AUSTRALIA & NZ
High Hopes: Farmers add hemp to their grain cropping programs [ABC]
Following the legalisation of hemp seed as food last year, Australian farmers are now adding hemp to their grain cropping programs. But key players in the emerging industry say a golden opportunity is being missed in the nutraceutical market.
NZ licence granted for cultivating medicinal cannabis [Radio NZ]
An East Coast company has become the second organisation in New Zealand to be granted a licence to cultivate cannabis for research purposes for medicinal cannabis.
NORTH AMERICA
California Passes Bill To Expunge Old Marijuana Convictions [Huffington Post]
It’s estimated that more than 218,000 cases could be eligible if Gov. Jerry Brown signs it into law.
Illinois Becomes Latest State to Legalize Hemp Cultivation [Medical Marijuana Inc]
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner over the weekend signed a bill that allows licensed farmers to cultivate hemp, adding to the growing number of states to legalize the non-intoxicating variety of cannabis.
A Marijuana Game Center Coming to Denver? [The Marijuana Times]
When Denver, Colorado resident Taylor Rosean and his friends pictured legal marijuana, one of the things they envisioned was a versatile game and entertainment space where cannabis could be consumed by the players and patrons. And then they went about making that vision a reality. Rosean recently got word from authorities in Denver that his cannabis arcade – Vape and Play – got its license approved for social use. Progress has been slow when it comes to Denver’s social use program, which is why Rosean was only the second business owner to have a license for legal marijuana use on his premises approved.
New York State Assembly Will Hold Hearings this Fall on Legalizing Cannabis [The Marijuana Times]
In the last couple of years, the state of New York has done a complete turnaround with their stance on marijuana. From being one of the states with the most restrictive access to medical marijuana, to one of a handful where even lawmakers are talking legalization over prohibition. Governor Cuomo has certainly changed his tune, and now the New York Democratic Party and the Department of Health both back legalizing cannabis as well.
Legal Weed Is a Reality in America, but Congress Refuses to Admit It [Vice]
As New York moves toward legal recreational cannabis, the failure to enact nationwide reforms is becoming more glaring.
New roadside test to detect marijuana coming to Canada [Global News]
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould is giving the green light to a new roadside test to check for drugs, named the “Drager DrugTest 5000”.
Cannabis Intoxication Roadside Testing Tech Coming to Canada [Ganjapreneur]
The saliva screening equipment will be used primarily to test for THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. The technology will be made available to police departments across the country but ultimately it will be up to each department to decide individually whether to use it.
City launches consultation on four designated cannabis consumption sites [Calgary Herald]
If approved by council, the four areas would be exempt from the city’s Cannabis Consumption Bylaw regulations, which prohibit smoking, vaping and eating marijuana products in public. The city will launch a public engagement process on Monday and provide the locations of the proposed sites.
Cannabis Economic Account, second quarter 2018 [Symbol of Statistics Canada]
In nominal terms, on an annualized basis, Canadians spent $5.7 billion on cannabis products in the second quarter. Of this, 84.8% or $4.8 billion was purchased illegally for non-medical use. This proportion has fallen from 98.0% in the second quarter of 2014, reflecting increases in cannabis consumption for medical use. Expenditures on cannabis for medical purposes reached $784 million, accounting for 13.8% of total expenditures. This includes $52 million of personal production of cannabis for medical use. This second quarter share represents a slight increase over the 12.7% share in the first quarter, reflecting the increased availability of cannabis for medical use. Cannabis consumption for medical use has more than tripled since the second quarter of 2016.
Ontario uproots its plans for selling weed [The Conversation]
Ontario has announced big changes to its recreational cannabis retail plan. Government-owned Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC) will still sell online, but will no longer open physical stores. Instead, businesses will handle all storefront sales. Switching from public to private sector retailing will mean more stores. This means more convenience for Ontario cannabis consumers. That in turn will help legal cannabis compete against black market weed. But it may also increase use of the drug.
UK & EUROPE
An update on the CLEAR Cannabis Law Reform campaign [YouTube]
Peter Reynolds provides an update on the CLEAR campaign and reviews what happens next concerning both medical and adult access.
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Differences between combined, isolated use of cannabis, nicotine on brain networks [Science Daily]
Researchers have investigated the effects on the brain of concurrent cannabis and nicotine use, versus the use of solely cannabis and solely nicotine.
Scientists identify 35 genes associated with cannabis use [MedicalXpress]
A large-scale genetic study found that some of the same genes associated with the use of cannabis are also associated with certain personality types and psychiatric conditions. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, conducted by a team of scientists who are part of the International Cannabis Consortium, is the largest to date genetic study to look at the use of cannabis.
One in Four Young Adults Consume Cannabis, Poll Finds [Medical Marijuana Inc]
Findings of a new Gallup poll suggest that millennials partake in cannabis consumption at a significantly higher rate than the rest of America.
One in seven U.S. adults used marijuana in 2017 [Reuters]
With more and more states legalizing marijuana, whether for medical use, recreational use, or both, increasing numbers of Americans are using cannabis. A new survey finds that one in seven had used marijuana in 2017, with smoking being the most common manner of consumption, according to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The “Marijuana Legalization Will Increase Use Among Youths” Myth [The Marijuana Times]
According to a new study, entitled “School Climate, Substance Use, and Student Well-being in California, 2015-17”, teen use of marijuana in the state is undergoing a steep decline.
Brain scans show how cannabis extract may help people with psychosis [The Guardian]
Brain scans have revealed for the first time how a substance found in cannabis plants may help people with psychotic disorders by dampening down abnormal brain activity that arises in the patients.
Marijuana found in breast milk up to six days after use [MedicalXpress]
Fifty-four samples from 50 women who used marijuana either daily, weekly or sporadically—with inhalation being the primary method of intake —- were examined. Researchers detected THC, the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, in 63 percent of the breast milk samples for up to six days after the mother’s last reported use.
CULTURE & SOCIETY
How privatized cannabis sales threaten your privacy [The Conversation]
An overlooked aspect of recreational cannabis legalization in Canada is the privacy implications of the distribution systems, especially in the online environment. The privacy and security risks are substantial, and protecting the online rights of consumers needs more attention. Highly sensitive personal information will be exposed to the risks of redistribution and data breaches, and these risks are magnified if the data is stored or processed in the United States.
BUSINESS & POLICY
State Officials Are Pushing for Federal Banking Protection for Cannabis Cash Overflow [The Marijuana Times]
Lead by Pennsylvania’s Wolf Administration, a group of top financial regulators in 13 states are demanding Congress act to protect banks who choose to work with cannabis businesses from any federal interference – giving them the peace of mind they need to work with the newly legal industry.
U.S. Cannabis Industry Could Be Worth $47 Billion Within a Decade, Analysts Say [Medical Marijuana Inc]
America’s legal marijuana industry could be worth as much as $47 billion in a decade’s time, according to investment bank RBC Capital Markets. In a lengthy memo to clients last week, RBC analysts outlined the rapid growth of the U.S. marijuana sector and showed how the cannabis market is quickly catching up to beer and wine sales.
Cannabis cleanse? Why big tech is giving pot businesses the boot [The Guardian]
YouTube and others are erasing the accounts of marijuana brands, limiting their ability to advertise themselves.
The financial benefits of legalising Cannabis for recreational use are incalculable [Connected Local Government]
But calculate the income the state might derive from such a move is exactly what Chris Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs has done.
OTHER DRUGS
Overdose Awareness Day – Time to remember. Time to Act. [Alcohol & Drug Foundation]
An annual, global event on August 31st marks International Overdose Awareness Day. The purpose is to raise awareness about overdose – what it is, the signs of an overdose, and how to respond – as well as educate people in order to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths. The day also acknowledges the grief of the families and friends who have lost a loved one to an overdose death.
Psilocybin Study Gets Green Light From FDA for Treatment-Resistant Depression [MPR]
COMPASS Pathways announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for a clinical trial with psilocybin therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
FUNDRAISERS/CAMPAIGNS
Support Tony Bower’s Legal Fees [gofundme]
21 June Breaking news! Tony has been released on bail. Tony of Mullaway’s Medical Cannabis has once again been arrested for growing his cannabis medicine! Tony makes cannabis tincture for children with epilepsy and countless others with cancer, chronic pain, ms and the list goes on. Tony Bower has dedicated his life to helping others and now needs your help. All Donations would be greatly appreciated.
Supporting Andrew Katelaris [gofundeme]
30 July Breaking news! Andrews has been released on bail. As a result he can now prepare for 05 November trial.
LEGALISING CANNABIS [The Greens]
Let’s get real about cannabis. The “war on drugs” has been lost. These days, millions of Australians choose to use cannabis and countries all around the world are changing their laws after realising prohibition does more harm than good. It’s high time we joined them and legalised it. That’s why I’m proud to announce today that the Greens are launching our national plan to legalise cannabis for adult use.
EVENTS
Essentials of Medicinal Cannabis [Medicinal Cannabis Education]
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2018, 9am-5.00pm
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 88 Broadway, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW 2008
Link to Flyer
Cutting through the Haze [Medicinal Cannabis Education]
Date: Monday 10 September 2018 Time: 6.00-8.30pm
Venue: University of Sydney Business School
Abercrombie Building H70, Abercrombie St & Codrington St, Darlington NSW 2006
Speakers: Dr Sue Sisley [USA], “Amazon John” Easterling, and Carol Ireland [Epilepsy Action Australia]
CANNABIS HEMP CONFERENCE & EXPO 2018: Canada’s Largest & Most Comprehensive Cannabis Conference
September 28th – 30th, 2018, The Chan Centre & Nest, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. “The CHCE is a conference unlike any other- one where thought leaders and practitioners, patients and their families, business entrepreneurs and government officials, cultivators and geneticists come together to explore the endless benefits of Cannabis, other plant/fungi medicines, as well as psychedelics.”
MEDICAN WEEKENDS at the BUSH THEATRE, Nimbin [Hemp Embassy]
The next Medican Workshops will be on the weekend of October 20/21 and then January 19/20, 2019. Entry by donation, beside the river at Nimbin’s Bush Theatre. Starting at 11 am and aiming to finish by 420! Learn how to make and use Cannabis as medicine!
CannaTech
BuddingTech is partnered with the world’s premier medical cannabis conference! Save the date 29-30th October 2018 Sydney.
Medicinal Cannabis Symposium [United in Compassion]
22-24 March 2019, Tweed Heads: Over 3 days hear from world experts as we grapple with the problems around patient access, guidelines and supply.
MISCELLANEOUS
Nimbin Medican Workshops on YouTube [Hemp Embassy]
Speaker presentations from the Nimbin Medican Workshop, last weekend 23-24 June 2018, are now online. Big 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.
MardiGrass Hemposium 2018 Talks now Available on YouTube [Hemp Embassy]
Speaker presentations from the Nimbin MardiGrass Hemposium, 4-6 May 2018, are now online. Also check out previous years’ Hemposium speakers as well as our Medican Workshops.
Medicinal Cannabis & Hemp Tasmania & “the leaf” Newsletter [Facebook]
You can download the latest newsletter from this link. Please message via FB if you would like to be added to the mailing list.
DRUG WAR OVER! [Radio Documentary]
IF YOU WANT IT: When Phil Bromley moved from Sydney to one of Australia’s most famous and surprisingly largest tourism destinations, Nimbin he felt like he’d found home. Six years on, after observing and experiencing the relentless police harassment and mainstream media victimization of his new hometown, Phil felt it was time to let the town tell their story in their own words. ‘Exposing The War On Drugs’ is an eight part radio documentary series that looks at how the war on drugs has affected Australia and the rest of the world. Broadcast around Australia on the Community Radio Network, from the 18th April and podcast at https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/exposing-the-war-on-drugs . With the spotlight on Nimbin, Australia’s most famous “alternative” town, the team from NIM FM, (Nimbin’s local community radio station), explore drug prohibition, medicinal cannabis, addiction and Nimbin itself; and offer some solutions to the costly drug war that has raged since the early 1930s.
Entheogenesis Australis Shop Now Open [EGA]
Entheogenesis Australis (EGA) would like to thank the psychedelic community for it’s ongoing support and attendance at our recent Psychedelic Symposium. Since the event we’ve had a lot of inquiries about obtaining copies of the new EGA Journal 4 and other special merchandise. To browse, please feel free to head to the EGA Shop online or click on the items below. This is also your chance to pick up classic and new T-shirt designs. Please keep in mind much of the stock is very limited so don’t delay!