AUSTRALIA & NZ
Medicinal cannabis hotline to cut through red tape for NSW patients and doctors [The Sydney Morning Herald]
A new hotline is expected to fast track access to medicinal cannabis for palliative care patients in NSW. Doctors will soon have access to the NSW Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Service to help them cut through the regulatory red tape of legally prescribing onshore medicinal cannabis for their patients.
NSW Will Pour $6 Million Into A Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Service For Doctors [BuzzFeed]
New South Wales Health has moved to stem complaints that doctors aren’t receiving enough education on medicinal cannabis by allocating $6 million towards the development of a Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Service in the state. The service, announced on Thursday, will be run out of Hunter New England Health. Doctors in NSW will be able to call a hotline for guidance on the prescription of medicinal cannabis, and millions will be spent on research.
The Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence [ACRE]
Many Australians can currently, or will soon be able to access cannabinoids for medicinal purposes under the supervision of a doctor. However, currently there are difficulties in sourcing reliable, consistent and ‘clinically suitable’ products that are safe and effective for specific conditions. Doctors are also concerned about staying up-to-date with rapid changes to legislation, and the lack of access to sufficient information, including a reliable evidence base, to guide their prescribing. Funded in 2017 by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australia Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE) is Australia’s first federally-funded research centre in medicinal cannabinoids.
Dramatic Developments in the Court Case of Deb Lynch the New President of the Medical Cannabis Users Association in Australia [Greendorphin]
Taking matters into her own hands, with Grace Sands (from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Group Queensland) on her side, Deb prepared a 20-page affidavit and withdraw her guilty plea last week. The judge accepted the request to change the plea and set the date for the next court appearance on the 30th of November 2017. Deb is now a lot better informed and prepared to fight the medical necessity case, which hopefully will result in a better outcome for herself as well as for cannabis law reform. Fingers crossed and we’ll keep reporting back on developments of Deb’s story as it unfolds.
Lucy Haslam – Barnaby, where do you stand on medicinal cannabis use? [The Northern Daily Leader]
Last month a Di Natale Bill on Medicinal Cannabis passed in the Senate unopposed. I watched the proceedings and couldn’t help but notice the overwhelmingly scathing criticism of the Government and I can say that I share many of the views expressed by all the minor parties, independents, and opposition. Barnaby you tell me that you support Medicinal Cannabis. If this is really the case you need to stand up and be counted because the Liberals are leading you down the wrong path. Let me explain why I believe this to be the case.
Here’s How Much Australia Has Progressed Since It Legalised Medicinal Cannabis [BuzzFeed]
“It’s hard to think of legislation that has so adversely affected the people it was intended to help.”
The emerging use of hemp to build houses [ABC]
The Managing Director of the Australian Hemp Masonry Company Klara Marosszeky trains builders to construct hemp homes using hempcrete. She says the sustainable housing movement across the country is really taking off, and it could be a boom for Tasmanian hemp famers. Builder Gary Rogers has just finished building his own hemp house in Margaret River and says hempcrete is harder than concrete.
Bail granted to Christchurch cannabis researcher [Cannasseur]
Bail has been granted to a Christchurch man who claims he was growing 247 cannabis plants in a sophisticated set-up as part of a “research” project.
NORTH AMERICA
Police mistake hibiscus plant for marijuana, detain couple [New York Post]
The couple is suing Buffalo Township and Nationwide Insurance, and reportedly alleges excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy in their lawsuit.
The truth behind the ‘first marijuana overdose death’ headlines [The Washington Post]
A case report about the seizure and death of an 11-month old after exposure to cannabis has prompted headlines about “the first marijuana overdose death” this week. Except that’s not what the doctors meant. “We are absolutely not saying that marijuana killed that child,” said Thomas Nappe, an author of the report who is now the director of medical toxicology at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pa.
Whoopi Goldberg brings her cannabis products to Colorado [Denver Business Journal]
Whoopi Goldberg is bringing her medical marijuana products designed specifically for women to Colorado dispensaries. Hollywood celebrity Goldberg founded her company “Whoopi & Maya” in 2016 and had been selling medical marijuana products in about 300 dispensaries in California. She is one of many celebrities backing marijuana businesses. As reported in USA Today, Bob Marley’s family has partnered with a cannabis company to produce Marley Natural products, and Snoop Dogg backs Leafs by Snoop.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer Wants to See Medical Marijuana In Professional Sports [Merry Jane]
Capitol Hill’s most outspoken cannabis advocate would rather see ballers light up a joint than pound opioid painkillers. Congressional cannabis champion Rep. Earl Blumenauer is the latest public figure to weigh in on medical marijuana in professional sports, urging both the NBA and NFL to stop persecuting their players for using a natural painkiller.
Licensing Authorities Release Emergency Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations [California Cannabis Portal]
California’s three state cannabis licensing authorities announced today that proposed emergency licensing regulations for commercial medicinal and adult-use cannabis have been posted online and are available to the public for review.
Budweiser’s ex-marketing chief sees cannabis as the new craft beer [the Cannabist]
“This bud’s for you” has taken on a whole new meaning for Chris Burggraeve. The former chief marketing officer for Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, the brewer of Budweiser beer, is moving from barley and hops to cannabis as the alcohol industry casts its sights on the burgeoning market for state-sanctioned marijuana. The former beer executive is one of many entrepreneurs and investors increasingly flocking to the cannabis industry from the traditional business world.
Health Canada Launches Public Consultation on Proposed Approach to the Regulation of Cannabis [Government of Canada]
The current approach to cannabis does not work. Earlier this year, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-45, the proposed Cannabis Act, to legalize, strictly regulate and restrict access to cannabis. Bill C-45 aims to keep cannabis out of the hands of Canadian youth and the profits away from criminals and organized crime. Today, Health Canada launched a public consultation on the proposed regulatory approach for the proposed Cannabis Act. This approach builds on the extensive consultations already conducted by the Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation and on Canada’s existing system of regulated production of cannabis for medical purposes and industrial hemp. The proposed regulatory approach prioritizes protecting the health and safety of Canadians while enabling a competitive legal industry made up of large and small enterprises in all regions of the country to produce quality-controlled cannabis.
Stakeholders React to Proposed Regulation for Cannabis in Canada [volteface]
As Health Canada publish their Proposed Approach to the Regulation of Cannabis and launch a 60-day public consultation, politicians, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders were quick to express their views on the matter.
Pot companies gear up at home, cast global net in strong quarter [Herald Business]
Canadian marijuana companies were riding high in the latest quarter as they ramped up production capacity ahead of the deadline for the legalization of recreational cannabis next summer while also extending their reach outside the country’s borders, analysts say.
UK & EUROPE
Bringing new meaning to a legal high: US cannabis law firm targets UK opening [Legal Futures]
A pioneering US law firm that only acts for cannabis industry operators is set to launch an office in the UK. Denver-based Hoban Law Group (HLG) announced this week that it will open four offices in the EU by late autumn and two offices in Latin America by spring of 2018.
Friend Or Foe? UK Patient Advocates Meet Cannabis Pharmaceutical Giants [volteface]
At the start of September, an article titled UK Patients Won’t Benefit From GW Pharma’s Expansion was published on Marjuana.com. Shortly afterwards I received a call from GW. They were interested in knowing more about the “cannabis world”, where it is, what it is, and who is doing what. I have to say that they are very well informed.
First licence granted to treat pain with cannabis [Irish Examiner]
A licence for medicinal cannabis has been granted for the treatment of chronic pain for the first time. The move has been described by the medical profession as an “important development”. The Department of Health approved a three-month licence for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for the treatment of severe chronic pain. It is the second time such a licence has been granted after Cork boy Tristan Forde, 3, who has a severe form of epilepsy, became the first person in Ireland legally allowed to use cannabis for medicinal purposes, last year.
Medical cannabis legislation progresses to next stage [RTE]
The Government has agreed to allow the progression of legislation to provide for medical cannabis to the next legislative stage.
Figures reveal 250,000 people now rely on the controversial potion to cure them of back pain, anxiety and epilepsy [Daily Mail]
The number of cannabis oil users across the UK has doubled in the space of one year, startling new figures reveal.
Berlin Has Acknowledged the Futility of Fighting Cannabis Use – What Comes Next? [Talking Drugs]
In October 2017, authorities in Berlin repealed their zero tolerance policy towards cannabis possession in a city park – bringing cannabis legislation into the headlines, and reigniting the debate. So what exactly is happening with cannabis in the German capital?
How patients in Germany are still struggling to get cannabis, despite loosening of law [The Local]
After the legalization of medical marijuana in Germany in March, patients have been met with high prices, supply shortages and persistent taboos. Could domestic growing possibilities help?
Manual To Create Cannabis Social Clubs [Cannabis Social Clubs]
Cannabis Social Clubs are associations of citizens who organise the cultivation of a limited amount of cannabis to satisfy their personal needs. They establish a closed circuit of production, distribution and consumption in agreement with legal standards that are valid in their country. At the moment, Cannabis Social Clubs are legally operating in Spain and Belgium. There may be possibilities to set up a club in any country where the consumption of cannabis is depenalised. In December 2011, a code of conduct for European Cannabis Social Clubs was elaborated.
Czech cannabis market suffers growing pains [Radio Praha]
Over the past week Prague was the focus for discussions between experts and businessmen from Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, about their experiences with the medicinal cannabis market. It’s a global market that’s growing fast and reckoned to be soon worth hundreds of billions of dollars. But the story in the Czech Republic and in many other places is of growing pains and the early expectations not being realised.
Greece Hopes Its Economy Can Get High From Medical Weed [Bloomberg]
Investors in medical cannabis projects are focusing on Greece, where a warm, sunny climate and potentially favorable future legislation could help the government deliver on a promise to pull the country out of a seven-year economic crisis. Growers have expressed interest in pumping more than 1.5 billion euros ($1.74 billion) into projects to build greenhouse parks for the cultivation and manufacture of cannabis, Evangelos Apostolou, minister of rural development and food, said in an interview. That would give Greece a share of a global market the government says could be worth 200 billion euros in the next 10 years.
WORLD
Part 1: Marijuana Isn’t Going Anywhere, So Let’s Talk About How We Can Reduce The Risks Of Use [Huffington Post]
Putting an end to pointless criminal conviction and imprisonment, allowing diversion of precious police resources to things more worthwhile are such overwhelming positive aspects of enlightened drug reform that it seems almost a shame to ask a few uncomfortable questions. But at Global Drug Survey, that’s what we do. We ask people who use drugs to share their experience with us so we can help people use drugs more safely, regardless of the legal status of the drug. And the sad truth is that unfortunately ‘for-profit industries’ don’t often put public health ahead of profit. History tells us that when you put a bunch of private companies in charge of selling a product that can create dependence―yes, that’s cannabis along with tobacco and alcohol―those industries will try to create and maintain a group of heavy users, because that is where most of the profit is.
MEDICAL
Study finds medical cannabis is effective at reducing opioid addiction [MedicalXpress]
A new study conducted by researchers at The University of New Mexico, involving medical cannabis and prescription opioid use among chronic pain patients, found a distinct connection between having the legal ability to use cannabis and significant reductions in opioid use.
Can cannabis help treat psoriasis? [Medical News Today]
This article explores the health benefits of cannabis for psoriasis, as supported by scientific evidence. It also covers the risks a person should consider before using cannabis as a treatment for psoriasis.
Compound in cannabis could ease asthma [Israel 21c]
Hebrew University Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, known as the “father” of the medical cannabis industry, will lead a team investigating the benefits of non-psychoactive cannabis components for treating asthma and other respiratory conditions.
5 Diseases Marijuana Treats Better Than Prescription Drugs [Health Journal]
We can all pretty much agree at this point that big pharma isn’t interested in curing people but interested in making money and having more customers. Our goal is to educated the world on the many great benefits marijuana has to offer. Here is a list of 5 diseases marijuana will actually treat more efficiently then the poison made by big pharma.
EXTRAS
How to grow cannabis? With modern science and technology [The Conversation]
Growing cannabis has been illegal for so many years that scientific research on how to best produce this crop is limited. Much of the knowledge on how to grow cannabis lacks validation, is clouded in secrecy and is mostly connected to hidden and illegal production facilities of the past.
Hemp Makes Great Plastic, So Why Isn’t Hemp Plastic Everywhere? [Health Journal]
“Hemp cellulose can be extracted and used to make cellophane, rayon, celluloid and a range of related plastics,” reported Seshata, a writer at Sensi Seeds in 2014. “Hemp is known to contain around 65-70% cellulose, and is considered a good source (wood contains around 40%, flax 65-75%, and cotton up to 90%) that has particular promise due to its relative sustainability and low environmental impact.”
The next “it” ingredient in beauty products is marijuana [Quartzy]
As medical and recreational pot use becomes increasingly legalized in the United States, companies are beginning to experiment with the marijuana plant in the same way they would with other botanicals. Among beauty brands, CBD is becoming the next “it” ingredient incorporated into buzzy new products that hydrate skin, relieve swollen spots, and reduce under-eye bags.
OTHER DRUGS
What is OxyContin, the drug behind America’s opioid crisis? [New Statesman]
Since 1999, 200,000 Americans have died from overdoses connected to OxyContin and similar prescription drugs.
EVENTS
Australia’s largest hemp & cannabis event heads to Melbourne [Hydroponics]
2-3 December, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre: The Hemp Health & Innovation (HHI) Expo & Symposium is everything hemp and cannabis. With a bigger venue and hemp foods officially legal for sale and consumption in Australia from Nov 12, HHI Melbourne will be Australia’s first large scale opportunity to sample, purchase and taste hemp foods.
Final EGA Program Announcement & More [Entheogenesis Australis]
Entheogenesis Australis 2017 Outdoor Psychedelic Symposium, 8th – 10th of December, Eildon Victoria: It’s been 6 years since Entheogenesis Australis last convened under the stars and amongst the trees at our unique outdoor gathering, and in just 1 month we will gather again for the 2017 Psychedelic Symposium. EGA’s 2017 Psychedelic Symposium is now 85% sold out, and with ticket prices increasing in just over a week’s time, if you haven’t already, now is the time to purchase your ticket. Bringing together 40 of the world’s brightest psychedelic minds: Have you struggled to identify the mechanisms to enable therapeutic transformation? Are you interested in hacking your own consciousness – exploring technological, contemplative and psychedelic tools? Or are you yearning to come out of the psychedelic closet but fear professional or social repercussions? These are just some of the invigorating, lively and sometimes challenging discussions that EGA will be inviting all attendees to participate in. Buy your ticket now – www.entheogenesis.org/tickets
Nimbin Hemp Inc AGM 2017 [Hemp Embassy]
All members are invited to attend the Nimbin Hemp Embassy’s annual general meeting at 11am on Saturday 16 December 2017 at the Town Hall, 45 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Nominations for an elected position on the executive committee must be received by the president at least one week before the meeting. Voting for Office Bearers will be by open ordinary ballot by those present at the meeting only.
MardiGrass Organizing Body AGM 2017 [Hemp Embassy]
All members are invited to attend MardiGrass’s annual general meeting at midday on Saturday 16 December 2017 at the Town Hall, 45 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Nominations for an elected position on the executive committee must be received by the secretary at least one week before the meeting. Voting for Office Bearers will be by open ordinary ballot by those present at the meeting only.
HEMP Party AGM 2017 [Hemp Embassy]
All members are invited to attend the Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP Party) annual general meeting at 2pm on Saturday 16 December 2017 at the Town Hall, 45 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Nominations must be received by the secretary at least one week before the meeting. A short bio and CV will help determine the suitability of nominees for an elected position on the executive committee. Voting for Office Bearers will be by open ordinary ballot by those present at the meeting only.
Toad Retreat Jan 2018 [Aya Awakenings]
If you’re interested I will be co-facilitating a special medicine retreat in Tulum, Mexico this January, 2018. This is your private invitation to come on a life changing journey to Mexico, where you will awaken your mind, body and soul with meditation, yoga, ceremony and medicine from the Bufo Alvarius toad, the entheogen 5-MeO-DMT. Through the shamanic cultivation of ancient energetic modalities and modern technology, we will help you awaken your full potential to create a profound paradigm shift.
Nimbin Medican Workshop 20-21 January 2018 [Hemp Embassy]
The next Nimbin medican workshop is over the January weekend 20/21 2018 when medicine makers from California will be demonstrating and speaking about different extraction methods, and how it all works over there, where they have enjoyed legal medical cannabis for over twenty years.
Nimbin Medican Workshops on YouTube [Hemp Embassy]
Thanks to Disco Sista for documenting the many medican workshops that the Embassy has hosted in Nimbin over the past 3 years. If you’ve missed these amazing gatherings, then you can still watch the speakers online.
Click on this link to head to Disco Sista’s Nimbin Medican YouTube Channel.