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Czechia’s Cannabis Movement Remains Strong After Recent Political Shakeup

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Earlier this week, Czech Republic National Anti-Drug Coordinator Jindřich Vobořil announced that he had submitted an intent to resign from his position. Local media reported that the resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Petr Fiala and that the resignation would become effective “at the end of August.”

Jindřich Vobořil has served as a top cannabis policy modernization advocate in the Czech Republic in recent years. In October 2022, Vobořil publicly applauded German lawmakers’ push for adult-use legalization in their country after German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach held a press conference announcing provisions of Germany’s proposed legalization model.

Per Radio Prague International at the time:

If national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil’s proposed plan comes into effect in 2024 as he hopes, Czechia could become the second EU country to legalise the recreational use of cannabis. And not only that – it would even go a step further, also making its sale legal. The anti-drug coordinator presented his plan for combatting addiction – which includes the proposal to legalise cannabis – at a press conference this week.

“At the moment, there is a political consensus for me to create this proposal for the regulation of cannabis, a substance which is illegal at the moment. We want to regulate it with the help of the market and we believe that this regulation will be more effective than the current ban.”

“Germany and the Czech Republic go to a regulated market at the same time.” Jindřich Vobořil stated on his Facebook page the same day Minister Lauterbach made his formal presentation in Germany.

“Today, Germany announced through the mouth of its Minister of Health that it is launching the legislative process. It won’t be quite the free market, as some would expect. For example, colleagues from Germany talk about the allowed amount, they do not have cannabis clubs that we are supposed to. I’m pretty sure I want to hold on to cannabis clubs until my last breath. I find this model very useful, at least for the first years.” Vobořil went on to state in his post.

“However, we are in live contact with our colleagues from Germany and have repeatedly confirmed that we want to coordinate ourselves, even practically by consulting each other on our proposals. I will also want their expert assessment of our proposals, which we will prepare in the above mentioned working expert group.” Vobořil also stated in his Facebook post.

According to domestic reporting in the Czech Republic, Vobořil may have been forced to resign due to his push for a regulated cannabis industry.

“His departure was pushed, for example, by the ruling People’s Party and the head of the ANO opposition movement, Andrej Babiš. Vobořil (1966) worked as an anti-drug coordinator from 2010 to 2018. He returned to his post in February 2022.” stated ČTK in its original coverage (translated from Czech to English).

Despite the announced resignation, Vobořil is expected to stay very active in advocating for cannabis policy modernization efforts in the European nation, and the country’s cannabis movement remains strong, with leaked documents reportedly indicating that some domestic lawmakers are still pushing for a regulated cannabis industry.

“The fight to end cannabis prohibition in #Czechia did not end yesterday—quite the contrary!” stated Lukas Hurt, publisher of Magazine Konopí and Cannabis Therapy Magazine, manager of CzecHemp, in a post on LinkedIn. “I am saying to all of you again: with the departure of Jindřich Voboril as national drug coordinator, nothing is over here, on the contrary – everything is at stake now and the implications could be huge for the whole European cannabis movement.”

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Clinical Trial In India Finds Oral CBD Is Safe And Effective At Treating Anxiety

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

International health investigators estimate that about 4% of the world’s human population suffers from some form of anxiety, although, researchers do not know the exact number. Anxiety often goes undiagnosed for various reasons in certain parts of the world so the actual rate may be higher than reported.

Anxiety is often described as involving intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Physical symptoms of anxiety can include a fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and/or fatigue.

Many of the pharmaceutical treatments that are commonly prescribed to anxiety patients involve a long list of possible side effects. Some cases of anxiety are so bad that pharmaceutical treatments don’t even work.

Fortunately, orally administered cannabidiol (CBD) products may be able to help in some cases according to a recent clinical trial conducted in India. Below is more information about the trial’s results via a news release from NORML:

Telangana, India: The administration of oral CBD is safe and effective for patients suffering from mild to moderate anxiety disorders, according to clinical trial data published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.

An international team of investigators assessed the efficacy of 150mg/mL of CBD versus a placebo in a cohort of 178 subjects with anxiety. Patients consumed either CBD or a placebo for 15 weeks.

Researchers reported, “The … CBD oral solution showed therapeutic efficacy, excellent safety, and tolerability in treating not only mild to moderate anxiety disorders, but also associated depression and disturbances in sleep quality with no incidences of withdrawal anxiety upon dose tapering and at the end of the treatment.”

They concluded: “In this Phase III study, … CBD oral solution exhibited superior efficacy in achieving the primary and secondary objectives when compared to the placebo group. … These results pave way for probable prospective use of … CBD … for various psychiatry disorders alone or in conjunction with other drugs.”

The findings are consistent with those of other clinical trials finding that CBD reduces levels of emotional exhaustion, social anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant anxiety disorders.

Full text of the study, “Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution (150 mg/mL) versus placebo in mild to moderate anxiety subjects: A double blind multicenter randomized clinical trial,” appears in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry.

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German Federal Ministry Of Food And Agriculture Publishes Draft Industrial Hemp Bill

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

According to the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has published a draft industrial hemp bill that would modernize policies pertaining to the cultivation and handling of industrial hemp in Germany.

“The aim of the planned Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act (NLG) is to eliminate legal uncertainties and create new fields of activity in the industrial hemp sector. The draft deletes the intoxication clause (“abuse clause”) and allows the indoor cultivation of industrial hemp. This is intended to promote sustainable raw materials and support climate protection. However, the regulation excludes the consumption of cannabis products for intoxication purposes.” BvCW stated in an email this week (translated from German to English).

“The plan is intended to provide greater legal certainty and more fields of activity for the industrial hemp sector. Cannabis products intended for consumption for intoxicating purposes, so-called edibles, will not be permitted under the Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act.” the measure states (translated from German to English).

“The plan will in particular remove the so-called abuse clause and eliminate the associated legal uncertainty when dealing with industrial hemp. In addition, the indoor cultivation of industrial hemp will be permitted as a new field of activity.” the measure also states.

The Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act also points out that “there are no alternatives to the plan, because agricultural subsidies such as direct payments from the European Union for areas on which industrial hemp is grown have not led to the hoped-for increase in the area under cultivation in Germany.”

“In order to promote industrial hemp in Germany, the possibilities for cultivation must be expanded and the requirements for handling industrial hemp must be relaxed.” the bill’s text states.

In May 2024 at the last parliamentary evening in the House of Agriculture and Food Industry, Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) spoke publicly in favor of modernizing Germany’s hemp policies. Part of Minister Özdemir’s public statements included the announcement of the abolition of the intoxication clause.

“Imagine if dealers and producers of non-alcoholic beer were subjected to raids and punished because they could distill a schnapps from the remaining alcohol. In practice, such a complex extraction does not take place with industrial hemp,” said BvCW managing director Jürgen Neumeyer at the time. “This senseless noise clause has increasingly led to economic damage and bankruptcies in recent years. The abolition is urgently needed and we are therefore very pleased! This is an important step towards re-establishing the German industrial hemp industry. We look forward to a draft from the BMEL and will continue to support the parliamentary process constructively.”

Cannabis advocates have long pushed for this type of reform, including in the lead-up to the passage of the new CanG bill. Unfortunately, opponents were able to maintain the status quo under the premise that consumers could make intoxicating products out of hemp.

“If access to THC-containing flowers is to be made possible through clubs and home cultivation anyway, why should anyone go to the trouble of extracting low doses of THC from CBD flowers for several hours in their own home workshop?” Krautinvest.de pointed out in its initial reporting.

“Speaking at the International Cannabis Business Conference Berlin last year, industry veteran and President of EIHA Daniel Kruse said: “I would simply cancel this clause. All stakeholders will advocate for its abolition.” Business of Cannabis stated in its initial reporting.

“The debate about the ‘misuse of hemp’ needs to be brought to an end. Hemp has huge potential if the clause is abolished. Industrial hemp would lead to more sales than medical and recreational put together in Germany.” Daniel Kruse also stated at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin.

According to BvCW, the Industrial Hemp Liberalization Act “is now being coordinated between departments, so statements on this can probably be submitted soon. The BvCW is now preparing a statement on this.”

In addition to causing headaches in Germany, the lack of comprehensive hemp and CBD industry reform has also caused similar issues throughout Europe.

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Cannabis Cultivation Associations Moving Forward In Lower Saxony

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Cannabis cultivation associations appear to be moving forward in Lower Saxony, with local media outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reporting that Agriculture Minister Miriam Staudte delivered the first approved permit to “Cannabis Social Club Ganderkesee” (translated from German to English) in the district of Oldenburg.

“With regard to consumer protection, it is clear to me: By allowing cultivation by associations, risks posed by illegally sold cannabis, such as excessive THC levels, can be avoided.” stated Minister Staudte according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

So far, 45 cannabis cultivation associations have registered to start applying for a permit in Lower Saxony, 16 of which have reportedly completed their applications. Cannabis cultivation associations became legal in Germany as of July 1st, although bureaucratic issues hampered an immediate rollout.

North Rhine-Westphalia is another area of Germany that is already accepting applications for cannabis cultivation associations, albeit “only a few” so far according to local reporting from ASB Zeitung.

“In North Rhine-Westphalia, a few Cannabis growing associations filed applications for permits starting July 1st, as revealed by a dpa survey of the responsible district administrations.” stated ASB Zeitung.

“According to a spokesperson, the first applications have been submitted in the Regierungsbezirk Duesseldorf, but a specific number could not yet be named by the authority. Three applications have been filed at the Bezirksregierung Köln by Tuesday, and one in Detmold. At the Bezirksregierung Arnsberg, there were initially “three incomplete applications,” according to a spokesperson. The Bezirksregierung Münster reported no applications yet.” ASB Zeitung also stated.

German cannabis cultivation associations have to adhere to various rules, including limiting membership to a maximum of 500 members and restricting sales to 50 grams per member a month (30 grams for members 18-20 years old). Clubs will also be permitted to sell cannabis clones and seeds.

In a recent nationwide survey conducted in Germany by Pronova BKK, 44% of self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers indicated that they plan to join one of the country’s cannabis cultivation associations once they launch in their respective jurisdictions. Another 27% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also indicated that they plan to join an association.

The Pronova BKK survey involved 1,000 people in Germany aged 18 and over and was conducted in May 2024. The survey also determined the following (translated from German to English) about Germany’s cannabis consumer base:

  • Over a quarter of Germans consume cannabis at least occasionally, and one in ten consumes it weekly
  • More than half of Generation Z consumes cannabis at least occasionally
  • For a third of cannabis consumers, legalization does not influence consumption behavior
  • Among younger respondents under 45 years of age, one in ten has increased consumption since legalization
  • Eight percent of non-users are considering growing their own cannabis at home

Among self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers participating in the survey, 51% selected “Yes, I can imagine having my own cannabis to grow at home” when asked about home cultivation. Another 40% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also selected that option in the survey.

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Germany’s Medical Cannabis Industry Is Booming

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Germany’s emerging medical cannabis industry was already the largest in Europe before the nation’s new CanG law took effect. However, since April 1st, 2024 when the first provisions of adult-use legalization became effective in Germany, the nation’s medical cannabis industry has already grown exponentially.

“Since April 1, the medical cannabis market has almost doubled in Germany,” says David Henn, CEO of the medical cannabis wholesaler Cannamedical, per original reporting by ntv.de.

The recent growth in Germany’s medical cannabis industry is also evident in new data published by Bloomwell Group. The brokerage service company ‘provides both doctors and pharmacies with a digital platform for medical cannabis.’ The company reported a “1,000 percent” increase in business since legalization started in Germany.

A main contributing factor to the recent growth of Germany’s medical cannabis industry was the removal of cannabis from the nation’s Narcotics List, which was a key component of the new CanG law. The removal of cannabis from the list made it easier for doctors to prescribe cannabis in Germany, in addition to improving the medical cannabis supply chain and boosting domestic medical cannabis production.

Medical cannabis is arguably the biggest winner of Germany’s adult-use policy modernization effort so far, and the boost in patient numbers is still very much in the early stages. Prior to April 1st, researchers estimated that Germany had between 200k and 300k active medical cannabis patients. That number is projected to increase to as much as 5 million in the not-so-distant future.

A February 2024 market analysis by Zuanic & Associates determined that if 1% of Germany’s population (roughly 838,000 people) became cash-paying medical cannabis patients, the German medical market ‘could reach €1.7Bn in value by the end of 2025.’ If current trends persist, the 1% threshold could be surpassed far earlier.

The legal German cannabis market is projected to reach an estimated $4.6 billion in value by 2034 according to a recent market analysis by researchers at The Niche Research, which is an impressive sum. However, if Germany’s medical cannabis industry continues to increase at its current rate, the projection could prove to be too conservative as time goes on.

Germany’s medical cannabis industry boom is paralleled by a dramatic increase in the nation’s ancillary cannabis industry, and that increase is having a butterfly effect on other parts of Europe. A recent survey by YouGov found that 7% of surveyed German adults have already purchased cannabis seeds or clones, and another 11% reported that they will in the future.

In a separate nationwide survey conducted in Germany by Pronova BKK, among self-reported ‘regular’ cannabis consumers participating in the survey, 51% selected “Yes, I can imagine having my own cannabis to grow at home” when asked about home cultivation. Another 40% of ‘occasional’ cannabis consumers also selected that option in the survey.

Cannabis seed banks across Europe have reported a significant sales spike due to German home cultivation legalization, and presumably the same is true for companies specializing in home cultivation equipment.

Cannabis opponents in Germany are pointing to the increased size of the nation’s medical cannabis industry and trying to use it to justify their prohibitionist positions. What those opponents fail to recognize is that a boost in patient numbers is not indicative of a ‘broken system.’ Rather, it is a testament to the cannabis plant’s wellness properties and the evolving attitudes of medical professionals.

According to tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies, countless patient testimonials, and the professional opinions of licensed medical doctors throughout Germany, cannabis is a safe, effective medication that can treat numerous ailments and conditions. Suffering patients deserve to have safe access to therapies that their doctors deem appropriate, and that includes medical cannabis therapies.

Germany’s new medical cannabis policies are working exactly as they should be, regardless of the fear-mongering talking points that cannabis opponents choose to cling to.

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Navigating Germany’s Booming Cannabis Market: A Guide for International Companies

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Policy.

The excitement surrounding cannabis in Germany is palpable. With the current government coalition decriminalizing and rescheduling the plant, a wealth of opportunities has arisen for both domestic and international organizations. Events like the International Cannabis Business Conference and Mary Jane Berlin are buzzing with activity, setting new attendance records. However, navigating the German market requires a nuanced understanding of the current regulations to avoid potential pitfalls.

To assist international companies aiming to enter this vibrant market, the largest German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW – Branchenverband der Cannabiswirtschaft, www.cannabiswirtschaft.de) has introduced a specialized format. This initiative is designed to provide critical information and support for businesses looking to establish a presence in Germany. With its comprehensive focus on all aspects of cannabis—medicinal, recreational, and industrial—the BvCW is uniquely positioned to offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape.

Why Germany?

“We understand that there are many eyes on Germany at the moment,” states Dirk Heitepriem, president of the BvCW. “Since April 1st, many opportunities have opened up for international companies looking to sell products and services in Germany! We receive numerous inquiries daily from industry colleagues worldwide. Our goal is to provide them with a platform that will guide them through the process, helping them find the right stepping stones while avoiding inherent traps.”

Key Developments and Opportunities

Benjamin Patock, a member of the Executive Board, adds, “A lot has changed. Access to cannabis as a medicine is easier than ever. Additionally, we are witnessing a significant boom in the recreational home-growing market, with the first cannabis clubs on the horizon. However, some opportunities remain exclusive to EU member states at this point.”

Introducing the BvCW International Briefing

To keep international companies well-informed, the BvCW will host the “BvCW International Briefing” quarterly via Zoom. These sessions will cover recent policy changes, current opportunities and risks, and expected regulatory developments. Participation is free of charge upon registration.

Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your company is well-prepared to tap into Germany’s expanding cannabis market. Register now to join the BvCW International Briefing and gain the insights needed for a successful entry.

For more information and to register, visit

www.cannabiswirtschaft.de/intlbriefing

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Older UK Patients Respond Favorably To Medical Cannabis Products

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

It is no secret that as humans age they experience health conditions at an increasing rate. As the saying goes, Father Time is undefeated. However, there are therapeutic strategies that older individuals can incorporate to help alleviate some ailments that occur as we age.

Medical cannabis therapies are an option for aging patients, with medical cannabis products increasing in popularity among senior citizens across the globe, including in the United Kingdom.

A team of researchers in the United Kindom recently conducted a study involving older patients and medical cannabis. Many of the study’s participants reported improvements after medical cannabis use. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML:

London, United Kingdom: Older patients report experiencing better health and well-being following their use of medical cannabis preparations, according to data published in the journal Drugs & Aging.

British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) consisting of either flower or oil extracts in a cohort of patients ages 65 and older. (British specialists are permitted to prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Study participants primarily suffered from chronic pain. Patients consumed cannabis products for three months.

Consistent with the findings of other observational studies, older patients reported “significant improvements” following cannabis use, including “substantial reductions” in pain severity.

The study’s authors concluded: “There were consistent improvements across measures of general health and well-being after three months of treatment. … These findings accord with a growing body of observational and real-world evidence from jurisdictions that have legalized medicinal cannabis that cannabis is effective for improving sleep, mood and quality of health across multiple primary conditions.”

Israeli data published in 2022 similarly reported quality-of-life improvements in medical cannabis patients. Among patients with post-traumatic stress, 91 percent reported that cannabis treatment was a success, as did 84 percent of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and 78 percent of patients with chronic pain.

According to statistics published in The Journals of Gerontology, more than one-third of those age 65 or older take five or more pharmaceuticals daily.

Full text of the study, “Prescribed medical cannabis use among older individuals: Patient characteristics and improvements in well-being: Findings from T21,” appears in Drugs & Aging. Additional information is available from the NORML Fact Sheet, ‘Cannabis Use by Older Populations.’

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Nearly All Surveyed Australian Patients Report Improvements After Using Medical Cannabis

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Science.

Humans have a long history with the cannabis plant, having harnessed the cannabis plant’s wellness properties for many centuries prior to cannabis prohibition policies taking effect around the world.

Thankfully, cannabis policy modernization efforts have spread across the globe in recent decades, particularly medical cannabis reforms. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from Ukraine and France, and published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, 57 countries have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

A recent survey was conducted in Australia in which medical cannabis patients were asked about the effectiveness of their medical cannabis therapies. The results of the survey were encouraging. Below is more information about the results of the survey via a news release from NORML:

Sydney, Australia: Adults who consume cannabis to treat a medical condition overwhelmingly say that it improves their symptoms, according to survey data published in the Harm Reduction Journal.

Researchers surveyed over 3,300 Australian adults who self-identified as medical cannabis consumers. Seventy-three percent of respondents said that they primarily consumed prescription cannabis products. (Australian law permits physicians to prescribe cannabis products to patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.) Twenty-seven percent of respondents acknowledged accessing cannabis, primarily from the unregulated market.

Survey participants predominantly consumed either cannabis flower or oral extracts. Patients typically used cannabis to address pain, mood disorders, or sleep disorders.

Ninety-seven percent of those surveyed said that their condition “was a little, much, or very much better since starting medical cannabis,” – a finding that is consistent with the results of prior surveys and observational trials.

Those respondents who used authorized cannabis products were more likely to be aware of the percentage of THC and other cannabinoids in their products. They were also more likely to either vaporize cannabis or consume oral extracts.

The most frequently reported side effects from cannabis were dry mouth, increased appetite, and drowsiness.

The study’s authors reported: “The results … further underline the dramatic recent increase in the proportion of people using legally prescribed rather than illicitly sourced medical cannabis. … Among these dual-users, respondents were far more likely to prefer prescribed medical cannabis for its consistency of dose, ease of getting supplies, effectiveness in treating their condition, better side-effects profile, and reduced risk of legal issues. This highlights the benefits to patients of being able to access medical cannabis of known potency through legal channels rather than having to obtain it from illicit sources.”

They concluded: “Both prescribed and illicit users overwhelmingly endorsed the effectiveness of their medical cannabis in treating their main health condition. … Further high-quality clinical trials and stronger research evidence is required to establish the role of different medical cannabis preparations in treating the wide array of conditions for which medical cannabis is being used.”

Full text of the study, “Medical cannabis use in Australia seven years after legalization: Findings from the online Cannabis as Medicine Survey 2022-2023 (CAMS-22),” appears in the Harm Reduction Journal.

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Thailand Committee Votes To Reclassify Cannabis As A Narcotic Effective January 1st

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The wild cannabis public policy ride continues in Thailand where a key committee voted this week to officially reclassify cannabis and hemp as a narcotic in the country. Thailand adopted a historic cannabis reform measure in June 2022 that removed cannabis from the nation’s narcotics list.

Starting January 1st, 2025, cannabis will be reclassified as a narcotic in Thailand according to the committee-approved plan, and not just cannabis varieties that are high in THC. Even floral hemp that is low in THC will be classified as a narcotic in Thailand. Per excerpts from Bangkok Post:

The resolution stated that cannabis and hemp are to be regarded as narcotic plants except for their branches, roots and seeds. Cannabis buds and any materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also be classified as narcotics.

“If the Office of the Narcotic Control Board agrees with our conclusion, the next step will be for the Food and Drug Administration to amend any cannabis-related laws and set up criteria for how the plants can be used.

The potential law reversal in Thailand comes at a time when cannabis policy modernization efforts are gaining momentum in other parts of the world. The first provisions of Germany’s adult-use legalization law took effect on April 1st, 2024, and South Africa recently adopted a limited recreational cannabis legalization measure the following month.

In addition to Germany and South Africa, cannabis is also legal for adult use in Uruguay (2013), Canada (2018), Malta (2021), and Luxembourg (2023). Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and nearly half of the states in the U.S. have approved recreational cannabis legalization measures.

Thailand’s expected policy change serves as a sobering reminder to cannabis advocates around the world that there is still a considerable amount of work to do in order to not only ensure that harmful cannabis prohibition policies are eliminated, but also, that the policy changes remain in place.