

Written by Hazel Norman on May 16, 2023. Posted in Business, Policy.

Switzerland is home to a cannabis commerce public policy experiment that is based on a concept which is seemingly growing in popularity in policy and regulatory circles. The concept, limited regional cannabis commerce pilot projects, is already in operation in Basel, Switzerland where 374 people between the ages of 18 and 76 can make legal adult-use cannabis purchases.

Additional pilot programs were approved for Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, and Bern, with Bern’s pilot program set to launch this fall. The pilot program in Bern ‘plans to recruit 1,091 participants, including approximately 600 in the federal city’ according to domestic reporting.

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city with a population of roughly 400,000 people, although the overall metro area pushes that number considerably higher. Zurich’s pilot program is expected to launch at the end of the summer and will involve 3,000 participants when fully operational. Participants will be able to make legal cannabis purchases from an expected 21 regulated outlets in Zurich.

Switzerland is not the only nation pursuing plans for regional pilot programs. Officials in Denmark are pursuing their own plans, and Germany is likely to eventually become the largest embracer of such public policy efforts. German lawmakers are working right now to hammer out details that will serve as the foundation for the nation’s pilot programs.

Officials in Frankfurt and Offenbach have already declared their intentions to launch pilot programs, and they are surely not alone. Germany will not be the first place where pilot programs are launched, however, the nation that serves as home to the largest economy in Europe will likely prove to be the place where pilot programs become the most common, and on a much larger scale than what will be found in Switzerland.

The expansion of pilot programs in Switzerland is worthy of celebration to be sure, although the scope of the nation’s pilot programs needs to be kept in proper context. They are very limited in size and are not coupled with noncommercial cannabis clubs like what is being pursued in Germany and proposed in the Czech Republic.

What Switzerland really needs, and this is true for every country on earth, is a robust cannabis policy that ensures safe access to all forms of medical cannabis for suffering patients, and incorporates regulated adult-use commerce for all cannabis products, regardless of THC content, to help boost public health outcomes.

Network With International Cannabis Investors At The Berlin Global Investment Forum

Written by Hazel Norman on May 16, 2023. Posted in Business, Policy.

Proper timing is a vital ingredient to success in every industry, and particularly so in the emerging international cannabis industry.

The legal cannabis space is still very young, especially at the global level, and many investors, entrepreneurs, industry service providers, policymakers, and regulators are networking extensively right now to figure out who to collaborate with.

Being at the right place at the right time can literally mean the difference between crushing it in the emerging industry in the coming years or fading away.

The upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference Global Investment Forum, taking place on June 27^th in Berlin, is the best time and place to effectively network with true global cannabis leaders, including top industry investors.

It is extremely rare that this many true global cannabis experts and leaders get together in one place, and even rarer for an event to host the caliber of individuals and entities that will be speaking and/or attending this specific forum.

Below is a list of speakers that will be participating in the Global Investment Forum in Berlin:

David Traylor – Senior Managing Director, Golden Eagle Partners
Peter Homberg – Partner, Dentons Head of European Cannabis Group
Ngaio Bealum – Conference Master of Ceremonies
Jamie Pearson – International Consultant, New Holland Group
Todd Born – Co-Founder and CEO, The Alpen Group
Steve Winokur – Global Head of Cannabis Investment Banking, Canaccord Genuity Corp.
Carmen Doran – CEO of Helius Therapeutics, Board Member of the New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Council
Constantin von der Groeben – Co-Founder and Managing Director, Demecan
rer. nat. Adrian Fischer – Co-Founder and Managing Director, Demecan
Vera Broder – CEO, MHI Cultivo Medicinal SA.
Joel Redelman – Founding Partner, Redfield Group, Chairman, Promethean Biopharma
Benedikt Sons – Co-Founder, Managing Director and CEO of Cansativa Group
Robert T. Hoban – Member, Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Group, & Member-in-Charge of the Clark Hill Denver Office
Nic Easley – CEO, 3C Consulting & Multiverse Capital Managing Director
Alex Rogers – CEO & Executive Director, International Cannabis Business Conference
Oliver Lamb – Co-Founder and Investment Manager, Oskare Capital
Hilary Black – Pionner, Founder, and Advisor
Alex Revich – Equity Partner at Hybrid Pharm, Cannabis Education & Medical Parternships at Loosh Brands
Cornelius Maurer – Co-Founder, Demecan
Kai-Friedrich Niermann – Founder, KFN+ Law Office
Lewis Koski – Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Metrc LLC
Lisa Haag – Founder, MJ_Universe
Giovanni Venturini Del Greco – Founder and CEO, Herbolea Biotech
Daniel Haymann – Legal Counsel, MME Legal
Trenton Birch – Co-Founder & CEO, Cheeba Africa
Luc Richner – CEO Founder, Cannavigia
Marcus Moser – MB & Partner, Zurich Und Moser consulting, Guglingen

The Global Investment Forum will be held at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin on June 27^th. A VIP reception will occur the night prior at the exclusive Adlon Terrace in the shadow of the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

Given the historical push to legalize cannabis in Germany right now, the setting for the Global Investment Forum VIP reception could not be better.

You can view the International Cannabis Business Conference Global Investment Forum’s full schedule at this link here. Ticket prices go up on May 17^th at 11:59 PM – register now and save!

The Top European Cannabis Companies In 2023

Written by Hazel Norman on May 10, 2023. Posted in Business.

Europe’s emerging legal cannabis industry is undergoing a significant evolution right now, which is guaranteed to last through at least the rest of this decade. Several countries are pursuing adult-use cannabis reform, most notably Germany, and the continent’s legalization model is starting to take shape.

Meanwhile, Europe’s medical cannabis industry continues to increase in size and scope, and products low in THC, or focused on other cannabinoids such as CBD, are gaining in popularity and availability. Various industry projections currently exist, however, it’s likely that many of them will prove to be too conservative by the time this decade is over.

The coming years in Europe will yield cannabis companies that will likely serve as titans of the continent’s emerging cannabis industry for decades to come. Below are the top companies to keep an eye on (in no particular order).

Weeco – Weeco is a European multi-country operator focusing on medical cannabis product development. The company produces pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis products, conducts cannabis genetics research, and designs product dispensing technology.

Dentons – Dentons Law Firm is one of the leading firms on the entire planet, and while they represent clients from a variety of industries, they also have an area of practice that is dedicated to the emerging cannabis industry.

Canninteligence – CannIntelligence provides independent, in-depth regulatory and market data and intelligence for the global cannabis and cannabinoid sector.

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals – SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals is a specialist biotechnology company delivering transformative treatments to meet the evolving healthcare needs of medical cannabis patients. The company creates novel treatments that truly engage the power of the cannabis plant to alleviate debilitating chronic conditions.

Fluence – Fluence creates lighting solutions for controlled environment commercial crop production, including cannabis production. Fluence applies the latest research in photobiology, evidence-based design, precise engineering, and advanced technology to foster a healthier and more sustainable cannabis industry.

Little Green Pharma – Little Green Pharma is one of the most recognizable medical cannabis brands in Europe (as well as Australia). The company delivers innovative solutions to world-class operations in both Denmark and Australia.

DEMECAN – DEMECAN is the only independent German company that is permitted to cultivate medicinal cannabis in Germany. The company’s production facility is near Dresden, and the focus of the facility is to ensure the consistently high quality of DEMECAN’s cannabis products.

Weiss Technik – Weiss Technik is a world market leader for environmental simulation systems and a leader in heat technology, climate technology, and pharmaceutical systems.

HAPA Pharm – HAPA Pharm is a German company that operates internationally with a focus on the development, production, and distribution of cannabinoid-containing products.

Cansativa Group – Cansativa is the central platform and partner of the German Cannabis Agency (BfArM). The company helps Germany’s government facilitate medical cannabis transactions.

Cannavigia – Cannavigia is Europe’s pioneer compliance software for businesses to trace, secure, and simplify transactions along the entire cannabis supply network. The company’s proprietary system provides transparency for individual processes, interlinked by modules for the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of goods made of cannabis.

Marry Jane CBD – Marry Jane CBD is a Switzerland-based retailer specializing in CBD products, including flowers, oils, tinctures, cosmetics, and sports gels.

BATHERA – BATHERA is a licensed wholesale medical cannabis company based in Germany. Since 2019, BATHERA has been committed to the responsible trade of medical cannabis for therapeutic purposes and only collaborates with high-quality indoor producers and specialized pharmacies.

Storz and Bickel – Storz and Bickel is the creator of the Volcano, which still ranks as one of the greatest cannabis consumption devices on earth despite being introduced to the world over two decades ago. Storz and Bickel’s products serve as the industry standard for cannabis consumption around the world.

Paradise Seeds – Paradise Seeds was founded by Luc Krol in 1994 in Amsterdam. More than 50 cups have been won by Paradise Seeds in several cannabis cups since 1999, as well as some honorable mentions, such as Plant of the Year 2003 for Sensi Star (High Times magazine).

Boveda – Boveda makes patented two-way humidity control pouches that preserve the rich flavors, delicious aromas, and potent effects of cannabis. The pouches can be stored along with cannabis flower to help extend the cannabis’ shelf life.

420 Pharma – 420 Pharma is a medical cannabis producer in Germany. The company produces its own cannabis brand “420” which includes both flower and full spectrum extracts.

Futurola – Since 1996, Futurola has served as Amsterdam’s leading brand for rolling papers and personal consumption equipment. The company sells products all over the globe, including rolling machines and various other consumption rolling accessories.

CannaMedical – Cannamedical is one of the leading independent licensed pharmaceutical wholesalers in the European Union, specializing in medical cannabis. The company also produces content and the ‘CannaAcademy.’

Huber – Huber is a leading supplier of high-precision temperature control solutions for cannabis research and industry. The company’s products ensure precise temperature control in laboratories and production facilities.

Plagron – Plagron is a reliable producer and global supplier of high-quality substrates, fertilizers, additives, and germination products for both personal and commercial cannabis gardens.

Bedrocan – Bedrocan produces five cannabis products or plant varieties for medicine development, patients, and clinical use. Each cannabis product is standardized according to pharmaceutical standards with a defined active ingredient composition. Every stage of the manufacturing process is GMP-certified (good manufacturing practice).

Tilray – Tilray is a global leader in cannabis research, cultivation, processing, and distribution. The company aspires to lead, legitimize, and define the future of the cannabis industry by building the world’s most trusted cannabis and hemp company. Tilray was the first GMP-certified medical cannabis producer to supply cannabis flower and extract products to tens of thousands of patients, physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, governments, and researchers on five continents.

Sanity Group – Sanity Group, founded in Berlin in 2018 by Finn Age Hänsel and Fabian Friede, includes Vayamed and AVAAY Medical (medicinal cannabis), Endosane Pharmaceuticals (finished pharmaceuticals), Belfry Medical (medical products and digital applications), VAAY (wellbeing) and This Place (natural cosmetics). Near Frankfurt am Main, Sanity Group also operates a production and processing facility for cannabis extracts.

Sensi Seeds – Sensi Seeds pioneered the cannabis seed industry in 1985. Today, the company is the world’s largest cannabis seedbank with over 500 varieties. These genetics and the brand name have become true classics in the cannabis community. Additionally, the Dutch government chose Sensi Seeds genetics to develop the medicinal cannabis supplied by pharmacies.

Canopy Growth – Canopy Growth Corporation is a world-leading diversified cannabis company. Canopy operates a collection of diverse brands and curated strain varieties, supports millions of square feet of indoor greenhouse production capacity, and has partnered with some of the leading names in the sector.

HOMEbox – HOMEbox is the first indoor greenhouse designed in Germany. For over 20 years, customers worldwide have trusted the market leader HOMEbox. With home cultivation legalization on the horizon in Germany, HOMEbox products will likely experience a big spike in demand in the coming years.

Hesi – Hesi is a thriving international company with a global reach including Europe, America, Asia, and South America. The company makes plant aids and soil additives that are mixed, filled, and packed in the company’s production facility in Kerkrade, the Netherlands.

HBI Europe – HBI Europe produces several popular cannabis consumption brands, including RAW, Elements, and Juicy Jay’s, as well as produces various types of scales.

Lux Light – For over 20 years Lux Light International has specialized in the development, production, and marketing of high-valued horticultural lighting solutions. The company product range concentrates on high-quality lamps, complete fixtures, ballasts, and LED modules for the qualitative and economical demands of cannabis cultivation.

Quality Services International (QSI) – QSI is an accredited laboratory with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and experienced, continuously trained specialist staff. The company is certified to carry out GMP analysis of medical cannabis.

Pure Holding AG – Pure Holding AG is among the largest, fully vertically integrated cannabis companies in the European market. It covers the entire value chain of the cannabis industry with its 6 entities – Pure Production, DEOM, Puregene, Pure Pharma, Pure Europe GmbH, and Pure Europe Sàrl.

Canna – Canna produces nutrients and growing media for cannabis plants. The company was founded in the early 1990s, and all its products are scientifically tested before they are launched.

LUX 99 – LUX 99 provides express delivery of medical cannabis products throughout Germany. The 2^nd generation, family-owned company also has two pharmacy locations.

Cannovum Cannabis AG – Cannovum is a fully licensed medical cannabis company with the vision that every patient deserves the best therapy.

German Officials Circulate Draft Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization Bill

Written by Hazel Norman on May 7, 2023. Posted in Policy.

The push to legalize cannabis for adult use in Germany is far from a new thing. To some extent, activists inside and outside of Germany have fought to end prohibition in Germany since the start of prohibition. However, a major milestone in the nation’s legalization efforts came in mid-2021 when a new governing coalition was elected in Germany.

Members of the new coalition made it clear that they would be pursuing adult-use legalization, and since that time the world has waited on pins and needles waiting for any movement on the formal introduction of a measure.

In October 2022, Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach provided an update to the federal cabinet, followed by a press conference earlier this year providing yet another update. Both times Minister Lauterbach hinted at the future introduction of a measure, yet provided no specific dates.

At long last, it appears that Minister Lauterbach has finally introduced a measure, albeit a scaled-back version of what was initially touted back in 2021. According to domestic reporting, the draft measure was submitted and ‘has now been sent to the other ministries for inspection and examination.’

Draft laws are not made public at this juncture, however, if it’s what Minister Karl Lauterbach described in his press conference last month, then quite a few components of the legalization plan are already out there. What Lauterbach previously described involves what ultimately amounts to a three-pronged legalization strategy.

The first phase is legalization as it pertains to individual freedoms, including possession of up to 25 grams, cultivation of up to three plants, and the launch of noncommercial cannabis clubs. The second phase involves the launch of regional adult-use commerce pilot projects.

A third phase, which was not expressly stated as such in Minister Lauterbach’s recent press conference, involves Minister Lauterbach continuing to lobby the European Union to gain its permission for Germany to launch national sales to anyone of legal age.

While the lobbying effort is not officially recognized as a third phase by lawmakers in Germany, effectively, it serves as a third iron in the German legalization fire and will take longer to make into a reality compared to the other two.

For many months I have described Minister Lauterbach as being a political pinball and bouncing back and forth between the EU and Germany. The process is now moving forward domestically, albeit slowly, and that is an exciting thing to think about as Europe’s largest economy inches ever closer to legalization.

Legalization Efforts Receive A Boost In Finland

Written by Hazel Norman on May 1, 2023. Posted in Policy.

Back in October, an initiative was launched in Finland which seeks to legalize cannabis for adult use in the European country. Recently, the initiative crossed the 50,000 signatures mark and will now be considered by lawmakers. Below is an excerpt from the initiative’s text:

We propose to start drafting a law to reverse the illegality of cannabis and replace it with the following:

– The use, possession, subsistence farming, manufacture and sale of cannabis are allowed with age limits.

– Creating a regulatory system for the manufacture and sale of cannabis comparable to other substances, learning from the experience of states and states that have already legalized cannabis. The aim of the regulation is to minimise harm to individuals and society, in the same way as alcohol and tobacco legislation.

– Imposing a tax on cannabis to compensate for the harm it causes to society.

– Clearly define the distinction between intoxicating cannabis and non-intoxicating cannabis, i.e. hemp, so that hemp-growing farmers can operate in their field.

– the removal of entries on cannabis use, as well as criminal records and other similar entries resulting from minor cultivation and sales.

In line with legalization strategies ramping up in Germany and other European nations, the initiative in Finland relies on the logical argument that prohibition is more harmful to public health outcomes than regulation.

“This initiative provides a comprehensive justification for why Finland, too, should replace the Cannabis Prohibition Act with regulation. The regulation of intoxicants must be based on researched information. The Prohibition Act did not bring us a cannabis-free world. Regulation does not bring us a harm-free world of cannabis either, but it can minimise the harm and compensate for the costs.” the initiative states.

Currently, only Finland’s Green Party has publicly expressed support for cannabis legalization, with Green Party member Coel Thomas helping craft the legalization initiative that recently crossed the required signature threshold. Thomas appears to be tempering expectations regarding the initiative’s adoption in the near future while remaining hopeful for the longer term.

“It seems likely that we will have a right-wing conservative government coming in, but even under a centre-right or centre-left government, it’s not likely that we could advance legalisation. I don’t see how it could get a majority of votes,” Thomas explained according to Cannabis Health News. “However, we are starting a conversation in Finland right now, that in my opinion, will most likely lead to the legalisation and regulation of cannabis this decade.”

Recently, for the first time in Finland’s history, a majority of survey respondents (57%) indicated that they felt regular cannabis use was less harmful than binge drinking, as well as a majority of respondents (53%) indicated that they feel that personal cannabis activity should not be a crime.

Legalization Efforts In Guernsey ‘Not Likely To Get UK Royal Assent’

Written by Hazel Norman on April 20, 2023. Posted in Policy.

Guernsey may not be the first place that comes to mind when someone thinks about cannabis policy, however, the self-governing British Crown dependency is home to some ardent cannabis supporters. Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands in the English Channel near the French Coast.

Lawmakers in Guernsey agreed in 2022 to explore the idea of adult-use cannabis reform. Unfortunately, all laws passed by Guernsey’s government must also be approved by the United Kingdom’s Privy Council – a concept known as ‘royal assent.’ It appears that such approval is unlikely, at least at this time. Per excerpts from BBC:

Policy & Resources Committee member Deputy Bob Murray said several departments were examining the issue.

But he added any law was not likely to get UK royal assent “at the moment”.

He said: “One of the hurdles we’ve encountered as we have looked more deeply in cannabis legalisation is getting royal assent in the UK [passed by the King’s Privy Council, which, at the moment, appears very unlikely.”

There is recent precedent regarding cannabis policy, royal assent, and its use to prevent adult-use cannabis legalization pursuits. Bermuda, which is also a British Crown dependency and subject to the royal assent provision, was on a path to making significant cannabis policy reforms last year.

However, all of the progress hit a dead end when the Governor of Bermuda, who is appointed by the United Kingdom, effectively vetoed a cannabis reform measure previously passed by Bermuda lawmakers by refraining from granting royal assent. As with Bermuda, Guernsey should be able to set its own cannabis policies.

New Report Highlights Global Cannabis Industry Investing Trends In 2022

Written by Hazel Norman on April 20, 2023. Posted in Business.

A new data analysis report was recently published involving cannabis industry investing, merger, and acquisition trends from last year. The data analysis study was performed by New Frontier Data and sponsored by Viridian Capital Partners.

Last year was a banner year for the emerging international cannabis industry as a whole, although financial trends varied from market to market. Below are some of the key findings from the recently published data analysis report:

In 2021 virtually every sector of the industry received blockbuster investments, leading to over $12 billion in capital raises; a combination of economic headwinds and dampened expectations for federal action shrank North American capital raises to $4 billion in 2022.
The United States continued to attract the majority of investor capital in 2022, growing as a percentage of total capital raised, from 71.7% in 2021 to 80.6% in 2022.
The United States drove the majority of M&A activity in 2022, growing from 59% of M&A activity in 2021 to 68% in 2022.
Cultivation and retail remained the leading sectors for M&A activity at 57% in 2022; however, the cultivation/retail sector represented 70% of the activity in 2021.
The average size of equity raises decreased 44% from $22.17 million in 2021 to $12.40 million in 2022, whereas the average size of debt raises decreased from $45.72 million in 2021 to $21.48 million in 2022.

“Investors are in the process of recalibrating their strategies for the cannabis market. By bringing together two of the most-trusted cannabis industry data companies, we provided an unbiased view of the current opportunities and challenges,” said Gary Allen, New Frontier Data CEO, in a press release. “Simultaneously, the report offers a sobering view of the capital markets for cannabis business owners who must adjust their own expectations for outside investment to construct healthier businesses.”

“Capital investment and M&A activity in the cannabis industry has become more narrowly focused on those states, countries and operators that have proven management teams, business models, and corporate strategy. This report, buoyed by data from the Viridian Cannabis Deal Tracker, provides the insight and actionable data for investors, lenders and acquirers to make smart capital allocation decisions.” added Scott Greiper, President and Founder of Viridian Capital.

The emerging legal cannabis industry will continue to expand across the globe, with new reforms being pursued and/or implemented in 2023, and in some cases, new markets launching.

Additionally, many existing markets will continue to expand in size throughout the year, and it will be interesting to see how statistics from 2023 compare to 2022 once this calendar year is over and the relevant data is compiled and analyzed.

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South Africa Is Seeking Public Input Regarding Cannabis Reform

Written by Hazel Norman on April 16, 2023. Posted in Policy.

In late 2018, South Africa’s Constitutional Court issued a historic ruling. In a case involving three cannabis consumers facing cannabis charges, South Africa’s top Court determined that cannabis prohibition “intrudes unjustifiably into their private spheres”.

“It will not be a criminal offence for an adult person to use or be in possession of cannabis in private for his or her personal consumption.” stated Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Court’s unanimous decision back in 2018.

Since that time, various lawmakers in South Africa have worked towards the goal of launching a legal, regulated adult-use industry. And while that has yet to happen, progress is being made, albeit slowly, with the latest example of that coming in the form of the South African government seeking public input about a new proposal. Per Business Tech:

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has opened the proposed amendments to the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill for public comments.

The National Assembly is now calling on interested stakeholders to write submissions on the proposed amendments by no later than Friday, 28 April 2023.

Ultimately, the proposed amendments seek to broaden the scope of the bill to include provisions relating to the commercialisation of hemp, the use of cannabis and its production.

The 2018 decision in South Africa has created a large ‘grey’ market that is popular with consumers, but completely unregulated. Similar court decisions were rendered in Mexico in late 2018 and in Italy in late 2019. Similar to South Africa, the grey markets are flourishing in both Mexico and Italy due to languishing regulatory efforts.

Lawmakers would be wise in all of those countries to pass and implement robust cannabis reform measures resulting in the legal cannabis industry being embraced rather than prohibited. All of those countries would benefit from job creation, boosts to local economies, and the public revenue generation that an embraced adult-use industry would yield.