Policy – Page 13 – International Cannabis Business Conference

All Doctors In Czechia Can Now Prescribe Medicinal Cannabis

Written by Hazel Norman on April 1, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Starting today, all licensed doctors in the Czech Republic can now prescribe medical cannabis therapies to suffering patients. Previously, only specialist doctors could prescribe medical cannabis.

“All general practitioners (GPs) in Czechia are from today, April 1, authorized to prescribe medical cannabis to patients suffering from chronic pain, marking a significant shift in accessibility for the drug.” reported Expats CZ in its local coverage.

“Until now, only specialists—of whom there are approximately 250—could issue prescriptions for medical cannabis. Under the new regulation, GPs will be able to provide prescriptions, simplifying access for patients dealing with long-term health conditions.” the outlet also stated.

The medical cannabis public policy change will help improve safe access to cannabis therapies in the European nation. The change in who can prescribe legal medical cannabis in Czechia is now in line with many other countries around the world. Medical cannabis was first legalized in Czechia in 2013.

Starting in July of this year, the Czech Republic will regulate sales of cannabis containing up to one percent THC. The public policy change will also involve permitting regulated sales of kratom.

“The regulation focuses on substances deemed to pose low public health and social risks based on current scientific evidence. These include Kratom and kratom extracts, known for their stimulant and pain-relieving effects; cannabis with up to 1 percent THC, a low-potency form of cannabis with minimal psychoactive effects.” reported Expats CZ in its local coverage.

“Cannabis extracts and tinctures with up to 1 percent THC are also included.” Expats CZ also reported. Low-THC cannabis products will be permitted to be sold in licensed stores starting this summer in Czechia, although certain forms of commerce, such as automated vending machines, remain prohibited.

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Germany Marks One Year Anniversary Of Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on April 1, 2025. Posted in Policy.

One year ago today, Germany enacted its historic national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The CanG law was not only historic for Germany but also the international cannabis community and industry. Germany was not the first country to adopt a national legalization measure, but its recreational policy modernization enactment is the most significant out of the legalized nations.

Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume a personal amount of cannabis. The goal of the new approach to personal cannabis freedoms was to boost Germany’s public health outcomes by affording adults a legal way to produce their cannabis instead of relying solely on unregulated sources for cannabis.

Additionally, by no longer enforcing failed prohibition policies, the new CanG law alleviated a significant burden on Germany’s criminal justice system. The CanG law also removed cannabis from Germany’s Narcotics List, which has dramatically boosted safe access to medical cannabis in the European nation. Reflecting on the last year, members of Germany’s emerging legal cannabis industry are offering up positive reviews.

“The partial legalization of cannabis in Germany is a paradigm shift that has provided economic stimulus, improved patient care, strengthened consumer protection, and created new research opportunities. The next step should finally be to remove the nonsensical “intoxication clause” for industrial hemp and approve scientific model projects for regulated distribution.” stated Dirk Heitepriem, President of the BvCW, in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“The Cannabis Act is a complete success. Despite difficult conditions, it marks a true paradigm shift – with noticeable relief for the judiciary and police, significantly improved access to medical cannabis, and an effective curbing of the black market through home cultivation and legal alternatives.” stated Jürgen Bickel, founder and managing director of Storz & Bickel GmbH (translated from German to English).

“A majority of the population supports the law. Those who want to reverse it now aren’t acting on evidence, but on ideological grounds. Let’s finally let the numbers and facts speak for themselves – not old prejudices.” Bickel also stated.

Two other major components of the CanG law, in addition to personal freedoms, are permitting cultivation associations to operate and to launch regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. To date, at least 133 cultivation association applications have been approved, with hundreds more currently in the review process, and the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food has started reviewing 26 applications for cannabis pilot projects (per BvCW’s recent newsletter).

“Attorney Kai-Friedrich Niermann points out that, according to the law, applications must be processed within three months and that, if the deadline is exceeded, legal action for failure to act is possible, but in practice, these actions are not very effective. Finn Age Hänsel, CEO of the Sanity Group, emphasizes that the BLE will review applications independently of political decisions as long as the regulation remains in force.” BvCW stated in its newsletter (translated from German to English).

To be fair, Germany’s cannabis legalization law is not perfect. However, that is true of every single cannabis legalization model found elsewhere on the planet. Uruguay, which became the first nation to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2013, is still making improvements to its law. The same is true for states like Colorado and Washington in the U.S., both of which adopted legalization in 2012.

Germany needs to make further improvements to its law and implementation, but what the nation has accomplished in the last year is undeniably better than the prohibition policies of the past, and that is definitely worth celebrating.

Moldova Issues First Authorization For Hemp Production

Written by Hazel Norman on March 24, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Hemp policy and regulatory modernization is sweeping across the globe, with a recent example being in the European nation of Moldova where the government has issued its first authorization for legal hemp cultivation.

“Moldova has officially entered the industrial hemp sector, issuing its first authorization for hemp cultivation under new regulations that open the door for fiber and seed production.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage. “The approval, granted by the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices through its Standing Committee on Drug Control, marks a significant step in the country’s agricultural policy.

“The move follows recent government amendments to laws regulating plants containing narcotic or psychotropic substances, which now define industrial hemp separately from marijuana. Under the new framework, farmers can grow hemp varieties listed in the Moldovan National Plant Variety Catalog, the EU’s Common Catalog of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species, or national catalogs of EU member states.” the outlet also stated.

Humans have made use of the hemp plant for various purposes for thousands of centuries. It wasn’t until the 1900s that policies prohibiting hemp production and use were enacted.

Thankfully, more governments are getting on the right side of history and allowing aspiring members of the legal hemp industry to cultivate hemp and use it as a source for medical products and adult-use products, in addition to using hemp for creating numerous textiles.

Australian Government Report Recommends Cannabis Reform

Written by Hazel Norman on March 24, 2025. Posted in Policy.

A government committee in Victoria, Australia is recommending that personal cannabis cultivation and possession be decriminalized in the jurisdiction. The recommendation is similar to the public policy approach that is already in place in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The cross-party parliamentary group in Victoria is an eight-member council focused on legal and social issues. The committee concluded that the local government should “draw on the experience of the ACT” and adopt a “new approach” to cannabis policy.

“This Report from the Legal and Social Issues Committee examines a Bill introduced in the Legislative Council by the Legalise Cannabis Party, to regulate the personal use of cannabis in Victoria.” stated the report titled Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023.

“During this Inquiry, the Committee engaged with stakeholders through submissions and consultations. It visited Canberra on 11 February 2025 to better understand the impact of the ACT’s Drugs of Dependence (Personal Cannabis Use) Amendment Act 2019. The Committee also spoke with a range of stakeholders at a public hearing on 14 February 2025.” the report also stated.

The report determined the following after examining the impact of cannabis policy modernization in the ACT:

Stable cannabis use: Cannabis use rates have remained stable, with no significant increase since the reforms. ACT residents remain less likely to have used cannabis recently than the national average.
Decrease in cannabis offences: Charges for cannabis offences and police diversions have declined significantly, reflecting the intended shift towards treating
cannabis use as a health issue rather than a criminal justice matter.
No increase in health issues: Cannabis‑related ambulance callouts and hospital admissions have shown no substantial changes since the Act’s implementation.

The 146-page report concluded by offering nine findings and seven recommendations for Victoria’s government to consider. The government now has six months to respond to the report.

Action Gets Delayed On Italy’s Restrictive Hemp Laws

Written by Hazel Norman on March 23, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

For centuries the hemp plant and its varied uses were fairly limited to textiles. While the practice of incorporating hemp into medicinal applications is thousands of years old, it wasn’t as widespread in use compared to using hemp to make things like rope and paper.

In recent years, hemp-derived products for medical patients and consumers have increased significantly. ‘Cannabis light’ products in Europe, which contain low amounts of THC and typically larger amounts of CBD, are very popular and widespread in many places, including in Italy.

Unfortunately, lawmakers in Italy have tried to hinder the nation’s emerging hemp-derived product sector, having issued a decree last year that equates cannabidiol (CBD) with dangerous narcotic substances. The decree sought to limit the sale of CBD products to pharmacies only (non-repeat prescriptions).

Members of Italy’s CBD industry have sought relief from the European Commission, requesting that the European Commission intervene. However, such an intervention has yet to materialize, and action from the EC is being delayed.

“Brussels has delayed addressing Italy’s restrictive measures on industrial hemp and CBD, with stakeholders warning that the holdup is stifling the country’s growing hemp industry, following a March 17 debate in the European Parliament.” reported Hemp Today in its original coverage.

“The conflict centers on two key Italian measures that have raised alarms among hemp advocates: a proposed amendment to the country’s Security Law and a decree that classifies oral CBD products as narcotics. The amendment, still under consideration in Italy’s Senate, would ban the production and trade of hemp flowers and derivatives, even those with THC content below the EU’s permitted 0.3% threshold.” the outlet also reported.

Until the European Commission makes a firm decision in either direction, Italy’s hemp and CBD industries will continue to remain in a state of limbo.

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Luxembourg Cannabis Use Survey Provides Insight

Written by Hazel Norman on March 23, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Luxembourg became the second country in Europe to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization law when lawmakers approved the public policy change in 2023. Malta became the first nation in Europe to adopt national legalization in 2021.

At the time of Luxembourg’s approval, the European nation was the fourth legalized country on the planet, with Uruguay becoming the first legalized country in 2013 followed by Canada in 2018. Germany has also since legalized cannabis for adult use, as has South Africa (both in 2024).

Luxembourg’s model is the most restrictive of the countries that have adopted a national legalization measure. Adults in Luxembourg can cultivate up to four plants in their private residences, however, they can only possess up to three grams of cannabis, and sourcing models like cultivation associations and pilot trials remain prohibited.

According to a poll that market research firm ILRES recently conducted on behalf of Luxembourg’s Health Ministry, nearly half of residents in Luxembourg have consumed cannabis at least one time in their lives.

“46.3% of Luxembourg residents have tried cannabis at some point in their life, the ILRES poll released Monday estimates. That includes 14.2% who have used the drug in the past year and 7.8% in the past month.” stated Luxembourg Times in its local reporting.

“Although just under seven in ten people growing cannabis at home said they started cultivating after it became legal, they still amounted to just 11.5% of recent cannabis users.” the outlet also stated.

Legal Cannabis Supply Changes Coming To The Netherlands Next Month

Written by Hazel Norman on March 22, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

The Netherlands is home to multiple regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. The pilot trials involve permitting limited recreational cannabis sales at a local level for policymakers and regulators to be able to gather industry research data for later use.

Currently, the participating pilot trial retail outlets can source their cannabis products from non-legal sources. However, that is going to change starting next month when all products for the pilot trials have to be sourced from legal suppliers.

“As of April 7, coffeeshops in the ten participating municipalities will no longer be allowed to sell illegally sourced cannabis, marking the most substantial shift in the Netherlands’ drug policy in decades.” stated NL Times in its local coverage.

“Under the new system, all cannabis must come from government-approved growers. Minister of Justice and Security Van Weel said he expects the “quantity, quality, and diversity” of legally grown cannabis to be sufficient by the deadline to meet consumer demand.” the outlet also reported.

Cannabis pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands in Breda, Tilburg, Arnhem, Almere, Groningen, Heerlen, Hellevoetsluis, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Zaanstad. A proposal to expand the cannabis trials to include the Amsterdam-Oost district was previously denied by members of the Netherlands Parliament.

A poll conducted in April 2024 found that 60% of residents in the Netherlands support having a regulated cannabis industry.

German Coalition Calls For Scientifically Supported Cannabis Distribution

Written by Johnny Green on March 19, 2025. Posted in Policy.

In an open letter to Germany’s Bundestag, a coalition of more than 30 organizations comprised of scientists, industry members, politicians, and associations called for the launch of scientifically supported model cannabis distribution projections, also commonly referred to as pilot trials.

“The goal is to create a reliable database for future regulatory steps and to objectify the debate. The initiators argue that regulated distribution could strengthen both health protection and economic opportunities.” the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW), who was a signer of the open letter, stated in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“According to representative surveys , a majority of the population wants specialized cannabis stores. Scientific pilot projects for dispensing cannabis could represent a first step toward this goal. Therefore, we support and sign this open letter to the German Bundestag.” stated the German Hemp Association (DHV) on its website (translated from German to English).

Below is the coalition’s full language (translated) of their joint open letter to members of Germany’s Bundestag:

Despite cannabis being illegal for many years, initial surveys have provided insight into the prevalence of consumption. According to recent studies, 10% of adults (one in ten) have consumed cannabis in the last twelve months. Cannabis remains the most commonly consumed (and largely illegal) substance in the EU. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and reliable data on cannabis consumption and its social and economic impacts.

This knowledge gap makes it difficult to make a well-founded assessment of the overall situation and its consequences. It leads to emotional debates rather than objective decision-making. The Consumption Cannabis Act (KCanG) has essentially legalized the consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes, but its implementation presents considerable practical challenges. While consumption is legal, acquisition outside of cultivation associations remains prohibited. This discrepancy between theory and practice illustrates the complexity of the issue and underscores the need and opportunity for a well-founded, data-based approach to future political decisions in the area of cannabis regulation.

Evidence-based discussion instead of ideology

The importance of academic freedom as a foundation for progress and innovation is clearly emphasized in the exploratory paper of the CDU, CSU, and SPD. It emphasizes that academic freedom, enshrined in the Basic Law, must not only be protected but is also a key prerequisite for independent research and the acquisition of new knowledge—free from political ideology.

In light of the upcoming decisions regarding drug policy in the new legislative period, we ask you to continue to facilitate regionally and time-limited, scientifically supported cannabis research projects. These projects offer a historic opportunity to create a robust database for fact-based discussions and responsible decision-making – for the benefit of the health and safety of our citizens, to promote our economy, and to preserve our innovative strength.

Such open-ended studies allow for the much-discussed issues surrounding recreational cannabis to be examined on a small scale and for data-driven models to be developed that demonstrate how safety, government control, and economic growth are compatible. The goal should be to replace the ideological debate with facts in order to objectify this charged topic. Scientifically supported research projects are not intended to create incentives for consumption, but rather to research existing consumption and make it safer.

Controlled research and evaluation

What do such consumer cannabis research projects look like? Scientists have already developed diverse, regionally tailored research approaches. When designing the studies, international research approaches and findings from ongoing studies abroad, such as in Switzerland, were considered and integrated into the study designs.

By testing different dispensing models in a controlled manner (such as dispensing through pharmacies in one region and specialized stores in another), we fully exploit the potential for innovation and knowledge. Diversity instead of one-size-fits-all solutions enables the necessary comparison to determine, for example, which regulation provides the highest level of youth protection or the best health outcomes.

Independent scientific monitoring ensures that we can learn from every research approach. It is important that the research projects are regionally and time-limited, closely evaluated and monitored, and digital monitoring of the supply chain is ensured. Naturally, only quality-assured cannabis products are distributed in these controlled research projects, which also has positive effects on health protection: controlled THC levels, warnings, accompanying education for study participants, and quality-tested goods, in stark contrast to the frequently contaminated products on the illegal market, as an analysis of street cannabis from 30 German cities shows.

Economic opportunities

The controlled distribution of cannabis within the framework of research projects offers not only scientific insights, but also tangible economic benefits. Already, around 4.5 million adults in Germany consume cannabis for recreational purposes at least once a year and spend approximately €4 billion annually on it – money that currently flows largely untaxed into the coffers of the illegal market players, who must be combated.

A regulated distribution within the framework of research projects would channel at least a portion of these funds into legal channels. Legal distribution points could generate (tax) revenue, a portion of which could flow directly into prevention programs and youth protection. Furthermore, new jobs subject to social security contributions in science and industry could contribute to regional value creation.

Research institutions and municipalities are ready to go

Several German cities, including Frankfurt am Main, Hanover, and several Berlin districts, as well as more rural communities, renowned scientists, addiction support experts, and innovative companies are already lined up and willing to take responsibility for testing new solutions. We are united by the goal of reducing existing risks (e.g., from the consumption of contaminated products from the illegal market), offering low-threshold support to those seeking help, educating users, and researching the displacement of the illegal market and the scientific potential of a legal market.

This willingness to innovate must be harnessed. Germany has the opportunity to generate new knowledge through exemplary approaches. This knowledge will also be recognized internationally—we can assume a pioneering role in Europe by boldly but carefully pursuing new paths.

Appeal

Dear decision-makers, freedom of research is enshrined in Article 5 of our Basic Law. The planned projects represent nothing other than applied research into drug policy and its associated impacts on internal security, organized crime, and the protection of minors and health.

We appeal to you, also in light of the exploratory paper mentioned above, to recognize the importance of these research projects. This is not about ideological symbolism, but rather a pragmatic, knowledge-based approach that combines both economic rationality with the health and safety of citizens.

Please advocate for the rapid and unbiased implementation of scientifically supported commercial distribution of recreational cannabis in selected regions. Allow scientists to collect the data you need for informed policy decisions.

We – experts from politics and law, science and medicine, associations and industry – are ready to support you with our know-how.

Sincerely,
the undersigned

March 2025

List of more than 30 signatories from politics and law, science and medicine, associations and industry:

Arcaden Pharmacy OHG
Cannabis Industry Association e. V.
Federal Working Group of Cannabis Cultivation Associations (BCAv)
Cannabis Cultivation Association Hannover eV
Cannabis Cooperative Hannover eGiG
Cannabis Social Club Hannover eV
Cansativa GmbH
Canymed GmbH
Cimander, Dr. med. Dipl.-Chem. Konrad F., Addiction Medicine Specialist, Competence Center for Cannabis Medicine
Demecan GmbH
German Academy for Holistic Pain Therapy
German Hemp Association
Dr. Cannabis Academy
Enua Pharma GmbH
Four 20 Pharma GmbH
Gottschling, Prof. Dr. med. Sven, specialist in pediatrics and pediatric hematology and oncology, Saarland University Hospital, Dr. Cannabis Academy, German Academy for Holistic Pain Therapy
Haucap, Professor Dr. Justus, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
LEAP – Law Enforcement against Prohibition Germany eV
Müller-Vahl, Prof. Dr. Kirsten R., Specialist in Psychiatry and Neurology, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School
New Judges’ Association – Association of Judges
and Public Prosecutors
Lower Saxony Cannabis Cultivation Associations NICA eV
Niermann, Kai-Friedrich, Attorney at Law
Peschel, Dr. Thomas, Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Patrida Diamorphine Treatment Berlin
Sanity Group GmbH
Schmidt-Semisch, Prof. Dr. Henning, Department 11: Human and Health Sciences Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen
Steinmetz, Dr. Fabian, Regulatory Toxicologist
Stöver, Prof. Dr. Heino, Social science addiction researcher
TMG Media Group
Association of Cannabis Supplying Pharmacies
Vigia AG/Cannavigia
Voitl, Elke, Head of the Department for Social Affairs and Health of the City of Frankfurt am Main
Wurth, Georg, Expert

European Commission Clarifies Hemp-Derived CBD Is Permitted In Cosmetics

Written by Hazel Norman on March 17, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

The hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) market is increasing in size and value with every passing year, including the cosmetics sector. Just the skincare subsector of the CBD cosmetics market alone is worth billions of dollars according to market analysts.

“The global CBD Skincare Market is poised for rapid expansion, with forecasts revealing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.76% from 2025 to 2030.” analysts at Research and Markets stated recently.

“This exponential growth indicates a market size increase from US$4.759 billion in 2025 to US$9.892 billion by the end of the decade, reflecting consumers’ rising inclination towards products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) and signaling a significant shift in skincare trends towards natural and effective ingredients.” the analysts also stated.

Europe is a market where hemp-derived CBD cosmetics are particularly popular, and the European Commission recently clarified that cosmetic products containing hemp-derived CBD are permitted.

“The European Commission has responded to a request for clarification from CannaReporter regarding the recent decision by Infarmed IP to withdraw from the market several cosmetic products containing cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from the hemp plant.” CannaReporter stated it its original coverage.

“In this regard, the EC reiterates that the classification of CBD as a narcotic (whether synthetic or extracted from hemp) is not in line with the understanding of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) or with European Regulation. It was also clarified that a scientific evaluation is underway to define safety criteria for CBD and THC in cosmetics.” the outlet also stated in its reporting.

A recent market analysis by Meticulous Market Research estimates that the overall global CBD-infused products market “is expected to reach $291.39 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 30.6% from 2025 to 2032.”