Policy – Page 3 – International Cannabis Business Conference

German Cannabis Advocates Push Back On Harmful Amendment

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

Germany’s medical cannabis community is resiliant, as demonstrated by swift and largely united pushback from medical cannabis advocates against a recently published draft amendment to the country’s Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG).

The changes are being proposed by Germany’s Ministry of Health despite the effectiveness and safety of telemedicine services. As drafted, the amendment would negatively impact safe access in Germany, and the nation’s most vulnerable medical cannabis patients would suffer as a result. The proposed changes contained within the draft amendment include:

Mandatory in-person doctor consultations
A ban on mail-order medical cannabis dispensing
Stricter rules for medical cannabis prescriptions

“Health Minister Warken sees mail-order sales and anonymous online prescriptions as a gateway for misuse, which is promoted by commercial platforms. However, the draft does not appear to have been agreed upon with the coalition partner, the SPD , yet . The industry is calling for differentiated solutions instead of blanket bans. Reputable providers are advocating for stricter standards in telemedicine, but against a complete ban on digital care. A mail-order ban would once again push patients onto the black market and overburden pharmacies and practices.” stated the German Cannabis Business Association (BvCW) in a recent newsletter (translated from German to English).

“Security of supply, for example through rare varieties or short-term availability, has so far been better ensured through digital processes. In light of the planned evaluation of the Cannabis Act in the fall, platforms and patient representatives are calling for a fact-based dialogue with politicians – otherwise, there is a risk of setbacks in patient care and the re-criminalization of many chronically ill people.” BvCW also wrote.

“Healthcare should never depend on your zip code or bank balance,” said David Barnan, Chief Marketing Officer at DoktorABC, in a press release. “We are watching with great concern as Germany moves toward a two-tier healthcare system. In major cities, those with money receive treatment, while patients in rural areas are left behind. The proposed restrictions on telemedicine prescribing of cannabis and mail-order sales of medicines would push tens of thousands of legitimate medical cannabis patients back to ineffective therapies—or, worse, into the unregulated market.”

“For many patients, a doctor’s visit can cost up to €100 out of pocket—and that doesn’t even include travel expenses, lost time from work, or the cost of caregivers,” Barnan also stated. “And most local pharmacies simply can’t stock the full range of cannabis flowers that doctors prescribe. Patients will be forced to travel from pharmacy to pharmacy just to find their medication. Smaller local stocks also keep prices high. Faced with rising costs and repeated supply shortages, many patients will forgo treatment—or turn to the black market, where there is no medical oversight.”

“Telemedicine is not a loophole—it’s a lifeline that lowers costs, expands access, and keeps patients in regulated care,” Barnan said.

“We call on legislators to protect digital consultation channels and ensure the shipping and delivery of legally prescribed medical cannabis from pharmacies. Where additional security measures are necessary, they should be specifically enhanced—but patients must not be cut off from effective, physician-assisted access.” states a petition started by DoktorABC on Change.org. As of the posting of this article, the petition has been signed by 17,289 people.

“Mail-order sales by German pharmacies should remain possible – especially with regard to chronically ill people who are limited in their mobility.” stated health politician Simone Borchardt (CDU), according to local reporting by Handelsblatt (translated from German to English). “If shipping from abroad is stopped while maintaining domestic shipping, we will strengthen the pharmacy landscape in Germany and improve care, especially in rural areas. A complete ban, however, goes too far.”

“For hundreds of thousands of people, medical cannabis is the only effective treatment. Nevertheless, due to concerns about abuse, centralized care channels such as telemedicine and mail-order delivery are being restricted – contrary to current healthcare practices and without consulting those affected.” states a separate petition launched by Grünhorn Group (translated from German to English). “A telemedicine ban would hurt the wrong people: the patients. The black market would profit.”

“Telemedicine access is to be severely limited, and the shipping of medical cannabis flowers by pharmacies is to be prohibited. This would likely result in at least halving the current market volume. This raises questions about the BMG’s motives.” pointed out krautinvest in a recent article.

“The high demand for online offerings is not the problem, but a symptom of a sick healthcare system that is failing to adequately fulfill its mandate. New hurdles do not lead to better standard care—instead, they lead to fewer options and longer journeys for those affected. A ban on flower shipping threatens conditions that are more restrictive than when cannabis was still a narcotic.” stated Stefan Konikowski, Board Member of Berliner Cannabis Hilfe eV (Berlin Cannabis Help Association).

“In the interest of patients, we demand that the market for medical cannabis, as well as related (tele)medical, pharmaceutical, and other care-related services, be sensibly regulated and controlled through existing laws. Particular consideration must be given to patient welfare, security of supply, and low-threshold access.” Stefan Konikowski also stated (translated from German to English).

Lebanon Agriculture Minister Touts Economic Benefits Of Regulated Cannabis

Written by Johnny Green on July 20, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Lebanon may not be the first country that people think of when it comes to the emerging legal cannabis and hemp industries. However, there is a concerted push underway to ramp up the nation’s legal industries, and that push is largely being led by the nation’s leaders.

“Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Wednesday sponsored a conference at the Grand Serail on legal cannabis cultivation, reaffirming the government’s push to activate Lebanon’s law allowing medical and industrial use.” reported LBC International in its local reporting.

“In his opening remarks, Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani framed the initiative as a turning point in Lebanon’s approach to agriculture and economic development.” the outlet also reported in its original coverage.

Agriculture Minister Hani reportedly described developing the nation’s medical and industrial hemp industries as being “a national responsibility” and that the emerging sectors are “promising” if they can be developed sufficiently.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister estimates that an established medical and industrial hemp industry could develop into a $1 billion market and create a significant number of jobs in the process. He pointed to the Bekaa Valley as an example that could particularly benefit from a developed industry.

A 2019 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that Lebanon was the third largest source for ‘cannabis resin’ worldwide, only behind Morocco and Afghanistan. UNODC estimated that roughly 6% of all the cannabis resin on earth originates in Lebanon.

Two historical measures largely govern cannabis activity in Lebanon. The first came in 1998, when Lebanon passed law 673/1998, which criminalized the use of illicit drugs and scheduled cannabis as a “very dangerous substance with no medical use.”

The second occurred in 2020, when Lebanon became the first country in the region to somewhat liberalize its cannabis policies by permitting limited cannabis farming. As time has gone on, the measure approved in 2020 has proven to be largely symbolic, with the nation’s cabinet refraining from implementing decrees to establish a regulatory authority.

“In April 2020, after decades of discussions and controversy, the Lebanese parliament voted a law legalizing the cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Although the law leaves several unanswered questions and awaits implementation, the symbolic nature of this step in recognizing a positive role of cannabis in the local economy is significant on a regional level.” wrote a team of researchers affiliated with various health and academic institutions based in Lebanon.

“The social experiment taking place in Lebanon is fraught with risks, given the unstable political situation and chronic economic challenges. The reactions to the law have been mixed with several scientific bodies such as the Lebanese Psychiatric Society criticizing the absence of proper consultation of stakeholders.” the researchers also wrote.

Legal Cannabis Sales Could Add $10 Billion To Victoria’s Economy

Written by Johnny Green on July 20, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

If Victoria, a state in southeast Australia, were to allow a regulated adult-use cannabis industry to operate within its borders, the jurisdiction could witness a boost of as much as $10 billion in gross state product over the next decade.

The projection is part of an economic analysis commissioned by the Penington Institute. The economic analysis also found that a regulated recreational cannabis industry in Victoria could create as many as 17,000 new jobs and generate $2 billion for the government’s public coffers via taxed sales and industry fees.

“These figures were based on a scenario in which Victoria implemented a comprehensive regulatory model developed by the Penington Institute.” reported Cannabiz in its original coverage of the analysis. “The plan outlined 21 control measures, including bans on underage access, advertising and public use, and a licensing system covering cultivation, manufacturing and retail.”

“Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said the data demonstrated the scale of the economic opportunity, which was currently being occupied by a billion-dollar illegal market.” the outlet also reported.

The recreational-focused analysis was published against a backdrop in which opponents inside and outside of Australia’s government are pushing for stiffer medical cannabis industry regulations. Australia legalized medical cannabis in 2016.

“Given the increasing numbers of Australian using medical cannabis and an increase observed in poor prescribing practices, Ahpra and the National Boards last week released updated guidance to help practitioners meet their obligations. This follows the AMA calling on health ministers to address the issue, in part by providing adequate resources to Ahpra and the National Boards.” reported Hemp Gazette about recently shifting medical cannabis regulations in Australia.

“The AMA is also calling for stricter enforcement to stop medicinal cannabis companies from exploiting special access schemes and avoiding listing products on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The ARTG lists all therapeutic goods that are legally allowed to be supplied in or exported from Australia; including medicines, medical devices, and other therapeutic products.” the outlet also reported.

Australia is on pace for over 200,000 medical cannabis approvals by the end of the year. Last year, Australian doctors issued about 178k approvals by comparison. Australia’s medical cannabis industry imported over 42,000 kilos of medical cannabis products in 2023 alone.

Czech President Officially Signs Cannabis Legalization Measure

Written by Johnny Green on July 20, 2025. Posted in Policy.

It’s official – Czech Republic President Petr Pavel signed the nation’s historic cannabis legalization measure into law earlier this week. The measure, which will permit adults over the age of 21 to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis, will take effect on January 1st, 2026.

On May 30th, Czechia’s Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic approved the adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The European nation’s Senate then approved the measure a little over two weeks ago, sending it to the president’s desk for his signature.

Starting next year, Czech adults over the age of 21 can cultivate up to three plants in their private residences. Additionally, they can possess up to 100 grams of cannabis in private, and up to 25 grams in public spaces. Public consumption will remain prohibited.

“The reform distinguishes between cannabis possession and more serious drug offenses. Possession of four to five plants is considered a misdemeanor, while possession of more than 200 grams or cultivation of more than five plants remains punishable.” stated Cannabis Industrie in its original reporting (translated to English).

“A notable change is that possessing cannabis for another person, provided it’s within the permitted quantities, is no longer a criminal offense. The Czech government is pursuing a more realistic and less punitive drug policy.” the outlet also reported.

The Czech Republic is now set to implement a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure, joining Uruguay, Canada, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and South Africa in doing so. Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, although recreational cannabis remains prohibited at the national level in those nations.

Unfortunately, current European Union agreements continue to prohibit national recreational cannabis sales, such as what is occurring in Uruguay and Canada, and will eventually occur in South Africa. Pilot trials and cultivation associations are permitted in EU member nations. However, there are currently no plans for pilot trials or associations in the Czech Republic.

Zurich Cannabis Pilot Trial Set For Expansion

Written by Johnny Green on July 16, 2025. Posted in Policy.

The regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot project “Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility” was launched in 2023. The pilot trial, operated by the City of Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and the University of Zurich, is described as “investigating the effects of purchasing selected cannabis products from controlled cultivation under regulated conditions on participants’ consumption and health.”

Slated to operate until autumn 2026, the trial has involved 2,100 study participants so far. However, the Züri Can pilot trial is reportedly expected to expand and include nearly a thousand more study participants.

“The city of Zurich continues to lead the way in Europe in piloting a model for the legal and controlled distribution of cannabis in Switzerland. After an initial phase launched in 2023, the pilot project ” Züri Can – Cannabis with Responsibility ” is preparing for significant expansion: applications are open this month for an additional 900 participants, joining the approximately 2,100 already involved.” reported DolceVita in its original coverage.

“Participants can purchase recreational cannabis from over 20 licensed retailers, including pharmacies, specialized dispensaries, and accredited social clubs, choosing from a range of products vetted for quality and provenance.” the outlet also reported.

The planned expansion of the pilot trial in Zurich was originally approved by the Federal Office of Public Health on November 20, 2024. Pilot trial participation requirements include subjects being of legal age (18 years old or older), being an ‘active user’, participants must be a resident of Zurich, and they cannot work as a ‘professional driver’, such as a bus or taxi driver.

Regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are a public policy model that is unique to Europe. Whereas national adult-use cannabis sales are prohibited by current European Union agreements, pilot trials are research-based and are permitted by the EU.

Multiple jurisdictions in Switzerland now have operating pilot trials, and trials are also operating in several jurisdictions in the Netherlands. Pilot trials were also approved as part of Germany’s multi-phased CanG law in 2024, although no German jurisdictions have received official approval to proceed yet.

German Draft Medical Cannabis Amendment Would Harm Patients

Written by Johnny Green on July 15, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Longtime medical cannabis advocates, myself included, have pointed out for many years that a jurisdiction’s medical cannabis model is only as good as the level of safe access that it provides to suffering patients. That is a true statement, including in Germany, where a draft amendment to the country’s Medical Cannabis Act (MedCanG) was recently released.

As drafted, the amendment would negatively impact safe access in Germany, and the nation’s medical cannabis patients would suffer as a result. The proposed changes contained within the draft amendment include:

Mandatory in-person doctor consultations
A ban on mail-order medical cannabis dispensing
Stricter rules for medical cannabis prescriptions

The changes are being proposed by Germany’s Ministry of Health despite the effectiveness and safety of telemedicine services. Given German Health Minister Nina Warken’s recent negative comments about German medical cannabis since assuming her current position, what is being proposed is not surprising, but no less unfortunate.

German medical cannabis telemedicine services help the nation’s most vulnerable patients, including rural patients who live far away from doctors, disabled patients who often cannot travel to complete in-person consultations, and low income patients who may be able-bodied and yet cannot afford to travel to a physical doctors office or pay extra for a doctor to travel to them for in-person consultations.

All of those limitations also apply to the ongoing logistics of acquiring medical cannabis products for the suffering patients who can overcome the arbitrary additional hurdles and gain initial approval from a doctor.

What is being proposed will place significant burdens on patients who just want to have safe access to effective medications, and if the draft amendment provisions are approved, many will be forced to either go without medical cannabis altogether or seek out unregulated alternatives. According to a recent survey conducted by Bloomwell Group, many medical cannabis patients will choose the latter.

Frankfurt-based Bloomwell Group, Europe’s largest digital platform for medical cannabis-based therapies, surveyed more than 2,500 current medical cannabis patients in Germany. Below are some of the key findings from the survey results:

41.7% of patients would revert to the unregulated market if telemedicine were prohibited
Only 7% would consider joining one of Germany’s adult-use cannabis clubs
79% of patients previously relied on unregulated sources prior to benefitting from telemedicine options
47.5% of survey participants indicated that cannabis obtained from pharmacies is less expensive compared to unregulated sources
83% believe medical cannabis from pharmacies is of higher quality than unregulated alternatives

“Respondents in the latest survey have yet again voiced significant concerns about illegal products. However, the majority said that if digital access were restricted—as currently proposed by some politicians—they would have no alternative except to return to obtaining their cannabis from illicit sources.” stated Dr. Julian Wichmann, Co-Founder and CEO of Bloomwell GmbH.

“Ironically, the allegations of misuse relate to prescription medication, where limiting digital access would have only negative consequences—for patients, the economy, the justice system, the state, and public health.” Dr. Wichmann continued.

“At the same time, we see consistent, widespread misuse of numerous other prescription drugs with high dependency potential and serious side effects — but there is currently no comparable evidence that pharmacy-grade medical cannabis poses the same risks. From a medical perspective, a re-criminalization of hundreds of thousands of cannabis patients must be avoided at all costs.” Dr. Wichmann also stated.

“A majority of Germans now support full legalization, and the medical benefits of cannabis are widely accepted across all social strata. The premise that politicians are seriously considering slowing digital innovation in an already overburdened healthcare system, re-criminalizing patients, threatening jobs, and forfeiting tax revenue is beyond absurd—and would be laughable if the consequences for patients and public health weren’t so serious.” stated Niklas Kouparanis, Co-Founder and CEO of Bloomwell Group.

If there is one silver lining to be had right now, it is that the process is not over, and there currently is no final decision. There is still time for medical cannabis advocates to prevent the drastic changes from gaining final approval, which was touched on by leading German cannabis policy expert attorney Peter Homberg of gunnercooke in an interview this week with krautinvest (I encourage everyone to read the interview on krautinvest.de in its entirety).

“I can’t imagine this draft bill being passed in its current form. In my view, it represents the Federal Ministry of Health’s maximum demands, which go far beyond the actual goal.” Peter Homberg said (translated from German to English) in the interview in response to krautinvest’s question, “In your opinion, how realistic is it that these changes will be implemented?”

Mr. Homberg would go on to explain that some changes to Germany’s medical cannabis rules and regulations will likely occur, but not everything that is being proposed in the recently released draft amendment.

“I can imagine that the SPD, as part of the coalition, will work quite hard to prevent this law from being implemented in this form. After all, its contents are counterproductive to what the government implemented during the last legislative period: comprehensive patient care with high-quality cannabis products from pharmacies.” Mr. Homberg also stated in the interview.

The release of the Ministry of Health’s draft amendment comes on the heels of the first findings surfacing from the Evaluation of the Consumer Cannabis Act (EKOCAN) project. The project manager for the EKOCAN research effort, Dr. Jakob Manthey, indicated that many of the concerns expressed by cannabis opponents about cannabis legalization over the last year are proving to be unfounded, at least so far.

All medical cannabis advocates in Germany are encouraged to contact the lawmakers who represent them and let them know that these aggressions against medical cannabis patients will not stand. Educate them on the benefits of telemedicine and the negative impact the proposed changes will have on suffering patients.

If you are a suffering patient who benefits from Germany’s current medical cannabis model, tell your lawmaker that, and urge them to oppose the draft amendment. The future of safe access in Germany depends on it.

Slovenia’s National Assembly Approves Historic Medical Cannabis Measure

Written by Johnny Green on July 15, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Nearly three months after Slovenia’s Parliament introduced a medical cannabis policy modernization measure, the European nation’s National Assembly voted to officially approve the measure.

Out of the 90 members of the legislative body, 81 lawmakers were present for the historic vote, with 50 voting in favor of the medical cannabis legalization measure, 29 voting against it, and 2 refraining from voting on the measure.

“Today, Slovenia stepped up on the international stage of cannabis by passing one of the most progressive national medical cannabis laws in the world.” stated International Cannabis Business Conference CEO Alex Rogers, who resides in Slovenia.

Those who voted in favor of the measure included members of the governing coalition, the representatives of the Italian and Hungarian national communities, and one unaffiliated MP (nepovezan poslanec). Below are the major components of the approved legislation:

The bill legalizes the cultivation, production, distribution, and use of Cannabis sativa L. for medical and scientific purposes, under a regulated and controlled system.
The measure introduces a non-restrictive licensing system: any individual or company that fulfills the conditions can obtain a license. There will be no public tender and no state monopoly. Both public and private entities can produce and distribute medical cannabis.
All cannabis for medical use must be grown and processed according to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practice), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and European Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring high-quality, safe products for patients.
Cannabis (plant, resin, extracts) and THC will be removed from Slovenia’s list of prohibited substances within the regulated medical and scientific framework within 90 days as part of a government mandate.
Medical cannabis can be prescribed for any condition the doctor deems appropriate for the suffering patient.
Medical cannabis will be available on regular medical (MD and DMD) or veterinary prescriptions, like other medications. Special narcotic prescription protocols will no longer be required, and approved patients will be issued a ‘cannabis card’ when picking up their prescription in the pharmacy, which protects the patient from any police or other intervention.
The law ensures a stable and continuous supply of cannabis through pharmacies, licensed wholesalers, and healthcare providers, so that patients are not dependent on imports or irregular access.

The approval of the medical cannabis policy modernization measure comes after many years of hard work and dedication by Slovenian cannabis advocates. Slovenia’s patients will finally have improved safe access, and the nation’s reform victory will further similar efforts elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world.

Slovenia’s medical cannabis market is projected to grow by 4% annually, reaching over €55 million by 2029. The bill opens the sector to domestic innovation, job creation, and export potential. Slovenia has long been home to a thriving scientific research and development community and an international hub for such activity, and now medical cannabis will be part of it.

(This is breaking news, and this article will be updated as any further details are identified.)

Britain’s Police Chiefs Urge Increased Cannabis Enforcement

Written by Johnny Green on July 13, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Cannabis remains prohibited in Great Britain, and cannabis for legal medical use continues to be limited to a large degree. Despite cannabis prohibition continuing to be a failed public policy approach by every meaningful measure, law enforcement leaders in Britain are urging a crackdown on personal cannabis possession and consumption.

“The country’s longest-serving chief constable admits the smell of the drug is a ‘sign of crime and disorder’ which makes even him ‘feel unsafe’.” reported Daily Mail. “Sir Andy Marsh, who leads the College of Policing, said frontline officers should ‘do something about it’.”

“Launching a new leadership programme for policing, they acknowledged forces were in a ‘foot race for public confidence’ and officers can no longer ignore what has traditionally been perceived as the ‘little stuff’.” the outlet also reported.

The comments made by Sir Andy Marsh were echoed by Greater Manchester Police Chief Sir Stephen Watson and Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy. Sir Andy Marsh reportedly also said that law enforcement “must listen to their communities and be prepared to take a tougher line.”

However, public opinion is not in line with the recent comments made by the law enforcement leaders. A recent YouGov UK poll asked adults in the United Kingdom, “Would you support or oppose decriminalising possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use?”

A combined 54% of poll respondents expressed support for the public policy change. Only 34% of poll respondents directly opposed cannabis decriminalization in the United Kingdom, with 13% being undecided.

In 2022, London Mayor Sadiq Khan established the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC), tasking the Commission with examining cannabis policies in England’s capital city and other jurisdictions. The commission recently published its findings and recommended that personal cannabis possession be decriminalized, a recommendation that Mayor Khan reportedly supports.

“The report follows detailed analysis of written and oral evidence from over 200 experts and academics from London, the UK and around the world. Lord Falconer and his Deputies were assisted by leading experts from criminal justice, public health, community relations and drug policy and supported by academics from University College London (UCL).” The London Drugs Commission stated about its methodology.

“Inclusion of cannabis as a Class B drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act is disproportionate to the harms it can pose relative to other drugs controlled by the Act. The sentencing options currently available, especially for personal possession, cannot be justified when balanced against the longer-term impacts of experience of the justice system, including stop and search, or of serving a criminal sentence can have on a person.” The Commission stated about its report.

“Sir Sadiq Khan said current rules “cannot be justified”, adding that the commission’s findings had provided “a compelling, evidence-based case” for decriminalisation.” reported BBC in its local coverage.

Evaluating Germany’s Cannabis Legalization Law

Written by Johnny Green on July 13, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy, Science.

Germany remains the largest country, as measured by population size, to ever adopt a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Given Germany’s position as a continental and global political and economic leader, it is easy to make an argument that German legalization is the most significant cannabis policy modernization effort of its kind in history.

While there are various ongoing evaluations of Germany’s CanG law, the Evaluation of the Consumer Cannabis Act (EKOCAN) is a very prominent one that domestic lawmakers are following as they continue to consider potential updates to German cannabis public policy.

The project manager for the EKOCAN research effort is Dr. Jakob Manthey, and according to the Federal Ministry of Health’s website, the goals of the evaluation project are threefold. They include “investigating the impact of the Cannabis Act on”:

Child and youth protection
General health protection
Cannabis-related crime

“To this end, a wide variety of data will be compiled (e.g., from ongoing studies on the topic or from public administration), our own surveys will be conducted (e.g., with public organizations directly involved in the topic, as well as consumers and cultivation associations), and the data will finally be evaluated with regard to the aforementioned overarching objectives.” states the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) on its website (translated from German to English).

“The evaluation will make an important contribution to answering the question of how the law is being implemented in everyday life and whether the intended effects of the law are being achieved. Furthermore, the evaluation should provide reliable evidence for potentially necessary legislative adjustments.” BMG also states.

With that in mind, the initial findings of the EKOCAN project have surfaced via original reporting by krautinvest. I encourage everyone to read krautinvest’s article, which is very informative and insightful.

One of the major takeaways from the initial findings is that reported cannabis consumption rates were already on the rise in Germany leading up to the enactment of the CanG law, and Dr. Manthy determined that the rise was due to older individuals reporting cannabis use.

Regarding younger consumers, which is a demographic often focused on by cannabis opponents in their talking points, Dr. Manthy “sees no anomalies since the Cannabis Act came into force,” according to krautinvest’s reporting, and that Dr. Manthy doesn’t assume “that any changes can be attributed to the Cannabis Act.”

Other high-level takeaways from the initial evaluation findings are that there aren’t enough cannabis cultivation associations in Germany, that there are no “short-term changes” regarding public roadway safety, legalization has not increased reported mental illnesses, and that the CanG law has significantly lowered cannabis-related criminal offenses in Germany.