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Germany Judiciary Examines Nearly 280,000 Past Cannabis Cases

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

Germany’s Judiciary recently announced that federal states have reviewed an estimated 279,000 past cannabis cases after adult-use legalization took effect in Germany on April 1st, 2024. Starting on April 1st, adult consumers in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis within certain parameters.

“The most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia, has the most reviews (86,000), followed by Bavaria (41,500) and Hesse (34,000). The smallest federal state, Bremen, has the fewest criminal records reviewed (531).” Augsburger Allgemeine reported (translated from German to English).

Cannabis prohibition previously cost Germany 1.3 billion euros a year according to an analysis by the Institute for Competition Economics (DICE) at the Heinrich Heine University in Duesseldorf. Reviewing old cannabis cases is a massive undertaking in Germany, and the huge number of reviews is a testament to how many lives were needlessly harmed in Germany due to prohibition.

“According to the evaluation, the judiciary in Bavaria has re-examined 41,500 cases, and the courts have so far received more than 6,200 cases for re-determination of sentences. The courts have already made a decision on this in around 3,500 cases. The Hessian authorities have already imposed sentences 450 times, and the sentence has been re-determined in a further 88 cases.” Augsburger Allgemeine also reported.

Meanwhile, in Bavaria, a reported 33 cannabis consumers have been recently released from incarceration thanks to Germany’s new cannabis laws.

“Since the partial legalization of cannabis on April 1, 2024, 33 incarcerated cannabis users have been released from prison in Bavaria.” stated the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) in a recent newsletter. The release of cannabis prisoners in Bavaria was first reported by Süddeutsche Zeitung.

In addition to cannabis being legal for adult use in Germany, recreational cannabis is also legal in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and South Africa, as well as at the local level in certain parts of the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States.

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Cannabis Policy Modernization Measure Expected In Slovenia By End Of Year

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Policy.

According to Dr. Metka Paragi, a leading international microbiologist who currently serves as the Secretary for Health in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, lawmakers will introduce a cannabis policy reform measure in the Central European nation by the end of this year.

Dr. Paragi made the announcement at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference held in Bled Slovenia on September 13th, 2024. Earlier this year voters in Slovenia approved two cannabis referendum measures – one focusing on personal adult use decriminalization and another dealing with medical cannabis.

“We fulfill our promise with full responsibility and prepare modern European legislation that will give our citizens access to safe and professionally supported hemp products for health and well-being,” Dr. Paragi stated according to local reporting by N1 SLO. “The current Slovenian legislation allows the use of hemp products for medical purposes, but it has never really taken off. In practice, this manifests itself to a very limited extent and with many obstacles.”

Currently, cannabis is legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa. Recreational pilot trials are also in operation in a limited number of jurisdictions in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Cannabis is also legal for adult use in two dozen states in the U.S. as well as in Washington D.C. Medical cannabis laws have been adopted by at least 57 countries around the world.

Slovenia is uniquely positioned to fill a substantial void in the international cannabis industry’s research and development sector. Slovenia is already a top global hub for research and development efforts for other large industries, including the pharmaceutical industry, and the nation’s university facilities and leading researchers could develop cannabis products and delivery methods that would revolutionize the cannabis space.

“We should not underestimate how valuable a niche this activity can be for Slovenia,” said International Cannabis Business Conference co-founder and Executive Producer Alex Rogers. The International Cannabis Business Conference event held days ago in Bled was focused on emerging cannabis science and technology.

“In conjunction with the European elections on June 9, Slovenia also held three consultative referendums, including on cannabis. 66.71 percent voted for the cultivation and processing of cannabis for medical purposes, and 51.57 percent of the voters who submitted a valid ballot voted for the cultivation and possession of cannabis for limited personal use.” reported N1 SLO in its coverage.

The legal global cannabis industry is set for significant expansion in the coming years according to a recent market analysis by Skyquest Technology Consulting. The market researchers are projecting that the regulated worldwide cannabis market will surpass $148.4 billion in value by 2031.

“Cannabis market was valued at USD 36.4 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 42.6 Billion in 2023 to USD 148.4 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031).” the company stated in a press release.

Suffering patients in Slovenia deserve to have safe access to medical cannabis therapies if their doctor deems it appropriate, just as they do in every other country around the world. Additionally, taxpayers in Slovenia deserve to not have precious public resources wasted on enforcing failed cannabis prohibition policies on consumers, and decriminalization is warranted.

Entrepreneurs and innovators in Slovenia should have the right to gain their share of the next great industry and to compete with other markets on a level playing field, which would, in turn, provide a major boost to Slovenia’s economy. Cannabis policy modernization in Slovenia is a win-win situation, and hopefully lawmakers recognize that as the political process moves along.

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Cultiva Hemp Expo 2024 Is Coming To Vienna October 4th-6th

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

For more than 15 years, the Cultiva Hemp Expo has served as the most exclusive event for cannabis in Austria. Cultiva is part trade fair and part festival, featuring lectures dedicated to all things cannabis under one roof where cannabis enthusiasts can meet and learn.

Europe is the most exciting place on earth for cannabis policy and industry right now, and cannabis advocates in Austria are working extra hard to get their nation’s cannabis policies and regulations modernized. With legalization now in place in Germany, Malta, and Luxembourg, momentum for reform in Austria is greater than ever.

Cultiva Hemp Expo 2024, taking place at MARX Halle in Vienna October 4th-6th, is the perfect meeting place for hemp enthusiasts and interested visitors, as well as producers, decision-makers, journalists, investors, and young entrepreneurs from the cannabis industry.

In addition to the industry-focused component of the event, Cultiva also has an extensive entertainment program planned with a music and street food festival, glass-blowing demonstrations, a joint rolling contest, and much more.

The event’s glassblowing show, Torchland Glass Circus by THCBD, will feature professionals such as Chadd Lacy, Adrienne Di Salvo, Orglasmus, Frank Fleischer, Fedex, Hashba Glass, Scomo, and Tibor Toth. The artists will demonstrate the art of glassblowing and engraving, and their finished products can be purchased after the demonstrations.

The CULTSOUND Music Festival component of the expo will include a variety of genres, from electro to reggae sounds. The three-day music festival with its extraordinary location offers a special experience for attendees. Acts such as the band Mary Jane Soundgarden and Arai will ensure an amazing atmosphere.

Cultiva’s street food festival will bring together the best of local street food vendors, offering a mouthwatering array of dishes from around the world. Alongside the food, the festival will feature live performances, creating a lively atmosphere filled with music and entertainment.

With cannabis policy being such a hot topic right now in Europe, Cultiva’s Hanfexpo Congress is sure to be a popular component of Cultiva’s event. It will offer insight into the topics of law, politics, and medicine, as well as culture and innovation. National and international experts from different fields will share their knowledge and answer important questions about cannabis in the form of lectures and panel discussions. The focus will be on both the current regulations on the subject of cannabis and the future of the industry.

Lastly, in the exhibition hall, there will be a B2B lounge area with a small café and seating. Innovative minds, experts, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers will meet to exchange ideas and explore business opportunities. Exhibitors and business visitors are invited to a B2B brunch in the MARX Halle on Friday, October 4th from 09:00 – 11:00 a.m.

People can find out more about the event and purchase tickets at: https://www.cultiva.at

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The Number Of German Cultivation Association Applications Is Rising

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

Starting on July 1st, 2024, aspiring cannabis cultivation operators in Germany can apply with local authorities to gain permission to produce and distribute recreational cannabis to cultivation association members.

According to local German reporting, roughly 280 cultivation association applications were received by regulatory officials in the first two months of the application process opening.

“Across the country, more than 280 applications for permits have been received, according to a survey of the relevant state authorities. The most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, is at the top with 69 applications so far. In Lower Saxony, 27 applications have been submitted, and 11 permits have already been granted – in all other states combined, 3.” reports NTV (translated from German to English).

“Larger numbers of applications for cultivation associations have also been received in Baden-Württemberg, where, according to the responsible regional council in Freiburg, there are now 47 applications. In Bavaria, according to the State Office for Health and Food Safety, 24 applications were submitted by August 28.” the outlet also reported.

It is worth noting that KrautInvest has reported that 295 applications for German cannabis cultivation associations have been received so far.

Cannabis cultivation associations are part of the first phase, or ‘pillar 1,’ of Germany’s modernized cannabis legalization model. The associations combine with home cultivation to serve as the foundation of legal recreational cannabis sourcing in Germany. Eventually, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials will also provide a legal means by which consumers can source their cannabis products (pillar 2).

Memberships at cannabis cultivation associations are capped at 500 members in Germany. A maximum of 25 grams of cannabis can be distributed per member per day at German cultivation associations, and a maximum of 50 grams per month per member. For consumers between the ages of 18 and 21 years old, there is a purchasing limit of 30 grams per month with a maximum product limit of 10% THC.

Meanwhile, Burkhardt Blienert, SPD politician and Germany’s Federal Government Drug Commissioner, is continuing to defend the nation’s approach to cannabis policy modernization and regulation. Blienert led Germany’s effort to legalize cannabis for adult use in recent years.

“By allowing cannabis to be grown legally at home and in clubs, the federal government has not legalized the drug, but rather decriminalized its consumption,” explained Burkhardt Blienert according to Oldenburger Nachrichten. “Until now, cannabis was generally prohibited, and yet the drug was regularly consumed by around 4.5 million people in Germany. The ban did not work, especially as cannabis from the black market became increasingly stronger and riskier.”

“We urgently needed to do something to curb the black market and reduce the risks associated with consumption, which is already taking place. That’s what we did.” he also stated.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, and South Africa, in addition to Germany and various states in the U.S. Cannabis is legal for medical use in nearly five dozen countries, including in Germany.

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Italian Government Continues Push For Ban On ‘Cannabis Light’

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Cannabis products that are low in THC, often referred to as ‘cannabis light,’ have grown in popularity among consumers in Europe at a seemingly exponential rate in recent years. Whereas cannabis products that contain large amounts of THC remain largely prohibited on the continent outside of medical products, cannabis light products are widely available.

Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the new trend. Government officials in Italy are pushing to ban the products completely, which would significantly impact the nation’s emerging cannabis light industry. Such a policy change may also violate European Union policies.

“The proposed change in the law would not only prohibit extracts made from hemp inflorescences containing the non-psychoactive ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), but would also have massive consequences for the industrial hemp industry, warn Italian farmers’ associations.” stated Proplanta in its local reporting.

“If the new regulations come into force, the production, processing and sale of hemp flowers would be prohibited. This applies even if they have a THC content of less than 0.2%.” the outlet also reported.

Currently, cannabis that is not low in THC is legal for adult use in Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany, in addition to Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa. At least 57 countries around the world have adopted medical cannabis legalization measures.

Members of Italy’s emerging cannabis light industry are warning of the negative consequences if/when the country bans the sector’s products. According to members of Italy’s cannabis light sector, around 4,000 hectares are currently dedicated to hemp cultivation, and the industry employs thousands of people. Italy’s consumable hemp industry is estimated to be worth roughly 500 million euros.

According to leading Italian trade group Federcanapa, Italy’s emerging hemp-derived consumables industry includes 3,000 businesses and over 15,000 workers. The global cannabidiol (CBD) market was worth an estimated $7.6 billion in 2023 according to a recent market analysis by Market.us, and will climb to a projected $36.6 in value by 2033.

“Between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 27%.” the researchers stated.

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What Is Holding Back Zimbabwe’s Hemp Industry?

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

Humans harnessing hemp is far from being a new thing. Hemp fiber was used as far back as 10,000 years ago during the Early Jomon Period in Japan. Consumption for medical purposes goes back at least as far as back as 2,800 BC. Cannabis was included in Emperor Shen Nung’s (regarded as the father of Chinese medicine) pharmacopeia around that time.

Unfortunately, many countries began prohibiting hemp in the early 1900s as overall cannabis prohibition took hold. From an agricultural standpoint, hemp and cannabis are the same plant. However, from a legal standpoint, hemp and cannabis are now treated differently by many governments.

In countries that permit hemp activity, below a defined THC threshold (.2-1%) is considered to be hemp, and above the defined THC threshold is cannabis. Hemp and cannabis laws vary across the globe, with some countries still prohibiting both.

One nation that has modernized its hemp laws to permit production and commerce is Zimbabwe. The African nation adopted reforms in 2019 and 2020 that now govern the domestic hemp industry. Still, the industry is taking longer to thrive in Zimbabwe than advocates have hoped.

“The key challenges are production, seeds, access to finance from local financial institutions, market access, certification of our farmers, and value-addition,” Jonathan Mukuruba, agribusiness director at the Agriculture Marketing Authority, said during a recent panel discussion according to HempToday. “We still do not yet have good agricultural control and control practices applicable to agricultural practices for our processors locally.”

“As of this year, the Agricultural Marketing Authority has issued a total of 61 licenses for hemp production, including cultivation, trade, research, and breeding. Reports suggest Zimbabwe has so far exported over 8,000 ton of hemp – most likely flower biomass for CBD — primarily to Poland, Switzerland and Germany, but figures are difficult to verify.” HempToday also reported.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at the national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa, although recreational cannabis commerce remains prohibited in Luxembourg and South Africa.

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.

The legal global cannabis industry is set for significant expansion in the coming years, and a new report by Skyquest Technology Consulting is projecting that the regulated worldwide cannabis market will surpass $148.4 billion in value by 2031.

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Guyana Lawmaker Authors Op-Ed About Legalization’s Benefits

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

The Republic of Guyana, a country in South America, is home to cannabis prohibition policies that may not be as harsh as in other nations, however, there is still considerable room for improvement.

Guyana’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control (Amendment) Bill of 2021 removed prison sentences for consumers found in possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis. Consumers caught with more than 30 grams still face potential prison time.

Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP JP, a member of Guyana’s Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC), represents Region 1 in Guayana’s Parliament. The lawmaker recently issued an op-ed in which he touted the benefits of Guyana further modernizing the nation’s cannabis policies, particularly as it pertains to a regulated industry.

“The world is changing and it is changing very fast due to factors such as climate change, artificial intelligence, improved technologies, social media platforms, wars and even in terms of what was not acceptable as legal, customs and norms. One such global perspective on “marijuana” has shifted dramatically and rightfully so in recent years, moving from strict prohibition to varying degrees of legalization and acceptance.” Figueira wrote in an op-ed published by Stabroek News.

“Countries like the Netherlands, the United States, Antigua, and Jamaica to name a few, have all witnessed significant economic benefits following the legalization, cultivation and sale of marijuana.” the lawmaker also wrote.

Cannabis is currently legal for adult use at the national level in Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa, although recreational cannabis commerce remains prohibited in Luxembourg and South Africa.

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.

“Drawing on the experiences of these countries, Guyana will learn to tap into the high potential economic gains and its spin off benefits once it moves away from its present backwardness when it comes to this economic/money crop.” Figueira’s op-ed stated.

“Guyana, equally with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, could develop a merger of its eco/ cannabis tourism sector that will create thousands of jobs and attract millions of international visitors annually, boosting local businesses and generating additional revenue.” he also wrote.

“States like Colorado and Washington have demonstrated how a well-regulated market can generate substantial tax revenue and reduce criminal justice costs. Our country can learn from these regulatory frameworks to establish our own robust legal and economic structures.” Figueira concluded.

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Calls For Senate Approval Of Medical Cannabis Bill In The Philippines

Written by Hazel Norman on . Posted in Policy.

Earlier this year the Philippines House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved HB 10439, a measure that would legalize certain medical cannabis therapeutic products in the Philippines in limited instances. The principal author of HB 10439 is National Unity Party president and Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte.

Despite the overwhelming approval in the Philippines House of Representatives, the measure appears to have stalled now that it is being considered by the Philippines Senate. Representative Villafuerte is urging Senators to approve the measure with no further delays.

“With the House’s third and final approval of HB 10439 in the previous legislative session, what we only need now is for our senators to act on their counterpart measure, in the hope that we can come up with an enrolled bill for submission to, and enactment into law by, President Marcos this third and final session of the 19th Congress,” Villafuerte said according to local reporting by Politiko.

What is being proposed in the Philippines is the legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) in limited circumstances, which, compared to other medical cannabis legalization models found around the world, would still be very restrictive. Representative Villafuerte is hopeful that the international spread of reform will tip the scales in the Philippines.

“I am more upbeat that the Congress will be able this time around to finally write a law allowing qualified patients with debilitating diseases to use CBD as an alternative treatment for their afflictions, hoping that the UN CND’s recognition of non-addictive CBD will convince most of our senators to pass their measure (Senate Bill 2573) legalizing medical cannabis,” Villafuerte said.

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.

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First Cannabis Cultivation Association Approved In Berlin

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

Marzahn-Hellersdorf recently became the first district in Berlin to approve a cannabis cultivation association. Starting on July 1st, 2024, entities can apply with local regulatory authorities in Germany to create cannabis cultivation associations for adult cannabis consumers.

“The Green Leaf Society eV association received permission, which, according to district councilor Gordon Lemm (SPD), is due to the high sense of responsibility and the well-thought-out structure of the application.” the German Cannabis Business Association stated in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“After a thorough review of the submitted documents, they meet the approval criteria set out in the law. The law places particular emphasis on the issues of youth protection, security, non-commercial structures and information on health and addiction risks for club members.” the District Office of Marzahn-Hellersdorf stated in a news release announcing the application approval.

“The Green Leaf Society’s proposal can certainly be seen as exemplary in many ways. I am sure that other potential cultivation associations can and will learn from it. I fundamentally hope for a responsible approach to cannabis in our society, the protection of our young people and the decline of criminal structures surrounding the issue. Every consumer can contribute to this.” stated district councilor Gordon Lemm (SPD).

After a rocky start, local German governments have started to receive applications for cultivation associations at an increasing rate, with over 200 applications received so far. Cultivation association memberships are capped at 500 members, and associations must adhere to various rules and regulations.

The first cultivation association approval occurred in Lower Saxony in early July. Officials in North Rhine-Westphalia previously estimated that their state could eventually be home to as many as 3,000 cultivation associations based on population. Applying the same population-based calculation, Berlin could eventually be home to over 600 cultivation associations.

Cannabis cultivation associations are part of the first phase (pillar 1) of Germany’s adult-use legalization model. Starting on April 1st, 2024, adults in Germany can cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis for recreational purposes.

The second phase of Germany’s legalization model (pillar 2) involves permitting local municipalities to launch regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot research trials. Per our recent reporting, over two dozen municipalities in Germany have indicated that they will launch their own pilot trials once the regulatory process is implemented.

A supermajority of respondents in a recent survey in Germany hold a positive or neutral view of the nation’s modernized approach to cannabis policy and regulation.

“According to a recent representative survey by the Björn Steiger Foundation, 61 percent of Germans have never consumed cannabis, or at least not in the last 12 months. In the new federal states, the figure for never-consumers is almost 50 percent, which is almost 10 percent higher than the figure in the old federal states.” stated the Björn Steiger Foundation.

“Around 70 percent of respondents see the partial legalization as positive or neutral, with male respondents showing significantly greater approval.” the organization also stated.