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Health Canada: Only 3% Of Cannabis Consumers Obtain Products From Illegal Sources

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Business, Policy.

Every year since 2017, Health Canada has conducted its ‘Canadian Cannabis Survey,’ in which the government agency poses various cannabis-related questions to members of Canadian society. Canada adopted recreational cannabis legalization in 2018, and the survey helps lawmakers and regulators gain insight into how legalization has affected Canada.

Health Canada recently released the results of the 2024 survey, with data being collected from April 4th to July 2nd, 2024. The 2024 survey involved 11,666 respondents aged 16 years and older across all provinces and territories.

One of the main findings of this year’s survey is that only 3% of consumers “reported accessing cannabis through illegal sources,” which is a decrease from a reported 16% back in 2019. Many consumers reported cultivating their own cannabis and/or being gifted cannabis from friends and family. The Health Canada survey also found the following.

  • The number of respondents who reported getting cannabis from a legal source in 2024 was 72% – an increase from 37% in 2019 to 72% in 2024, with legal storefronts being the most common source since 2019.
  • There was no change in rates of cannabis use among youth (age 16-19) over the past year. Past 12-month cannabis use among youth aged 16-19 was 41%, similar to several previous years (44%, 44%, and 43% in 2019, 2020 and 2023 respectively).
  • Overall, the proportion of respondents who said they used cannabis and reported daily, or almost daily use has been stable since 2018 (approx. 25%), including among youth (approx. 20%).

“Since 2017, Health Canada has conducted the annual Canadian Cannabis Survey to better understand attitudes and knowledge regarding cannabis, as well as patterns of cannabis use in Canada. Through the information gathered, Health Canada can better understand where support is needed the most and develop program initiatives that will help educate and raise awareness around the use of cannabis.” Health Canada stated about its annual survey.

Below is a breakdown of the rates of product types reportedly consumed in 2024 in Canada according to the survey results:

  1. Dried flower/leaf (63%; down from 2018 and up from 2023)
  2. Edible cannabis (55%; up from 2018)
  3. Vape pens/cartridges (37%; up from 2018 and 2023)
  4. Oil for oral use (24%; unchanged from 2019)
  5. Beverages (21%; up from 2018)
  6. Hashish/kief (16%; down from 2018)
  7. Topical products (13%; up from 2019)
  8. Concentrates/extracts (e.g., wax, shatter or budder) (13%, down from 2018)

Canada was the second country to adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure behind Uruguay (2013). Malta (2021), Luxembourg (2023), Germany (2024), and South Africa (2024) have also adopted national recreational cannabis legalization measures.

hemp seed

International Hemp Sector Seeks Science-Based Animal Feed Regulations

Written by Frank Schuler on . Posted in Policy, Science.

Members of the global hemp sector are calling for uniform international science-based regulations for animal hemp feed. Hemp-derived animal feeds are increasing in popularity as countries worldwide move to modernize their hemp policies and regulations.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and the Association of American Feed Controls approved hemp seed meal as feed for laying hens. The regulatory entities set a threshold of 2 parts per million (ppm) of THC and a threshold of 20 ppm for CBD, which hemp sector members in other nations have reportedly taken issue with.

“The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) is concerned regarding the current application from the Hemp Feed Coalition (HFC) to AAFCO to register hempseed meal as a livestock feed ingredient for laying hens with maximum cannabinoid limits of 2 ppm for total THC and 20 ppm for total CBD.” EIHA stated in an open letter in response to the then-proposed cannabinoid thresholds.

“We believe this feed ingredient definition does not reflect current research on feed-based cannabinoid risk, would needlessly exclude most commercially available hempseed meal, and therefore create a market that would not be commercially viable. We also believe that moving forward with this registration would create precedent that will complicate commercially viable hemp livestock feed ingredient registrations in Europe and other important global markets.” the letter also stated.

Members of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) also issued their own public letter earlier this year calling for an increase in cannabinoid thresholds.

“While we are optimistic for the new market opportunities, we do have concern that the proposed limits of 2 ppm of total THC and 20 ppm of total CBD are too low when the hempseed meal is
produced from hemp varieties that are commonly grown in North America. The observed variation of these natural constituents after decades of food manufacturing shows that most lots
will not meet these low levels.” members of CHTA stated in their letter.

“We feel that the established limit of 10 ppm for total THC for hempseed-derived food products in Canada is more appropriate in that it will not require separate testing of lots to qualify for feed, an effort in cost and time that the feeding industry will not be prepared to incur.” the letter also stated.

According to original reporting by FeedNavigator, the Federation of International Hemp Organizations is “working to harmonize global hemp regulations” and the organization is “collating the expertise of over 100 hemp professionals” to advocate for “policies that reflect hemp’s agricultural and industrial potential.”

A recent study conducted in China using hemp seed cake (HSC) to feed chickens found that “adding 20% HSC in the feed had a notable effect on the growth, antioxidant and immune capabilities, blood lipid metabolism, and meat performance” of the chickens in the study.

In addition to hemp increasingly being used as a source of animal feed, cannabinoids are also being increasingly used by veterinarians as medicine for suffering pets. For example, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency recently decided to amend Ordinance SVS/MS 344/1998 to allow the regulation of medical cannabis products for animals by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

According to a recent market analysis by Global Market Insights, the global cannabidiol (CBD) pet market was worth an estimated $693.4 million in 2023. The CBD pet product market is projected to grow at an estimated 18.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.

Market growth will be driven by “growing pet ownership coupled with increasing awareness and acceptance of the potential therapeutic benefits of hemp-derived CBD for pets” the researchers stated.

“The dogs segment is set to lead the market, accounting for the largest revenue of USD 416.1 million in 2023, anticipating its dominance throughout the forecast period with a significant growth rate.” Global Market Insights reported.

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Cannabis Crimes Are Down 68% In Berlin Compared To Last Year

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Cannabis-related crimes in Germany’s capital city were significantly lower for the seven months immediately following partial cannabis legalization compared to the same period last year. Cannabis cultivation, possession, and consumption by adults became legal throughout Germany on April 1st, 2024.

“Berlin’s police database recorded 1,685 criminal offences under the Cannabis Act between the beginning of April and the end of October, including illicit trafficking or illicit possession, the agency said in response to questions from local Green Party lawmaker Vasili Franco.” stated Yahoo! News in its reporting.

“By comparison, 5,315 criminal offences were reported in the same period in 2023.” Yahoo! News also reported.

While adult-use cannabis cultivation, possession, and consumption are legal in Germany, other cannabis-related activities remain prohibited such as selling unregulated cannabis, public consumption, and operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway while intoxicated. Adults can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis away from their homes.

“Contrary to all the scaremongering, the cannabis law is already showing initial success after just a few months. Decriminalization should mean that cannabis users are no longer unnecessarily prosecuted, criminalized and stigmatized,” said Vasili Franco.

According to a 2021 report from Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany will eventually save 1.05 billion euros annually by no longer enforcing cannabis prohibition, in addition to judiciary savings of 313 million euros per year.

The German cannabis market is home to 4-8 million consumers with a total potential market value of between €7.8 billion and €15.6 billion according to data provided by leading economist firm Whitney Economics.

To completely supply German demand, Germany’s cannabis industry would need to produce over 948,000 kg of flower annually according to Whitney Economics.

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German Hospitals Want Greater Medical Cannabis Telemedicine Integration

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The German Hospital Association (DKG) and the German Society for Telemedicine (DGTelemed) have issued a joint position paper calling for increased medical cannabis telemedicine in German hospitals and doctors’ offices. The Association and Society cite a shortage of specialized workers, especially in rural regions, as one reason greater integration is warranted.

Telemedicine involves patients visiting a doctor over the internet instead of in the doctor’s office, and DKG and DGTelemed indicated in their joint position paper that it is important “to move away from the idea that good care can only be provided at the location.” The position paper was published earlier this month.

“Telemedicine gives doctors access to specialist knowledge and patients access to care close to their homes. This avoids many transfers. This saves valuable resources at both university hospitals and smaller hospitals,” Gernot Marx, Chairman of the Board of DGTelemed, stated according to local reporting by Ärzteblatt.

“Care should also be able to be provided regardless of location if this benefits the patient,” said Gerald Gaß, Chairman of the Board of the DKG, according to the media outlet.

Demand for medical cannabis in Germany is on the rise after the nation adopted adult-use legalization reform earlier this year. During the first three full months following Germany’s enactment of the CanG adult-use legalization law (Q3), legal medical cannabis imports increased by over 70% compared to the previous period.

The German cannabis market is home to 4-8 million consumers and patients with a total potential market value of between €7.8 billion and €15.6 billion according to data provided by leading economist firm Whitney Economics.

To completely supply German recreational and medical cannabis demand, Germany’s cannabis industry would need to produce over 948,000 kg of flower annually according to Whitney Economics.

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Cannabis Legalization Would Bring France Nearly €3.4Bn In Taxes And Savings

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

According to the European Union Drugs Agency, France has the highest rate of cannabis consumption on the European continent. Whereas adult-use cannabis policy modernization efforts have spread to Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, and to a lesser extent the Netherlands and Switzerland, recreational cannabis remains illegal in France.

An escalation of violence linked to organized crime in France has led to recent calls by a parliamentary group for the European nation to legalize cannabis for adult use. La France Insoumise (LFI) has criticized the government’s current approach to cannabis policy.

“According to the unveiled “fight plan,” the government’s repressive response is not only insufficient, but it fuels insecurity, pushing citizens and officials into a cycle of violence.” stated Newsweed in its local reporting. “LFI advocates for a comprehensive, community-based approach to combating organized crime in France, including the legalization of cannabis.”

A previous study by an economic advisory board within the nation’s prime minister’s office determined that the French government spends roughly €570m annually on cannabis prohibition enforcement. The study recommended that France adopt adult-use cannabis legalization and launch a regulated recreational industry.

Emmanuelle Auriol, a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics who authored the study’s report and findings, estimated that such a policy change could create as many as 80,000 new jobs, and generate €2.8bn in taxes annually.

France does have a limited operational medical cannabis experimental program. In March 2021, France launched a limited medical cannabis experiment involving between 2,000 and 3,000 suffering patients to gain insight into crafting national medical cannabis policies and regulations.

The French medical cannabis experiment received initial approval from the federal Senate back in 2019, however, the launch of the trial was delayed until the spring of 2021 due to various reasons.

Initially slated for two years, France’s medical cannabis experiment was eventually granted a one-year extension and was set to end in 2024. The program is now expected to end in 2025.

According to a recent newsletter sent out by international cannabis economist Beau Whitney of Whitney Economics, France is home to the largest total addressable cannabis market in the European Union with a value of $11.3 billion (midpoint).

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Czech General Practitioners To Start Prescribing Medical Cannabis In 2025

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Starting on April 1, 2025, general practitioners (GPs) in the Czech Republic will be authorized to prescribe medical cannabis to suffering patients. The policy change is a result of a new decree from the nation’s Ministry of Health.

“The decree allows GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for chronic, intractable pain,” Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob said according to local reporting by Prague Morning (translated from Czech to English).

Medical cannabis was first legalized in Czechia in 2013, however, only specialists can currently prescribe it resulting in roughly 8,000 patients receiving legal access.

“If GPs can prescribe opiates such as morphine, it is logical they should also be allowed to prescribe medicinal cannabis,” stated Petr Šonka, Chairman of the Association of GPs of the Czech Republic according to Prague Morning.

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.

Per the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), nearly 30% of Czech adults have consumed cannabis at least once in their lifetimes and 11.1% report having consumed cannabis within the last year. The average rate for once-a-year consumption across Europe is 8% according to EMCDDA data.

The Czech Republic’s cabinet recently approved a plan that would permit adults in the European nation to cultivate multiple plants in their private residences and possess a personal amount of cannabis.

The plan, which would legalize the cultivation of up to three cannabis plants and set a maximum possession limit of 50 grams of cannabis, was originally introduced by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Justice back in September 2024.

In October 2022, an expert study was commissioned by the Czech Republic Pirate Party and it found that a taxed and regulated cannabis industry would generate “tax revenue from EUR 26.5 million to EUR 73 million per year.”

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Denmark Announces Plan To Make Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Permanent

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The government in Denmark recently announced its plans to make its medical cannabis pilot program permanent. The pilot program, first introduced in 2018, was originally designed to help federal lawmakers and regulators gather data and other research to be better suited to craft national laws and rules. The program has issued over 20,000 prescriptions since its launch.

“The scheme was introduced in 2018 to give selected patient groups, e.g. patients with multiple sclerosis or cancer, a legal opportunity to be prescribed medical cannabis as part of their treatment.” stated the Ministry of the Interior and Health (translated from Danish to English).

“We can see that many patients who are prescribed medical cannabis by their doctor seem to benefit from the treatment. This applies, for example, to cancer patients who may suffer from severe nausea after treatment with chemotherapy, or people with multiple sclerosis who may have severe pain,” Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde stated.

“If it’s up to the government, patients must continue to have a legal option to use medical cannabis, which is why we plan to make the scheme permanent. But now we have to see how the parties to the agreement stand.” the minister also stated.

Denmark’s medical cannabis pilot trial is slated to end in 2025. The proposal to make the medical cannabis pilot program permanent still needs final approval.

“On behalf of the government, Sophie Løhde has invited the agreement parties – SF, Liberal Alliance, Enhedslisten, Dansk Folkeparti and Alternativet – to negotiations on the trial scheme on medical cannabis.” the Ministry of the Interior and Health stated about the next steps.

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 market analysis by Introspective Market Research projects that the legal global medical cannabis industry will be worth an estimated $91.065 billion by 2032. Introspective Market Research estimates that the emerging worldwide medical cannabis industry was worth over $13 billion in 2023.

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Advocates Call For Cannabis Industry Expansion In Germany

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

The German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) is calling for the German government to embrace the nation’s emerging legal industry rather than treating people like criminals for consuming cannabis responsibly. The urging by BvCW comes amidst calls by some conservative lawmakers to roll back Germany’s recent cannabis policy changes.

“If the Union factions want to dry up the black market and fight organized crime, the cannabis industry is on their side. However, if this is to be done by criminalizing patients and consumers, this is the wrong way. It is not the users who are criminal, but the actors of the black market,” said Dirk Heitepriem, President of the BvCW, in a recent newsletter.

Germany adopted a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure earlier this year, with the first provisions of the law permitting personal cultivation, possession, and use going into effect on April 1st, 2024. Additionally, as another part of ‘Pillar 1’ of German legalization, cultivation associations became legal on July 1st, 2024.

‘Pillar 2’ of the nation’s legalization model involves launching regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials. Such trials already operate in the Netherlands and Switzerland and are allowed under European Union law. BvCW is calling for no further delays in launching pilot trials in Germany to combat Germany’s unregulated market.

“Legal access options such as home cultivation, cultivation associations, but also commercial models with licensed specialist shops are the best solution to push back the black market. Therefore, a new federal government should ensure that these legal accesses to cannabis are created and maintained,” says Michael Greif, Managing Director of the BvCW. “There is no protection for young people on the black market, dealers do not ask for ID. But there are dangerous additives there. The best way to ensure youth and consumer protection is through a legal and regulated market.”

Lawmakers in Germany adopted the CanG law to boost public health outcomes by permitting adult consumers to obtain, or cultivate their own, cannabis products legally.  EU law does not permit national recreational cannabis commerce, however, it does permit regional pilot trials since they are research-based.

The German cannabis market is home to 4-8 million consumers with a total potential market value of between €7.8 billion and €15.6 billion according to data provided by leading economist firm Whitney Economics.

To completely supply German demand, and thus eliminate the unregulated market, Germany’s cannabis industry would need to produce over 948,000 kg of flower according to Whitney Economics. That would be impossible if Germany’s cannabis laws regressed.

“Reversing the CanG would also set Germany back considerably in international competition and in research opportunities related to cannabis,” explains Dr. Stefan Meyer, Vice President of the BvCW. “The cannabis industry in Germany has created hundreds of jobs in recent years, provided thousands of patients with access to urgently needed therapies and proven that high-quality and safe products can also be produced in Germany.”

“Regulate instead of prohibit – this should also be the motto for a new federal government. The cannabis industry is ready to work together to dry up the black market. This requires commercial opportunities to grow and sell cannabis in Germany, legal access to home-grown cannabis for consumption, safety and reliability for patients, and liberalization of industrial hemp,” said Dirk Heitepriem.

BvCW suggests that as a first step, “the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture could now issue the Consumer Cannabis Science Responsibility Ordinance (KCanWV).”

In the middle of the ongoing debate in Germany, the nation is hosting a multi-national conference where various leaders will share their experiences with modernizing cannabis policies and regulations, as first reported by Marijuana Moment.

“Representatives from Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Switzerland were invited by German Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues Burkhard Blienert to the meeting in Berlin on Monday and Tuesday to “exchange experiences in regulating cannabis for non-medical purposes.” the outlet reported.

australia

Australian Lawmakers To Vote On Cannabis Legalization This Month

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Australia’s parliament is set to vote on an adult-use cannabis legalization bill later this month. The Australian Greens are championing the recreational legalization measure, which will receive a vote on November 27th, 2024.

“The bill, introduced by Shoebridge in the upper house in August 2023, would allow adult recreational use and pave the way for legal home grow of up to six plants and a commercial cannabis market across the country.” stated Cannabiz in its local reporting.

If approved, the bill would create “the Cannabis Australia National Agency as a statutory agency to register cannabis strains and regulate activities relating to cannabis including: growing and possessing cannabis plants; manufacturing and selling cannabis products; operating cannabis cafes; and importing and exporting cannabis products.”

At the local level, a recent parliamentary report issued in New South Wales calls for cannabis reform in the Australian state. The 148-page report, which was tabled by the premier and finance committee, called cannabis reform the “only rational course of action.”

In the Australian Capital Territory, where the country’s capital is located, cannabis is already decriminalized and has been since January 2020. Driving while under the influence of cannabis is still prohibited in the territory, as is cannabis commerce and public cannabis consumption.

Cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level in Australia, although medical cannabis is legal in some instances.

Australia’s Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) estimates that a legalized domestic adult-use cannabis market would generate $28 billion in tax revenue in the first decade. However, researchers at The Conversation “think the PBO’s estimate is too high, and based on the current patterns of cannabis use, $13 billion is a more credible estimate.”

The Conversation estimates “that a new legalised market could attract 3.4 million cannabis users in its first year” and that “Australia consumes 441 tonnes of cannabis per year.”

The researchers at The Conversation note that the “Parliamentary Budget Office supposes a price of $16.95 per gram, of which $3.55 would be tax – 10% GST and 15% excise” and that the “Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) estimates that one gram typically costs $22.50.”

However, The Conversation indicates that “we base our estimated tax revenues on a retail price of $12 per gram, of which $2.51 would be tax” and using those figures is how they arrived at the $13 billion figure.

“The Australia legal cannabis market size was valued at USD 66.0 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.6% from 2023 to 2030.” Grand View Research stated about Australia’s emerging cannabis industry.

“In July 2020, 41.0% of citizens supported legalization, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.” Grand View Research also stated.