Policy – Page 2 – International Cannabis Business Conference

DHV Issues Statement Against Harmful German Draft Amendment

Written by Johnny Green on August 4, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Last month, Germany’s Ministry of Health released a draft amendment that, if approved, would negatively impact the nation’s medical cannabis program, and with it, Germany’s suffering patients and emerging industry. As proposed, the draft amendment would:

Mandate in-person doctor consultations
Ban on mail-order medical cannabis dispensing
Impose stricter rules for medical cannabis prescriptions

Pushback to the draft amendment by medical cannabis patients, advocates, and industry members was swift. The German Hemp Association (DHV) recently issued its own statement calling for the proposed amendment to be defeated.

“Telemedical prescriptions of cannabis medications and online delivery were already possible before the MedCanG “in the days of the Narcotics Act.” The planned changes would essentially catapult us back to pre-digital times when it comes to cannabis medicine, while the federal government otherwise wants to catch up with its significant lag in digitalization. This not only feels anachronistic for citizens and patients in Germany, but is likely to cause head-scratching abroad as well. No online delivery of (cannabis) medications? Picking everything up in person? In Canada and the USA, this will be hard to believe. This is reminiscent of the strength of the pharmacist lobby, just as it is in Germany.” stated DHV in a recent news release (translated from German to English).

DHV is calling out the apparent selective focus by the Ministry of Health on cannabis flower but not cannabis extracts. Germany has experienced exponential growth in medical cannabis flower imports over the last year. However, the increase in exports has not been directly tied to any increase in public health issues.

“It is unclear why the planned regulations should only apply to cannabis flowers and not to extracts with significantly higher THC concentrations. The justification merely states that the import of flowers has increased significantly. However, it is likely that the import of extracts is also likely to have increased significantly from the first to the second half of 2024. However, the Federal Ministry of Health does not provide any figures on this. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) also does not provide any information on the development of extracts. Furthermore, it is unclear whether and to what extent extracts are produced and distributed within Germany after the import of cannabis flowers. ” DHV points out.

“Without data on the import of extracts and the processing of flowers into extracts within Germany, an objective assessment is impossible, and a one-sided restriction on flowers is incomprehensible. For years, we have seen a one-sided negative portrayal of flowers compared to other cannabis medications because they resemble the traditional recreational drug cannabis, even though the flowers certainly have their justification for medical use through simple inhalation.” DHV also stated in its news release.

DHV’s full statement can be read at this link here, and people are encouraged to read it in its entirety. Readers can also check out our previous coverage of statements from other advocates and organizations, as well as information on where to sign petitions against the draft amendment, at this link here.

Japanese Study Refutes Cannabis ‘Gateway Drug’ Theory

Written by Johnny Green on August 3, 2025. Posted in Policy, Science.

When it comes to cannabis opponent talking points, the ‘cannabis is a gateway drug’ talking point may be the most popular one of all time. Cannabis opponents have frequently claimed that cannabis use will lead to the use of more harmful substances, going back to the reefer madness era.

The cannabis gateway drug theory went unquestioned for a long time. However, it has become the focus of a growing amount of peer-reviewed research in recent decades, including in Japan, where a team of investigators examined relevant data to test the theory.

A team of researchers affiliated with several health and academic institutions in Japan conducted an analysis of nationwide survey results that asked about substance use. The researchers’ findings were published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology Reports.

“In Japan, cannabis is frequently labeled a “gateway drug,” yet strong causal evidence for progression to other substances is limited. This study investigates whether cannabis acts as a gateway drug among Japanese users.” the researchers stated about the focus of their effort.

An anonymous online survey was conducted in Japan in January 2021 involving 3900 individuals who reported their lifetime cannabis use. The survey of Japanese residents “gathered data on demographics, cannabis and other substance use history, order of substance initiation, psychiatric background, and criminal records.”

“A Sankey diagram visualized substance use progression, and odds ratios were calculated to assess the likelihood of using other substances following cannabis use.” the researchers stated about their methodology.

“Tobacco and alcohol were the most common initial substances, while cannabis was typically the third. Odds for subsequent use of alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs after cannabis use were 1.25, 0.77, 0.08, and 0.78, respectively, suggesting low probabilities of progression. Nearly half of those who reported cannabis as their third drug did not use other substances afterward.” the researchers determined.

“These findings challenge the gateway hypothesis in the Japanese context. Shared vulnerabilities and strict drug policies may shape these patterns. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of legal changes on drug use behavior.” the researchers concluded.

The recent study results in Japan build on research in other jurisdictions around the globe that have also arrived at similar conclusions. The misuse of household products and pharmaceutical medications is also often found to precede cannabis use, and whether someone decides to use more harmful substances after using cannabis is due to many factors and not due to the subject simply having tried cannabis.

Ukraine Expands Official Dosages For Medical Cannabis

Written by Johnny Green on August 3, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Nearly one year ago, Ukraine’s government officially launched its medical cannabis program. Ukraine’s Parliament first approved medical cannabis reform in December 2023, with President Volodymyr Zelensky signing the measure on February 15th, 2024.

Cannabis resin, extracts, and tinctures became excluded from the list of ‘dangerous substances’ in Ukraine under the new policy after it took effect in August 2024. The production of medical cannabis, the development of medical cannabis therapies, and the distribution of medical cannabis products are tightly regulated in Ukraine.

“In order to implement the Law, the Ministry of Health team, together with the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the State Medical Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police and other executive authorities, have developed by-laws that regulate all processes in detail and will allow the patient to receive medicine from medical cannabis.” Ukraine’s Ministry of Health stated in a news release at the time (translated from Ukrainian to English).

“In order to ensure the cultivation of medical cannabis in Ukraine, Licensing conditions have been developed, which will soon be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers.” the Ministry of Health also stated. “Also, the entire chain of circulation of medical cannabis, from import or cultivation to dispensing to a patient in a pharmacy, will be subject to license control.”

Another major milestone for Ukraine’s emerging medical cannabis industry came in late September 2024, when policymakers and regulators approved a list of 20 qualifying conditions for suffering patients to gain approval for the country’s medical cannabis program. In June 2025, Ukraine approved its first permit for medical cannabis product imports.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Health recently expanded the list of dosages for medical cannabis, which will afford the nation’s approved medical cannabis patients more options for treating their qualifying conditions.

“The Ministry of Health has expanded the List of dosages of medicines that can be manufactured in a pharmacy from the plant substance cannabis.” the Ministry of Health stated in a press release (translated from Ukranian to English).

“The purpose of such changes is to expand the possible options for prescribing cannabis-based medicines, which can be manufactured in a pharmacy, with combination medicines to increase the availability of treatment for patients who need it for medical reasons.” the Ministry also stated. “The updated list includes 14 forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-based medicines and 2 combined forms (based on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).”

Colombia To Allow Pharmacies To Dispense Medical Cannabis Flower

Written by Johnny Green on July 30, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Cannabis products come in many forms these days, including edibles, topicals, tinctures, concentrates, beverages, and vape cartridges. More types of consumables seem to be hitting the market every year, which is good news for consumers and patients.

With that being said, cannabis flower is still one of the most popular forms of cannabis among consumers and patients for various reasons. Consuming cannabis flower provides the fastest effects for consumers and relief for patients, and it can also be used by people to make their own edibles and other products if they choose to.

All medical cannabis programs around the world must include legal sales of cannabis flower as part of their safe access models, including through pharmacies. Germany and Uruguay are two countries that already permit cannabis flower sales through pharmacies. Thankfully, that is reportedly expected to also happen soon in Colombia.

“Colombia is set to legalize the sale of psychoactivecannabis with a medical prescription, under a draft decree from the Justice Ministry that would, for the first time, permit pharmacies to dispense psychoactive marijuana flower to patients with a doctor’s authorization.” reported Colombia One in its local coverage.

“Under the proposed decree, Colombians could legally purchase cannabis in its flower form and consume it by smoking or vaporizing, once they present a medical prescription for conditions such as chronic pain, sleep disorders, or illnesses affecting the central nervous system, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.” the outlet also reported.

Lawmakers in Colombia first approved medical cannabis legalization in the South American nation in 2016. Legal exports of medical cannabis products were approved in 2021, and since that time, Colombia’s export sector has increasingly gained global market share.

You will be hard-pressed to find a place anywhere else on earth where quality cannabis can be cultivated on a large scale as easily and cost-effectively as it can be grown in Colombia. Licensed large-scale producers can cultivate quality cannabis in Colombia for as little as ten cents (USD) per gram. That is nearly impossible for other markets to duplicate, with only a few exceptions.

The world has enjoyed consuming Colombian cannabis flower for decades, albeit not always regulated Colombian cannabis. Fortunately, the nation’s own medical cannabis patients will soon be able to access it through the nation’s pharmacies, and without the fear of prosecution.

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Lawsuit Filed Against Bavarian Cannabis Consequences Limitation Act

Written by Johnny Green on July 30, 2025. Posted in Policy.

A constitutional complaint and lawsuit were filed today against the Bavarian Cannabis Consequences Limitation Act according to the German Hemp Association (DHV). The Act prohibits cannabis consumption at folk festival events in Bavaria and consumption in outdoor areas of local restaurant establishments.

“The plaintiffs are cannabis patient René Korcak and consumer Emanuel Burghard (both of Bayrisch Kraut), as well as the operator of the Tortuga Bar in Fürstenfeldbrück, Dr. Andreas Rothenberger. The plaintiffs are represented by attorney David Werdermannn (KM8 law firm). The proceedings are coordinated and financed by the German Hemp Association. The constitutional complaint has been filed with the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe. At the same time, the plaintiffs are challenging the restrictions on their freedoms before the Munich Administrative Court.” DHV stated in a press release announcing the legal actions (translated from German to English).

“While the nationwide Cannabis Act (CanG) has newly regulated adult consumption, the Free State of Bavaria has massively restricted these freedoms with its own law. In particular, the blanket ban on cannabis consumption in the outdoor areas of restaurants (“beer garden ban”) and at folk festivals represents, in our view, an unconstitutional infringement of fundamental rights. It not only curtails the rights of consumers and patients, but also unlawfully interferes with the house rules and entrepreneurial freedom of Bavarian restaurateurs.” the press release also stated.

The press release was also coupled with an online press conference, which is embedded below:

Limiting cannabis consumption to private residences in Bavaria makes life harder for suffering medical patients in particular. It is unfair to expect patients to refrain from consuming their medicine simply because their medicine happens to be medical cannabis.

“As a patient, it would make my life considerably easier if restaurateurs had the freedom to make their own decisions about their businesses.” stated plaintiff and medical cannabis patient René Korcak.

“I’m generally a liberal, politically minded person who has been politically active for a long time and is a champion of civil liberties. But I’m also suing because I fear a loss of revenue if potential guests prefer to stay home and avoid my beer garden because of the cannabis ban.” said Tortuga Bar owner Dr. Andreas Rothenberger.

“With its cannabis ban in beer gardens and at folk festivals, Bavaria is not only ignoring the federal legislature’s decision, but is also disproportionately interfering with the fundamental rights of restaurant owners, patients, and consumers.” attorney David Werdermannn stated about the Bavarian Cannabis Consequences Limitation Act.

“Bavaria, too, must comply with federal laws. It cannot be that the CSU is crafting its own anti-cannabis law for ideological reasons.” Georg Wurth, CEO of DHV, added.

Ghana Engages With Morocco To Discuss Cannabis Policy Implementation

Written by Johnny Green on July 25, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Ghana’s current cannabis industry regulatory body, the Management of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), recently engaged Moroccan Ambassador Mrs. Imane Quaadill to discuss Ghana’s ongoing cannabis policy implementation.

The reported goal of the cannabis regulation-based discussion between the two African countries was to help Ghana regulators gain insight into best practices and strategies from Morocco’s experiences as a continental cannabis industry leader. The representatives also discussed ways that the two countries could boost partnerships.

“NACOC is committed to exploring opportunities that would build and enhance the capacities of our staff and share ideas.” stated Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of the NACOC, per the Ghana News Agency.

“Mrs. Quaadil said her office would also collaborate with the Moroccan anti-drug authorities to host some selected NACOC staff in September 2025 to study the procedures and successes in the implementation of cannabis regulations.” the news agency also wrote.

Ghana’s parliament approved the ‘Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023’ roughly two years ago. The measure tasked Ghana’s Ministry of Interior with issuing cannabis cultivation licenses.

In 2020, Ghana’s parliament passed a measure authorizing the production of low-THC cannabis for medical and research purposes. However, the nation’s Supreme Court later deemed the measure to be unconstitutional, and as a result, kept prohibition in place. The measure that was approved in 2023 in Ghana seemed to directly address the reported legal insufficiencies.

Ghana’s economy currently ranks 10th among African nations. However, it ranks 74th globally. The average salary in Ghana is roughly 60,340 GHS, which converts to about 5,292 USD. Needless to say, a robust, thriving medical cannabis industry would greatly benefit the citizens of Ghana via a boost in economic development and job creation.

The economic benefit to Ghana comes in addition to the therapeutic benefits that will be afforded to suffering patients under the approved law. As is the case in every country, Ghana is home to countless suffering patients who could benefit from cannabis therapies.

Introduction Of Cannabis Decriminalization Measure Expected In Poland

Written by Johnny Green on July 25, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Medical cannabis policy modernization has spread across the European continent in recent decades, with most European nations now being home to some level of medical cannabis legalization, including medical cannabis commerce.

In more recent years, adult-use cannabis policy modernization efforts have picked up steam on the European continent. Malta became the first European nation to adopt a national adult-use legalization measure in 2021, followed by Luxembourg in 2023 and Germany in 2024.

Lawmakers in the Czech Republic also approved a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure earlier this month, although the historic law doesn’t take effect until January 1, 2026. Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are underway in the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Another European country that is pushing for adult-use cannabis policy reform is Poland, where national lawmakers are expected to introduce a measure in September that would decriminalize personal cannabis activity by adults.

“A parliamentary bill on the decriminalization of marijuana will be submitted to the Sejm in September, RMF FM journalist Kacper Wróblewski has learned. Discussions are underway within parliamentary caucuses and efforts are underway to secure a majority to support the legislation, which is already in place, according to members of the parliamentary team responsible for drafting the bill.” reported RMF24 in its original reporting (translated from Polish to English).

“The draft is ready. Individual, minor issues may still emerge in the negotiations between coalition partners and clubs. For example, the permissible amount of dried herb or cannabis. The regulations will be released soon, says Civic Coalition MP Marcin Józefaciuk, a member of the parliamentary group for marijuana decriminalization.” the outlet also stated.

What constitutes cannabis legalization versus decriminalization differs in Europe compared to the United States. Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to adopt cannabis decriminalization in 1973, removing criminal penalties for personal cannabis possession of up to one ounce. Personal possession still resulted in a $1,000 fine in Oregon at the time. Oregon would later completely legalize cannabis possession in 2014, removing the fine.

Compare that to measures adopted in Europe, which are often described as ‘decriminalization.’ The removal of any penalty for adults possessing a personal amount of cannabis, such as what has now been adopted in multiple European countries, would technically be considered legalization in the United States. It demonstrates that there is some subjectivity in how adult-use cannabis policy modernization is categorized on both sides of the Atlantic.

Regardless of how the measure that is expected to be introduced in Poland in September is described, if it is approved, it will be a welcome change for the nation’s cannabis consumers, including medical patients who are having to navigate shifting regulations for obtaining medical cannabis patient approval.

At its peak in 2024, Poland’s approved medical cannabis patient base was roughly 90,000. However, changes in telemedicine regulations resulted in the patient numbers falling to about 33,000 by the end of the year, although they have since rebounded a bit in 2025.

Adult-Use Cannabis Policy Modernization Measure Introduced In Slovenia

Written by Johnny Green on July 25, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Lawmakers in Slovenia are continuing their push to modernize the European nation’s cannabis policies, with a measure being recently introduced that would permit certain adult-use cannabis activity.

“We are implementing the will of the voters,” said Natasa Sukic, a member of parliament for the co-governing Left Party, this week in support of a bill introduced in parliament together with Prime Minister Robert Golob’s social-liberal Freedom Movement (GS), per original reporting by Salzburger Nachrichten. “According to analyses, cannabis is no more dangerous than other already legalized drugs—such as tobacco and alcohol.”

“The proposed bill on private cannabis consumption, which may be revised again after a public debate, is based – with some deviations – on the regulations in Luxembourg, Germany, and Malta.” the outlet also wrote.

Below are reportedly some of the components of the adult-use cannabis policy modernization proposal being considered in Slovenia:

Individual adults would be permitted to cultivate up to 4 cannabis plants in private residences, and a maximum of up to 6 plants in households where multiple adult residents live.
Adults would be allowed to possess up to 7 grams of cannabis when away from their residences.
Individual adults would be permitted to possess up to 150 grams of cannabis in their private residences, and a maximum of 300 grams in households where multiple adult residents live.
Gifting cannabis to other adults would be legal in certain circumstances.
Selling cannabis, driving under the influence, and public consumption would all remain prohibited.
A 3 ng/mL THC per se limit would be the minimum threshold for driving under the influence violations, and penalties would increase for violations involving 3-5 ng/mL test results and test results over 5 ng/mL.
Employers would be prohibited from testing their employees for cannabis use.

The recently introduced measure in Slovenia is just the beginning of the political process, and certain provisions may be changed if/when the proposal reaches its conclusion. The introduction of the adult-use cannabis policy modernization measure comes mere days after Slovenia’s National Assembly approved a historic medical cannabis measure.

Last year, Slovenia’s voters approved both a medical cannabis referendum measure and an adult-use referendum measure. The vote on medical cannabis received 66.71% approval from Slovenia’s voters, with the measure being approved in every voting district in the country. The only other vote that received that level of unified approval in the European country was Slovenia’s vote for independence.

Additionally, the adult-use measure received 51.57% approval from Slovenian voters. While neither referendum vote was legally binding, it is clear that Slovenia’s lawmakers have acknowledged the will of the nation’s voters, and that is encouraging.

Swiss Canton Continues To Block Cannabis Pilot Trial

Written by Johnny Green on July 23, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Multiple jurisdictions in Switzerland are now home to research-based regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials, in which a limited number of cannabis producers, retailers, and customers participate in limited regulated cannabis commerce.

Current European Union agreements prohibit national adult-use cannabis product sales within member nations, but EU agreements do permit cannabis research to be conducted, and pilot trials fall within that scope.

Despite the ongoing success of cannabis pilot trials in other jurisdictions in Switzerland, authorities in the canton of Valais have continued to block a pilot trial from launching there. Valais is estimated to have a population of roughly 350,000 people.

According to IG Hanf (Association of Hemp), there is no merit to the continued claims by authorities in Valais that there isn’t enough interest in the area for launching a pilot trial, and that the continued blocking of a pilot trial is “an obstacle to science.”

“Although 64% of Valais residents support a pilot project on THC-containing cannabis, the cantonal authorities continue to refuse to engage in dialogue. A research project compatible with federal law has been blocked for over three years.” the association stated on its website in a recent news release (translated from German to English).

The organization lists three benefits of launching a regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trial in Valais:

The project would have enabled a better understanding of the actual use, risks and impacts on public health in the Canton of Valais.
It would have created jobs in a legal, local and innovative sector.
It would have brought Valais and its interests back into the national debate on a drug policy based on facts and not on prejudice.

“The message from citizens is clear: they want responsible regulation, not ostrich-like policies. By even refusing to open a dialogue, the cantonal authorities are not only preventing controlled research but are also sending a contradictory message: they prefer repression to regulation, ideology to science. This is a political decision with serious consequences for prevention, transparency, and trust in institutions.” the organization stated.

“It’s clear that only cannabis regulation can curb dangerous excesses and effectively protect the health of consumers, especially young people,” says Benjamin Foro, board member and media spokesperson for IG Hanf. “It’s high time to end the outdated prohibition policy and find a pragmatic solution.”

The continued prevention of a pilot trial in Valais comes at a time when the pilot trial in Zurich is set to expand from 2,100 participants to 3,000. The regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot project “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility” was launched in 2023.

“Over 90 percent of participants now obtain their cannabis products from legal sources, i.e. from one of the three specialist stores or one of the nine pharmacies taking part.” Blue News previously reported about Zurich’s pilot trial.

Another jurisdiction in Switzerland participating in regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials is Basel, where researchers are finding benefits to allowing adult-use commerce. The results of a previous study, which was the first academic reporting of its kind, were published on the University of Basel’s website in addition to being published in the academic journal Addiction.

“Public health-oriented recreational cannabis access may decrease cannabis use and cannabis-related harms, especially among those using other drugs.” the researchers of that study concluded.

“Furthermore, the study was able to dispel fears that legalization could exacerbate the psychopathological symptoms associated with cannabis consumption in addition to consumption itself: after the first six months, there was no difference between the two study groups in terms of depression, anxiety or other symptoms.” stated the University of Basel on its website.

“The interim assessment after two years of study shows a significant improvement in the mental state of the approximately 300 or so participants who are still taking part.” the University also wrote.

Earlier this year, Marijuana Moment reported that a government-commissioned report found that Switzerland’s adult-use cannabis legalization pilot program is “running smoothly,” with “no indication of any disturbances to public order.”

“About two years after the pilot program launched in seven municipalities across the country, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) study—carried out by the University of Lausanne and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland—generally determined that the initiative has been a success.” the outlet also reported.