AUSTRALIA & NZ

Tell All: An Interview With Lucy Haslam [Australian Medical Cannabis Signpost]

One day after this interview was published, and as predicted by Lucy, the first of the ‘Official Guidance‘ appeared from the TGA – this one aimed at patients. Full of nonsense, it comes within days of the World Health Organisation suggesting CBD should be made available without being scheduled and which makes a mockery of this latest outing from the TGA. As the below article makes clear, the ‘Guidance’ was created by some the most anti-cannabis ‘experts’ to be found anywhere in the world. No surprise then the document reads as it does.

Study finds recreational drug users not what we think [MedicalXpress]

A James Cook University researcher has been investigating why Australians are among the top users of illegal drugs in the world – and has uncovered some revealing new facts about the motivations of recreational drug users. He said the popular view of all drug users as anti-social loners existing on the margins of society was wrong, with social networking a powerful driver of recreational drug use.

NORTH AMERICA

California begins accepting permit applications for the sale of recreational marijuana [Los Angeles Times]

Just weeks before California begins issuing licenses to businesses to sell marijuana for recreational and medical use, the state on Friday began accepting applications electronically through a new online system.

Following marijuana legalization, teen drug use is down in Colorado [The Washington Post]

Following legalization, the rate of adolescent marijuana use in Colorado has fallen to its lowest level in nearly a decade, according to new federal survey data.

Grass Roots: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Marijuana in America [The Points Blog]

Over the past five decades, grassroots activists have shifted America’s marijuana laws three times. In the 1970s, they passed decriminalization laws in a dozen states. Then, in response to rising rates of adolescent marijuana use, a movement of concerned parents recriminalized the drug in the 1980s, ultimately influencing how Nancy and Ronald Reagan approached drug use as well. But in the 1990s and 2000s, a new movement emerged, one that tied legalization to movements for social justice and civil rights. This new push for legalization seems unstoppable today — after all, 8 states and Washington, DC, have legalized recreational use, while 29 states and DC have medical marijuana laws — but I argue that the history of marijuana activism shows the cyclical nature of the drug’s social acceptance and surrounding policy. New grassroots movements continue to form, and, depending on a variety of factors, including who is in the White House and how marijuana is generally viewed, today’s push for legalization could birth a movement for criminalization tomorrow.

A Comeback for the Gateway Drug Theory? [The New York Times]

Scientists and politicians still debate whether using “soft” drugs necessarily leads a person down a slippery slope to the harder stuff. Critics note that marijuana has, in some cases, been shown to actually prevent people from abusing other substances. And even D.A.R.E. now acknowledges that the overwhelming majority of people who smoke pot or drink never graduate to pills and powders.

How much was the legal weed business worth in 2017? About $10 billion. [Vice]

Legal weed sales in North America are projected to hit $10 billion by the end of 2017 — a 33 percent increase from 2016, according to a new report from cannabis industry analysts at Arcview Market Research. “Aside from cryptocurrency, there is simply no other industry changing as rapidly or as unevenly as the cannabis sector,” said Arcview CEO Troy Dayton.

Free legal clinic assists those who want to reduce or expunge marijuana convictions [Los Angeles Times]

The Drug Policy Alliance has already hosted around two dozen expungement clinics this year, assisting about 1,200 people with post-conviction services. Legal help was provided Saturday by attorneys, paralegals and clerks from the L.A. County Public Defender’s Office and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Canada’s Cannabis Reform is Bold Policy, Risky Politics – and Good Government [volteface]

The Canadian Government has passed two significant milestones on its journey to legalise cannabis for recreational use.  The flagship bill – C-45 – has passed all stages in the House of Commons and is now before the Senate.  And just last month, the health ministry published for consultation the national regulations to bring into effect the new law.

Canadian marijuana advocate blasts ‘hypocrisy’ of ex-police cashing in on cannabis [The Guardian]

One of Canada’s most prominent marijuana activists has taken aim at former police officers who have entered the country’s fledgling cannabis industry, saying it was “hard to stomach” that those who spent years sending people to jail for pot offences are now poised to profit as the country moves towards legalisation. Former public servants, politicians and law enforcement officers have gravitated towards the sector, which analysts say could eventually be worth somewhere between C$5bn and C$10bn annually.

UK & EUROPE

Massive cannabis cargo seized at sea [BBC]

Tonnes of cannabis was found on a boat travelling between Cyprus and Malta.

Why We Shouldn’t Ignore The Cannabis Oil Boom [Huffington Post]

It has become the trendy new supplement discussed quietly over dinner parties. So what’s the big deal with CBD – otherwise known as cannabis oil? There’s no denying the cannabis oil market has expanded massively in the last 12 months. Where once it was for the select few, it’s now reaching more people than ever. Last week it was revealed how 1,000 new Brits a month are trying out products containing CBD.

Policing Of Cannabis In The UK Is Undermining Police Legitimacy [volteface]

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services published their annual report on police legitimacy in the United Kingdom today. Despite being positive on the whole, the report warns that the targeting of stop and search leads to discrimination and undermines the legitimacy of police forces in the UK. Police forces are legally allowed to use the smell of cannabis as a reasonable ground to stop and search someone.

Row over ‘smell of cannabis’ police stops [BBC]

A row has broken out over advice given to police in England and Wales telling them not to stop and search people only because they smell of cannabis.

Medical Marijuana Finds a Surprising New Promised Land [OZY]

With a potential value of more than $40 billion, Europe’s medical marijuana market could become the world’s largest in the next five years.

Legislation to decriminalise drugs could come in ‘early 2019’ [Irish Times]

Legislation to decriminalise drugs, including heroin, cocaine and cannabis, for personal use could be enacted in early 2019, Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne has indicated.

In Italy, the army provides medical marijuana. And that’s a problem. [The Washington Post]

In Italy, as in most of western Europe, medical cannabis is legal. What sets the country apart is that cultivation of the plant is a de facto army monopoly. The only place cannabis can be legally grown here is at a heavily guarded military facility in Florence where, this year, two greenhouses produced a yield of about 220 pounds.

Cannabis Use Decriminalised in Georgia, Following Court Ruling [Talking Drugs]

The use of cannabis will no longer be considered a criminal offence in Georgia, following a ruling by the country’s Constitutional Court. The ruling, which took place on November 30, declared that it is unconstitutional to prosecute someone for using cannabis. Someone found using cannabis can no longer face criminalisation or imprisonment, although they can face an administrative sanction – a fine of up to GEL 500 (137 GBP/185 USD).

WORLD

How Uruguay made legal highs work [The Guardian]

The South American country’s move to full legalisation of cannabis has so far proved a success, especially for its 17,391 users.

British man faces two years in Dubai jail after testing positive for cannabis [Independent]

Mr Clements flew from Liverpool to Dubai to get out of a “rut” in his life and landed a job as a waiter earlier this year. He underwent a medical test for his new employer but was arrested when the results showed he had traces of cannabis in his system. Mr Clements said he had taken the drug before boarding his flight to the United Arab Emirates.

Yes, legalizing marijuana breaks treaties. We can deal with that. [Global Drug Policy Observatory]

Buzzing in the background of Canada’s debate on cannabis legalization is the issue of the three UN drug control treaties, and what to do with them.

Paraguay Congress legalizes planting of medical marijuana [Reuters]

Paraguay’s Congress passed a bill on Tuesday creating a state-sponsored system to import marijuana seeds and grow the plant for medical uses, a decision that followed other countries in Latin America.

Patient Needs Addressed as European Medical Cannabis Imports Grow [volteface]

Tilray continues its expansion in Europe. After announcing the first imports of full-spectrum medical cannabis extracts in Germany in October, the Canada-based company just announced it will be the first North American company to import dried medical cannabis products to the Czech Republic.

HEALTH

Marijuana may help HIV patients keep mental stamina longer [EurekAlert!]

A chemical found in marijuana, known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, has been found to potentially slow the process in which mental decline can occur in up to 50 percent of HIV patients, says a new Michigan State University study.

Medical marijuana for children with cancer? What providers think [Science Daily]

A study published in Pediatrics examined interdisciplinary provider perspectives on legal medical marijuana use in children with cancer. It found that 92 percent of providers were willing to help children with cancer access medical marijuana. However, providers who are legally eligible to certify for medical marijuana were less open to endorsing its use.

Marijuana and Vaping Are More Popular Than Cigarettes Among Teenagers [The New York Times]

Cigarette smoking has dropped so sharply among American teenagers that vaping and marijuana use are now more common, according to a national survey of adolescent drug use released Thursday.

Marijuana compound is harmless and should be available, WHO says [Independent]

A compound derived from marijuana has health benefits and should not be subject to government restrictions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The global body’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence specifically examined the potential risks and benefits cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that is found in cannabis plant.

Rare And Mysterious Vomiting Illness Linked To Heavy Marijuana Use [National Public Radio]

There’s no hard data on the prevalence of the illness. But in California and Colorado, which have loosened marijuana laws in recent years, some emergency physicians say they’re seeing it more often. One study in Colorado suggests there may be a link.

Legalisation of non-medical cannabis in Canada: will supply regulations effectively serve public health? [The Lancet]

A major social and health policy experiment will begin in Canada on July 1, 2018: the legalisation of non-medical cannabis. This major national cannabis policy reform, which is unique in the G20, has been framed by the fundamental objective to protect and improve cannabis-related public health and safety.

Uncovering how dabbing cannabis can impair driving ability [MedicalXpress]

Colorado State University faculty member Brian Tracy is collaborating with a group of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder to study the effects of dabbing, a highly potent method of ingesting cannabis. In a first-of-its kind project that could eventually help prevent driving under the influence, they are examining how dabbing affects things like balance, movement ability and reaction time—and they’re using an Apple iPod for several of the measurements.

Why cannabis oil is better than prescription painkillers [Metro]

With vast numbers of people taking addictive and hazardous prescription painkillers, more investment needs to be made into natural, cannabis-derived alternatives like CBD.

EXTRAS

7 Biggest Marijuana Innovations From 2017 [Civilized]

When you think about industries that are in a state of constant innovation right now, marijuana has to come to mind. With more states legalizing cannabis, the economic potential of the market is growing constantly. And companies are trying to keep up with it by improving the industry, whether at the production or consumption level. Here are the 7 of the biggest marijuana innovations from 2017.

OTHER DRUGS

Millions wasted on meth testing, minister says [Radio NZ]

Hundreds of Housing New Zealand properties have been left empty and millions squandered on methamphetamine testing, Housing Minister Phil Twyford says. 

EVENTS

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.