Policy – Page 4 – International Cannabis Business Conference

Nearly 90% Of Thailand Cannabis Stores Expected To Close

Written by Johnny Green on July 12, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

At the start of this year, Thailand was one of the top legal cannabis markets on the planet, becoming so after a landmark policy change a few years ago. In 2022, Thailand made history by becoming the first country in the Southeast Asia region to modernize its cannabis policies and remove cannabis from its narcotics list.

Unfortunately, the glory days of Thailand’s modern cannabis industry appear to be over, at least for now.

“The new regulations – set to be enforced by the end of the year – would leave about 2,000 of Thailand’s estimated 18,000 cannabis shops in operation, a Ministry of Public Health official said on Tuesday.” reported South China Morning Post this week in its original coverage.

“Cannabis was officially designated a “controlled herb” in June, under an order signed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. The reclassification means the plant can now only be used with a licensed medical prescription, and all professionals authorised to prescribe it must undergo training approved by the health ministry.” the outlet also reported.

Some international cannabis media coverage has framed the recent public policy changes in Thailand as ‘proof that Thailand’s cannabis industry experiment did not work as designed.’ However, a basic review of Thailand’s approach in the last few years demonstrates that the industry did work as designed by the last government, and that recent changes are actually the result of a new government taking control of the country.

Thailand’s historic cannabis policy shift in 2022 was designed to pave the way for the nation’s emerging cannabis industry to become a regional and international cannabis industry leader. Every household in the entire country could sign up initially to legally cultivate low-THC cannabis plants, which a reported 1.1 million citizens of Thailand had done at one point.

During Thailand’s historic change in 2022, the nation’s Public Health Minister indicated that there would be no plant limit for the government’s cannabis cultivation program. Thailand’s government also gave away over 1 million cannabis seeds directly to households that signed up for the program.

A broad spectrum of government agencies in Thailand agreed to do their part to push the nation’s emerging cannabis industry forward. Researchers estimated at the time that Thailand’s 2022 policy change would result in roughly 12,000 cannabis dispensaries opening nationwide. As we now know, the number ended up being around 18,000 dispensaries by 2025.

All cannabis sales in Thailand will eventually require a medical prescription, and retailers will be required to have an on-site licensed medical professional at every location. All cannabis products in Thailand will be required to be sourced from licensed suppliers and undergo rigorous testing for contaminants.

In addition to requiring tailored training for all cannabis-prescribing medical professionals, all staffers at the nation’s remaining cannabis dispensaries will also have to complete a required training. An estimated 100,000 dispensary staffers are expected to take the necessary training once it is offered.

Kazakhstan Passports To Be Made From Industrial Hemp

Written by Johnny Green on July 11, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Humans making useful materials that incorporated the hemp plant was a very common practice by humans for thousands of years. For example, ancient Mesopotamian society used hemp as an input for fabric, going as far back as 8,000 BCE.

Hemp was also used for making rope in Kazakhstan in 3,000 BCE, based on archeological research, and hemp will reportedly be used for making passports in modern-day Kazakhstan. A draft industrial hemp law was submitted to the nation’s parliament earlier this year and eventually signed into law by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

“Kazakhstan will begin producing high-security paper from domestically cultivated industrial hemp, which will be used in the manufacture of passports and national ID cards, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has announced.” reported The Times of Central Asia in its original reporting.

“The main product will be high-security paper, which is a valuable export commodity used for the production of identification documents such as passports and other special forms,” Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov said, according to the reporting. “The range of products being considered by the investor is wide. Market demand will be taken into account, and we believe all the output will go for export.”

Hemp can be cultivated easily in the Kazakhstan region, although what will be produced according to the new law must meet a THC harvest threshold of .3%. THC threshold standards for industrial hemp vary around the world, ranging from .3% to 2%.

According to a recent market analysis conducted by Fact.MR, “worldwide sales of industrial hemp are estimated to reach US$ 25.7 billion by 2034. The market is analyzed to further expand at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2024 to 2034.” Although it is worth noting that many other projections place the global value of the industrial hemp market at an even greater total.

The government in Kazakhstan has reportedly already issued industrial hemp production licenses, with the North Kazakhstan Region being identified as the top area of the country for such activity.

Members Of European Parliament Push For Hemp Legal Framework

Written by Johnny Green on July 11, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Hemp policies and regulations in Europe have historically been a patchwork of sorts, and that patchwork has resulted in a considerable amount of confusion and conflict. Arguably, the most noteworthy example of that can be found in Italy, where domestic lawmakers have adopted hemp policies that directly conflict with European Union policies.

Last month, lawmakers in Italy passed a ‘security decree’ measure that bans all processing, distribution, trade, and transport of ‘cultivated hemp inflorescences.’ Italy’s cannabis light sector currently employs an estimated 22,000 people.

The lack of harmonized continental hemp rules and regulations has created a lot of headaches for Europe’s industry members, including Europe’s farmers who want to cultivate a crop that is experiencing increased demand in Europe and around the world. A group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) is pushing for a legal framework to provide farmers with more certainty.

“Agriculture-focused MEPs are throwing their weight behind a push to secure EU rules on the cultivation of non-intoxicating cannabis – a move aimed at bypassing national restrictions on the taboo crop.” reported Euractiv in its original coverage.

“The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI) backed the move in its position on the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), adopted on Monday. Even though the demand on the European Commission isn’t binding, the text urges the executive to set an EU-wide classification for industrial hemp limiting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive component in cannabis – to a maximum of 0.5%.” the outlet also reported.

Maximum THC thresholds for hemp production vary around the globe, ranging from .2% THC to 2%. Exceeding a THC threshold for hemp harvests can result in farmers losing entire crops, which is obviously not optimal.

A better regulatory concept that was proposed by leading hemp expert Morris Beagle, President of We Are For Better Alternatives, during a panel discussion at the recent International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin is to enforce a THC limit at the product level.

Rather than place the burden of meeting a THC limit on farmers, which is not an easy standard to meet given all of the variables involved, the burden to meet a THC threshold limit would instead be placed on product makers, which is considerably easier for them to do comparatively.

The push by members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee may not be binding, but it is still a welcome endorsement for an industry that is trying to strike the right balance between addressing reasonable concerns and being able to operate in an environment that isn’t constantly shifting.

Switzerland To Open Consultation On Cannabis Legalization

Written by Johnny Green on July 9, 2025. Posted in Policy.

Back in February of this year, Switzerland’s Social Security and Health Committee of the National Council gave preliminary approval to an adult-use cannabis legalization plan by a 14-9 vote. The successful committee vote started Switzerland on a path to modernize its national recreational cannabis laws, potentially.

“Public health and youth protection must be placed at the heart of a renewed cannabis policy. Adults must be granted strictly regulated access to cannabis. In addition, to ensure that consumption is not encouraged, cannabis products must not be sold for profit and must be subject to an incentive tax. This is what is provided for in the draft drawn up by the National Council’s Social Security and Public Health Committee (CSSS-N).” the committee stated in a translated press release at the time.

The Swiss government is reportedly continuing to move forward with the proposal, recently announcing that it is set to open up a public consultation period to allow people and entities to weigh in on the proposal.

“The legalization of cannabis in Switzerland has reached a new milestone. Last Friday, the Health Committee of the Swiss National Council (SGK-N) approved a bill that provides for strictly regulated access to cannabis for adults. This lays the foundation for a possible legalization of cannabis, with a focus on public health and youth prevention.” reported Cannabis Industrie in its original coverage (translated to English).

“The legalization of cannabis plays a central role in this bill, which will be submitted for consultation at the end of August. Civil society organizations, government bodies, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to voice their opinions until November.” the outlet also wrote.

Below are the key points of the proposal being considered in Switzerland:

Cannabis will remain classified as a narcotic.
Adult residents can cultivate up to three plants in their private residences.
Eventual sales will be subject to a state monopoly. Sales must not be for profit. Any profits are allocated to prevention, harm reduction and addiction support.
Vertical integration is prohibited.
Advertising is prohibited, including for cannabis seeds and cuttings and accessories related to the consumption of cannabis.
Cannabis products will be subject to an incentive tax “in order to limit consumption and direct it towards less risky forms.” The tax rate will be tied to “THC content and the type of consumption.” Cantons may levy “a monitoring tax and fees.”
Penalties will be increased for “people who evade the legal market.”
A “zero tolerance” approach to driving under the influence will be instituted, with anyone proven to “have consumed cannabis” being “considered unfit to drive.”

The legalization proposal being considered involves permitting adults to possess a personal amount of cannabis. However, a specific possession limit has not been identified yet. According to the previously cited committee press release, “Maximum quantities for private and public possession apply,” but quantities were ultimately not specified.

Currently, Malta, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Czech Republic have all approved national adult-use cannabis legalization measures in Europe, with Czechia’s legalization law set to take effect on January 1st, 2026. Additionally, Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa have also adopted national recreational cannabis legalization measures.

UK Announces Updates To CBD Novel Foods Approval Process

Written by Johnny Green on July 5, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

A growing body of peer-reviewed scientific research and consumer and patient testimonials has demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD) is safe for human consumption, and in many cases, that CBD provides several wellness benefits.

Unfortunately, governments and public policies are often not on the same page as researchers, consumers, and patients. Various governments around the world either still prohibit CBD products or greatly hinder their legal availability.

One government that has notably moved slowly on modernizing CBD policies and regulations is the United Kingdom, although regulators in the UK did recently announce some changes and upcoming timelines pertaining to CBD products.

“The changes, published today, encourage businesses to meet a CBD provisional acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 10 mg per day of CBD (equivalent to 0.15 mg/kg of body weight per day of CBD for a 70kg adult) and the THC safe upper limit of 0.07 mg THC per day (equivalent to 1 µg/kg of body weight per day of THC for a 70kg adult).” the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency stated earlier this week in a news alert.

“The safe upper limit for THC has been agreed based on advice from our independent scientific advisory committees (Opens in a new window), also published today.” the government agency also wrote in its news release.

There are CBD companies in the United Kingdom who were in the middle of the process of gaining government approval to bring their products to the marketplace. Those companies are being afforded the opportunity to reformulate their products in an effort to bring them into compliance with the updated limits.

“The change to guidance encourages compliance with novel food regulations while prioritising public health. Allowing businesses to reformulate their products at this stage will make the authorisation process more efficient, while consumers will benefit from safer CBD products on the market.” stated the UK Food Standards Agency.

“Our pragmatic approach allows businesses to do the right thing for consumer safety while progressing towards full regulatory compliance. This flexibility creates a clearer path forward for CBD businesses while ensuring products meet our safety standards.” said Thomas Vincent of the Food Standards Agency.

A recent market analysis by The Research Insights estimates that “the global cannabidiol market size is projected to be valued at USD 9.14 billion in 2024 and reach USD 22.05 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.8%.”

Czech Cannabis Legalization To Take Effect On January 1, 2026

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

In late May 2025, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic voted to approve a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. The basic provisions of the measure would permit adults 21 years old and older to cultivate up to three plants in their private residences and possess up to 100 grams of dried cannabis flower.

Longtime Czech cannabis activist Lukas Hurt announced today in a social media post that the measure was also approved by the country’s Senate, and the measure will take effect at the start of 2026:

The approved measure also lowers penalties for individuals caught with amounts over the permitted personal legal possession limit. The approved measure in the Czech Republic does not legalize recreational cannabis commerce.

Czechia is set to join Malta, Luxembourg, and Germany on the list of European nations that have approved a national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Uruguay, Canada, and South Africa have also approved national recreational cannabis legalization measures.

It is also worth noting that two dozen states in the United States have adopted adult-use cannabis legalization measures, although non-hemp cannabis remains prohibited at the federal level in the U.S.

Additionally, regional adult-use cannabis commerce pilot trials are operating in the Netherlands and Switzerland, and court decisions have been rendered in a handful of other nations around the globe that provide adult consumers some level of legal protection, although those policies are not the same as the legal protection afforded by an approved national legalization measure.

Medical Cannabis Legislation Submitted In Türkiye

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

The cannabis policies and regulations in Türkiye, historically referred to in the West as ‘Turkey’, are somewhat complicated. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is strictly prohibited, and cannabidiol (CBD) is only legal in certain instances.

Still, the nation is home to an emerging cannabis industry, albeit a limited one. A measure was recently submitted to Türkiye’s Parliament that would expand the transcontinental nation’s use of cannabis to the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

“Türkiye has significantly expanded its industrial cannabis production over the past five years and is now poised to harness the plant’s medicinal benefits through a new health care regulation, aligning with global advancements in the field.” reported Hürriyet Daily News in its local coverage.

“Included in a legislative package recently submitted to the parliament, the regulation includes expanding the scope of cannabis cultivation to cover pharmaceutical and health care products, supplements and personal care items.” the outlet also reported.

In 2016, hemp cultivation became legal in 19 provinces in Türkiye for industrial purposes. Aspiring hemp producers must obtain the country’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock permission before beginning operations. Hemp product permits are valid for a maximum of three years in Türkiye.

The modern push to boost Türkiye’s emerging hemp industry came in 2019 when the nation’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announced that the country would take steps to increase production. Türkiye was experiencing an economic crisis, and increased hemp production for medical cannabis product exports was established to try to address the problem, although the nation’s policies and regulations have remained limited.

Industrial hemp harvests are widely used for natural fiber components in Türkiye. Industrial hemp is also somewhat common in construction, textiles, the paper industry, and for biofuel. Domestic production has increased from a reported 280 tons in 2020 to more than 1,700 tons in 2024.

Pharmaceutical product imports like Sativex are permitted in Türkiye and can be prescribed for specific conditions. The recently submitted legislative proposal would help the nation’s industry produce its own products and reduce the reliance on pharmaceutical imports.

“Under the bill, medical cannabis products would be sold exclusively through pharmacies under government oversight, with electronic tracking systems ensuring supply chain integrity.” reported Türkiye Today. “The legislation aims to meet domestic demand for cannabis-based medicines while maintaining strict control mechanisms.”

“The country’s experience may serve as a model for other nations seeking to reform cannabis policies while maintaining strict drug control frameworks. The outcome of current legislative efforts will significantly impact Türkiye’s future approach to cannabis regulation and its role in the global medical cannabis market.” the outlet also reported.

The Evolving Industrial Hemp Industry

Written by Johnny Green on June 29, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

The hemp plant is arguably the most versatile crop on the planet, and humans have made use of it for thousands of years. Prohibition policies have hindered hemp research and the hemp industry, but thankfully, that is changing as governments modernize their laws and regulations.

Historically, hemp was used for food, fiber, and medicine, and while that is still true, hemp is used for many other things these days, including recreational products and bioremediation strategies.

The hemp sector is big business. During a recent presentation at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin, leading international cannabis industry economist Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, provided data demonstrating that the value of the global industrial hemp industry could be as much as $456.2 billion.

The evolving industrial hemp industry was a major topic at the International Cannabis Business Conference in Berlin. I moderated a panel dedicated to industrial hemp and was joined by the following experts:

Morris Beegle, President of We Are For Better Alternatives (WAFBA)
Robert T. Hoban, Member and Co-Chair of the Cannabis Industry Group, and Member-In-Charge of the Clark Hill Denver Office
Daniel Kruse, CEO of SYNBIOTIC SE
Chris Day, CO-Founder of the Global Cannabis Network Collective (GCNC)

You can view the panel discussion at this link here.

Italy Issues Authorization To Distribute Medical Cannabis Flower

Written by Johnny Green on June 28, 2025. Posted in Business, Policy.

Against the backdrop of an ongoing legal battle between Italy’s ‘cannabis light’ industry and the Italian government, regulators in Italy have reportedly issued an authorization to Tilray to distribute medical cannabis flower for therapeutic use.

“Tilray’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FL Group, has become the first company in Italy to receive official authorization from the Ministero della Salute (Italian Ministry of Health) to import and distribute proprietary Tilray Medical-branded medical cannabis flower for therapeutic use.” Tilray stated in a company press release.

The company is approved to distribute flowers containing the following cannabinoid content in Italy:

Cannabis Flowers 25%
Cannabis Flowers 18%
Cannabis Flowers 9% / CBD 9%

Meanwhile, Italian companies that distribute hemp-derived products are vowing to continue to operate despite the legal uncertainties involved. Earlier this month, Italian lawmakers approved a ban on cannabis light products.

A ‘security decree’ measure received final passage by Italy’s Senate in early June by a vote of 109-69. In addition to the ban on cannabis light, the measure also involved several other provisions championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition government, including the introduction of 14 new crimes.

“It bans the trade of “cannabis light”, or hemp, which unlike marijuana has no mind-altering qualities, infuriating local entrepreneurs who say the move will cost thousands of jobs and imperil millions of euros of investments.” reported Reuters in its original coverage at the time.

All processing, distribution, trade, and transport of ‘cultivated hemp inflorescences’ is, in theory, prohibited under Italian law, although industry and policy advocates point out that the new law is in direct conflict with European Union policies.

“Italian industrial hemp dealers are regularly operating and their businesses have never closed. They will work as they always worked before the entry into force of Article 18 of the Security Decree.” reported DolceVita about comments made by Negozianti Italiani Canapa (translated from Italian to English).

“Basically, to date, a definitive decision on the issue of industrial hemp, effectively does not exist. There was no warning for commercial activities, there were no indications on how to act towards the products, much less towards the fiscal area. Also for this reason we shopkeepers, arrogate to ourselves the legitimacy to continue working exactly as before.” the outlet also reported.

Ultimately, the situation in Italy will take a while to play out before the various sectors of the emerging industry know what they are truly dealing with. In the meantime, the landscape will continue to shift, and selective enforcement by the Italian government will presumably occur to some degree.