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4 Reasons Why 2020 Will Be An Enormous Year For The Global Cannabis Industry

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Business, Medical, Politics.

The last 25 years have seen the cannabis movement and support for reform go from being labeled as ‘political suicide’ by political pundits to becoming a mainstream political issue with overwhelming support from aspiring candidates and incumbents. The legal cannabis industry is larger than ever before, and by most measures is still just getting started.

Every year of the 2010s built on the previous year a cannabis movement momentum standpoint, and momentum for reform accelerated with each passing New Year’s Day. 2019, which by many accounts was not supposed to be a big year since it’s an off-election-year in many jurisdictions, proved to be a tremendously significant year for cannabis.

2020 is already shaping up to be the biggest year for the cannabis reform movement and emerging cannabis industry to-date, and we are just barely wrapping up the third week of the year. Below are 4 reasons why 2020 will be the biggest year for cannabis in modern history.

Adult-Use Legalization is Spreading

As it stands right now, Canada and Uruguay are the only two countries on earth that have implemented an adult-use cannabis law and related regulations. However, two other countries, Mexico and Italy, now have case law on the books that have struck down adult-use cannabis prohibition. This year those countries are expected to pass legislation to back up the court decisions, and that will be significant. With the list of legal countries doubling in 2020, it could influence other countries to take a harder look at joining the list and getting on the right side of history.

Cannabis Policy in the United States is at a Crucial Crossroad

If the United States has not already passed the tipping point for cannabis reform, 2020 will definitely be the year when it happens. Cannabis reform is reaching to the most conservative parts of the country, with medical cannabis having already made the ballot in Mississippi and is expected to appear on the ballot in Idaho on Election Day as well. Virtually every presidential candidate has expressed support for adult-use legalization, and several state legislatures are expected to pass reform measures this session. 2020 is doubtful from a federal legalization standpoint in the U.S., however, it’s less doubtful than it has been in modern history, and tailored reform measures, such as cannabis industry banking, have a great chance of being approved by federal lawmakers this year.

The Industry is Booming

The legal international cannabis industry is growing in size every single day, and at a tremendous rate at that. Reform measures in new markets are being explored with greater focus than ever before, established markets are maturing, and international imports and exports are ramping up in many countries with more on the way. The cannabis industry is more attractive now to investors than in years past, and opportunities are popping up for entrepreneurs on every continent in one form or another. The emerging CBD industry gets a lot of media attention these days, and rightfully so, however, the THC sector is becoming more and more accepted as stigma continues to fade. 2020 will no doubt be a monster year for the cannabis industry, and that will help further build momentum for global reform efforts.

Innovation is Coming

Now that the cannabis industry has gone mainstream and proven itself to be here to stay, investors are not only supporting cannabis cultivation and retail operations but also efforts to revolutionize the cannabis industry from a technology standpoint. Israel recently launched the first state-backed cannabis technology incubator, and it’s likely that other countries will eventually follow suit. Inventors and innovators are focusing hard on cannabis-related projects right now, and its likely impact on the cannabis industry will be on display across the globe throughout 2020. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of cannabis technology breakthroughs this year.

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Russian Authorities Propose Criminal Prosecution For Pro-Cannabis Online ‘Propaganda’

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

If you are a cannabis advocate and you spend any amount of time on social media platforms or browsing the internet, there is a good chance that you will come across a pro-cannabis meme, post, or article. Cannabis content is extremely popular right now, especially memes and videos, and a really engaging post can easily go viral and be seen by millions of people.

In Russia, if authorities have their way, that popular content could land someone in prison. Per Talking Drugs:

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes to toughen anti-drug laws and add criminal punishment for propaganda of drug use online. In addition, he proposed to block online information about drug preparation schemes and sites of drug distribution without a court warrant.

The Kremlin’s official web-site published the President’s commission to introduce changes to the Russian legislation regarding the “non-judicial access restrictions to online information about means of production and utilization of narcotic substances and new potentially dangerous psychoactive substances as well as about sites of their distribution.”

Specific penalties for the proposed initiative must be developed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The proposal applies to all illegal narcotics in Russia, including cannabis. Once the Cabinet of Ministers develops the specific penalties, it’s quite possible that someone could be prosecuted simply for posting a story online about someone successfully overcoming their addiction to harmful substances, including opioids, with the use of medical cannabis. A light-hearted meme could prove to be seen as illegal by authorities.

Even with specific penalties for offenses be codified, what is considered to be an ‘offense’ itself could be very vague, and thus ripe for corrupt enforcement practices. Russia is a very tough place to push for cannabis reform, which is extremely unfortunate given how badly the nation needs sensible cannabis laws.

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Italy’s Supreme Court: Cannabis Cultivation For Personal Use Is Legal

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

Italy’s Supreme Court has ruled that cultivating cannabis for personal use is not illegal. Italy’s current cannabis prohibition policies were first enacted in the 1990s.

In its ruling, Italy’s Court determined that the crime of cultivating cannabis should exclude “small amounts grown domestically for the exclusive use of the grower.” Per Independent:

The court’s logic behind the decision has not yet been made public and a thorough, in-depth ruling will not be released for weeks or even months.

As such, it is not clear what quantity of cannabis constitutes “small-scale cultivation”, but the ruling comes from a case where the offender possessed two plants.

The court decision established case law that is in favor of cannabis consumers that wish to cultivate their own cannabis for personal use, however, a lot of dust is still in the air regarding the court’s decision.

Before people start cultivating cannabis in their areas of Italy, it would be wise for them to contact local law enforcement agencies to see how cultivation laws will be enforced. Just because a court decision was rendered does not mean that arrests will instantly stop.

It’s quite possible that law enforcement could still bust people and make them pursue legal remedies in order to get charges dropped, which puts a huge burden on the alleged cultivator.

What ultimately needs to happen is lawmakers in Italy need to pass legislation that makes it abundantly clear what is legal and what is not, including plant cultivation limits.

The decision in Italy follows a similar court decision in Mexico from late 2018 in which Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled cannabis prohibition was unconstitutional and tasked lawmakers in Mexico with passing legislation to implement clear legalization policies. To-date Mexico’s lawmakers have failed to follow through, however, they are working to meet the mandate.

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When Will Recreational Cannabis Reform Hit Europe?

Written by Marguerite Arnold on . Posted in Politics.

For all the hopes and aspirations now in the air as the world rings out the year, what is in the cards for next year in Europe on the recreational cannabis front?

Here is the skinny – recreational reform, on a national level, will not be seriously considered, anywhere, until the end of 2021. Just ask the most forward thinking government in the EU right now – Luxembourg. 

It is unlikely that Switzerland (in Europe geographically, but not in the EU) will also not jump at the chance to pip Luxembourg at the post (although never say never in this industry).  Nor will Denmark.

However Switzerland, along with Denmark, has engaged on a path of “recreational trials.” For all of the forward thinking however, in EU regulation free Switzerland, anything with THC, prescription issued or not, has to be sold at a pharmacy. Denmark, also an EU outrider, will be reviving the former hippy drug market of Christiana.

Maybe it is just a style thing. Expect both countries to move more or less in step with Luxembourg.

Holland is also still moving to formalize its still gray market industry, but that is nothing new and has been going on for the last decade.

In the meantime, medical access and regulation of non THC cannabinoids, as well as how they are grown, extracted, and processed, will be the biggest issues that hit across the industry outside of medical, and will absolutely still be there after recreational reform becomes more widespread.

What Does This Mean For The Industry?

Don’t expect the spotlight on the supply chain to disappear any time soon. Indeed, the baseline for the recreational industry, certainly from the cultivation side, is being seeded now.

However, beyond that, it also means that the focus for the next two years will still be medical advocacy, patient access, doctor education, and cultivation spots which can beat both the Canadians and German cultivators now entering the room on price.

These are issues that traditionally, the “industry” as such has not done well on, and for good reasons. These are the realms of advocates and lobbyists, not business development specialists and marketers. 

The World Of EU Cannabis Is Still Opening

For all the doom and gloom, in other words, of the end of the year, the next decade of cannabis in Europe looks promising, even if on a slower path than elsewhere. That more deliberate pace, however, is in truth, planting the ground for an industry which will not be banned, but at least on the continent, will be more integrated, from the beginning, in existing regulations about all food, drugs, cosmetics and lifestyle associated consumer products.

Looking for a rec market in Europe, in other words? Chill, smoke a doobie, and wait 24 months.

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Brazil Blocks Domestic Medical Cannabis Cultivation

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

South America is home to some of the best climates for cultivating agricultural crops, including cannabis. With cannabis laws being reformed throughout South America, the continent is poised to become a global leader in cannabis production.

Brazil is South America’s largest country as measured by population size, and second place isn’t close. With a population of over 200 million people Brazil dwarfs the next closest nation’s population (Colombia, less than 50 million people). Brazil will become a massive market for medical cannabis products as they become legally available.

With an ideal climate for cannabis cultivation and a large potential patient base, it would be logical for Brazil to cultivate cannabis within its borders for its own regulated industry. However, that will not be the case. Per Reuters:

Brazilian pharmaceutical regulator Anvisa on Tuesday approved regulations for the roll-out of medicinal cannabis-based products but in a separate vote blocked a proposal to allow domestic medical marijuana plantations.

Anvisa’s approval of rules to regulate the nascent medical marijuana market represents a major shift in a country that has suffered years of deadly drug violence.

Nonetheless, the decision to prohibit domestic plantations shows that Brazil, led by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, is not yet willing to join peers Colombia and Uruguay and develop its own vertically integrated medical marijuana sector.

It makes sense for some countries to rely on imported cannabis products for various reasons. Some countries are just better suited to cultivate cannabis. However, given that Brazil is well-suited to cultivate cannabis, it is bizarre that the nation’s leaders would decide to continue to prohibit domestic cannabis cultivation.

Legal cannabis cultivation companies create jobs and boost local economies. Given how well cannabis grows in Brazil, the nation could easily become a top cannabis exporter if it wanted to. Unfortunately, that will have to wait. For now, at least some patients will eventually be able to receive some relief.

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New Zealand Government Unveils Cannabis Legalization Bill

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

New Zealand voters will see a cannabis legalization measure on Election Day next year. The details of the measure have been highly anticipated, and New Zealand’s government unveiled some of those details today.

So far only two countries have legalized cannabis for adult use. Those countries are of course Uruguay and Canada. A number of other nations have held significant discussions regarding cannabis legalization, however, New Zealand appears poised to become the third country to legalize cannabis for adult-use.

It’s possible that another country, such as Luxembourg, could legalize cannabis for adult-use prior to Election Day in New Zealand next year, but regardless of if that happens or not, legalization will get a vote in at least one country in 2020.

Hopefully, that vote is favorable. Below is a press release that New Zealand’s government published today regarding the unveiling of the cannabis legalization measure’s details:

The first release of public information on the two referendums to be held at next year’s General Election was made today with an informative new Government website going live.

Additionally, the draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill has been released, showing the strict controls on cannabis that will apply if the voters choose to legalise cannabis.

The first cross-party meeting on the Cannabis Bill will occur later this week.

“It is important that voters go into the 2020 General Election informed about the referendums. The Government is committed to a well-informed, impartial referendum process.

“By making the referendum questions and the initial draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill available early the intention is to encourage public awareness and discussion. It is important that the public feel they can meaningfully participate in the referendum process.

“I have invited representatives from each party represented in Parliament to meet with me this Thursday to provide their feedback on the draft Bill”

“My aim is to have the final draft Bill available by early next year, so there is time to argue for change,” says Justice Minister Andrew Little.

The wording of the cannabis referendum question has also been confirmed as a straight Yes/No question:

Do you support the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill?

Yes, I support the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill

No, I do not support the proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill

The wording of the end of life choice referendum, previously announced, is also a straight Yes/No question:

Do you support the End of Life Choice Act 2017 coming into force?

Yes, I support the End of Life Choice Act 2017 coming into force
No, I do not support the End of Life Choice Act 2017 coming into force

The website, www.referendum.govt.nz provides information on the draft Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill and the End of Life Choice Act.

The website sets out key features of the draft law for the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill.

“The primary objective of the legislation is to reduce overall cannabis use and limit the ability of young people to access cannabis,” Andrew Little said

Key restrictions on cannabis included in the draft Bill include:

  • A minimum purchase and used age of 20;
  • Ban on all marketing and advertising of cannabis products;
  • Requires harm minimisation messaging in the retailing of cannabis;
  • Prohibits consumption in public places and limits use to private homes and specifically licence premises;
  • Limits sale of cannabis to specifically licenced physical stores (not online or remote sales);
  • Strict controls and regulations on the potency of cannabis;
  • Establishes a state licencing regime that all stages of the growing and supply chain are licenced and controlled by the Government, and will limit the amount of cannabis that is allowed to be grown.

In order for the 2020 cannabis referendum to be effective, the public need to know what will happen afterwards. A ‘No’ vote would mean continuation of the status quo. In the event of a ‘Yes’ vote, the parties making up the Government have committed to honouring voters’ choice at the referendum.

The new website also provides information on the End of Life Choice Act, which is also the subject of a referendum at the next Election.

As the legislation has already been through the House, a 50 per cent majority voting “Yes” at the Election will mean that the Act will come into force twelve months after the result is known.

Further information on each of the referendums, including downloadable fact sheets translated into multiple languages, will be added to the website next year.

Explanatory material on both referendums, will also be included in the Electoral Commission’s enrolment update and EasyVote card mailouts to voters in the lead-up to next year’s election.

“Experience from overseas tells us that provision of factual, explanatory information is vital for the public to be informed and for an outcome that can be accepted by voters even if the result is not what they voted for,” Andrew Little says.

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Trinidad And Tobago Government Introduces Cannabis Reform Bills

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

Cannabis reform is sweeping across the globe. It wasn’t that long ago that cannabis was completely prohibited across the planet. Cannabis prohibition is still prevalent in many countries, however, some countries have either legalized cannabis for medical use and/or adult use.

The latest nation to announce plans for cannabis reform is the southern-most island nation in the Caribbean, The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Per Marijuana Moment:

The government of Trinidad and Tobago brought two marijuana reform bills before Parliament on Friday—one to decriminalize low-level possession and another to legalize cannabis for medical and religious purposes.

During a speech before the House of Representatives, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said the administration wants to reduce the prison population, curb costs associated with marijuana-related incarceration and free up law enforcement resources to pursue serious crimes.


Below is a summary of what is being proposed via the two bills:

  • Possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis would be decriminalized
  • A process for prior possession records to be cleared via a petition the court
  • Sale, use, and distribution of cannabis for medical, research and religious purposes (no adult-use market)

What the odds are of either bill passing and becoming law is unclear at this time, although it’s encouraging to see that such reforms are being proposed and seem to have at least a chance at passing.

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Cannabis Reform History Was Made This Week In Congress

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

Cannabis prohibition was approved by the United States Congress in 1937. Since that time, cannabis advocates have fought to reverse that legislation. Federal cannabis prohibition is still in place in the United States, however, the effort to legalize cannabis nationwide passed a huge milestone this week.

For the first time in U.S. history, a congressional committee approved a piece of legislation to end cannabis prohibition in the U.S. The Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act (The MORE Act), would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. The bill passed with bipartisan support (24 to 10).

“Today’s vote marks a turning point for federal cannabis policy, and is truly a sign that prohibition’s days are numbered,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). “Thanks to the diligent efforts of advocates and lawmakers from across the political spectrum, we’ve seen more progress in this Congress than ever before. Supermajority public support for legalization, increasing recognition of the devastating impacts of prohibition on marginalized communities and people of color, and the undeniable success of state cannabis programs throughout the country are all helping to build momentum for comprehensive change in the foreseeable future.”

“This is a truly historic moment in our nation’s political history. For the first time, a Congressional committee has approved far-reaching legislation to not just put an end to federal marijuana prohibition, but to address the countless harms our prohibitionist policies have wrought, notable on communities of color and other marginalized groups,” stated NORML Executive Director Erik Altieri in a press release sent to the International Cannabis Business Conference, “Opposition to our failed war on marijuana has reached a boiling point with over two-thirds of all Americans, including majorities of all political persuasions, now supporting legalization. Congress should respect the will of the people and promptly approve the MORE Act and close this dark chapter of failed public policy.”

Earlier this year the full House of Representatives passed the SAFE Banking Act, which has yet to be voted on in the Senate. The MORE Act could either be passed along to other House committees, or it’s possible that they could rubberstamp it and push it out for a full House vote soon. If you live in the United States and have not contacted your Representative to urge them to support this bill yet, now is the time to do so!

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Exclusive Interview With Presidential Candidate Tulsi Gabbard

Written by Johnny Green on . Posted in Politics.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is a champion for cannabis policy in Congress and has been since she was first elected in 2013. Gabbard received an endorsement from NORML while running for Congress, and for good reason.

Unlike some of her competitors in the 2020 election, Congresswoman Gabbard has been on the right side of history when it comes to cannabis policy for many years.

While serving in the United States House of Representatives Tulsi Gabbard has introduced or sponsored a number of cannabis reform bills. Representative Gabbard is running to become the next President of the United States and is genuinely passionate about cannabis policy.

We are honored to announce that Congresswoman Gabbard will be speaking via Skype live from New Hampshire to our attendees at our upcoming International Cannabis Business Conference in San Francisco in February. We interviewed Gabbard regarding her views on cannabis policy while she is on the campaign trail. Below is what we discussed:

International Cannabis Business Conference: What is your position on allowing states to export/import cannabis across state lines?

Congresswoman Gabbard: Voters in a growing list of states have made it clear that they want cannabis to be legal for adult-use and regulated like alcohol.

Just as alcohol can legally and safely be bought and sold via interstate commerce, so too should cannabis be allowed to be imported and exported across state lines.

California is home to the largest cannabis industry in the nation, yet researchers there had to import cannabis from Canada into California for the study that they were conducting. That makes zero sense.

If we can figure out a way to safely import cannabis from another country then we can obviously figure out a way to transfer legal cannabis from one state to another state in a safe manner.

International Cannabis Business Conference: What is your position on social-use cannabis reform?

Congresswoman Gabbard: If someone can legally purchase cannabis from a state-regulated dispensary, legally possess it, and legally consume it, they should also have a legal setting in which to conduct that activity if someone wants to provide that setting for them in a safe manner that keeps cannabis away from children and properly helps mitigate driving under the influence.

Cannabis opponents act as if social cannabis use venues do not exist anywhere in the United States, which is not actually the case. The city of Denver passed an initiative to allow regulated social cannabis use venues, and they exist in parts of California as well. 

Venues would need to be implemented and regulated properly to ensure safety and that age restriction policy is enforced. A strong, ongoing public awareness effort would need to occur as well, which could be funded by social-use license fees.

 As President, I’d support giving our states and local jurisdictions the flexibility to adopt sound public policy that includes social cannabis use reform.

International Cannabis Business Conference: What is your position on the push for social equity in the cannabis space?

Congresswoman Gabbard: Unlike most other large industries the cannabis industry is built on the suffering and persecution of millions of people. Cannabis prohibition has ruined many lives and will continue to do so until it is ended nationwide.

We must ensure that the cannabis industry rights as many prohibition wrongs as possible, and that the communities most negatively impacted by cannabis prohibition have a chance to succeed in the cannabis industry if they want to.

Public policy that encourages social equity in the cannabis industry needs to include waiving licensing fees and reserving some licenses for social equity applicants.

As President, I’d support the creation of a Cannabis Opportunity Grant Program to provide funds for loans to assist small businesses in the marijuana industry that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. I’d also direct the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the demographics of the industry to ensure people of color and those who are economically disadvantaged are participating in the industry.

If social equity public policy is to succeed, it needs to foster long term success for members of communities that suffered the most due to cannabis prohibition. Social equity cannabis industry licensees can’t simply exist – they need to be provided the tools and head start that will ensure that they reach the level of potential that their talent and hard work will take them to.

International Cannabis Business Conference: What are your thoughts on politicians sincerely evolving on cannabis policy versus just pandering to voters?

Congresswoman Gabbard: Cannabis reform is very popular now, however, that was obviously not always the case. As with any political issue, candidates need to be allowed to evolve when it comes to their stance on cannabis policy.

If someone used to be opposed to cannabis reform and now sincerely wants to get on the right side of history and support reform, they should be able to do so. However, that needs to be balanced against candidates on the campaign trail that are not truly sincere in their beliefs.

When a candidate was anti-cannabis for a long time, and only changed their stance after polling on the issue became favorable, voters should obviously be skeptical.

Voters should seek out information to see what the newly-supportive candidate has done to introduce and/or promote cannabis reform legislation.

International Cannabis Business Conference: What is the single biggest hurdle preventing the end of federal cannabis prohibition?

Congresswoman Gabbard: Our current criminal justice system puts people in prison for smoking marijuana, while allowing corporations like Purdue Pharma who are responsible for the opioid-related deaths of thousands of people to walk away scot-free with their coffers full. For the last several years, I’ve called for progressive marijuana policies as part of my ongoing commitment to common sense criminal justice reform. 

Most recently, I’ve introduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. This legislation decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. It also requires federal courts to expunge prior convictions.

A Gallop Poll released in late October 2019 shows that 66% of Americans support recreational marijuana use. Public support will likely only increase in the years ahead. We’ve had some success moving good marijuana-related legislation in the U.S. House, but we’ve hit roadblocks in the U.S. Senate, especially with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. 

The upcoming 2020 election could clear the biggest hurdle of ending federal cannabis prohibition by electing me as President and shaking up the make-up of the U.S. Senate to allow new Democratic Leadership to once and for all do the right thing on marijuana. Another tool that I’ll consider using is the power of Executive Orders to move the ball forward.