Embassy HEADLINES Issue 401

AUSTRALIA/NZ

Australian Senate committee issues report on medical cannabis barriers

An Australian Senate committee wrapped up its inquiry on barriers to regulated medical cannabis and published its final report this week. The committee’s final report came with 20 recommendations, covering a range of areas. including:

More education for doctors on the endocannabinoid system and patients on the regulatory framework.
A regulatory amendment allowing for the approval of multiple medicinal cannabis products in a single application.
Recommendations on pricing, including the establishment of a compassionate access subsidy in consultation with industry.

New Zealand allows cannabis vaporizers approved by overseas regulators

New Zealand has followed through with its plan to update a rule banning certain cannabis vaporizers ahead of the launch of the country’s medical marijuana program in April. The move is expected to create a market for compliant vaporizers, since the country’s upcoming regulations prohibit medical cannabis products being sold in a form intended for smoking.

Legal recreational use of marijuana backed by more than half of Kiwis

The survey of just under 2000 people conducted by Horizon Research found 54 per cent would vote “yes” in the upcoming referendum on legalising recreational cannabis use.

NORTH AMERICA

Declaring cannabis ‘essential’ marks a watershed moment in history

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced government officials to make life-or-death decisions about which goods and services are essential, and which are not. Essential businesses stay open; those not on the list must close to the public. In state after state, and province after province, regulators have declared medical marijuana essential. This is a watershed moment worth noting.

US States that have allowed marijuana businesses to remain open during coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home orders

Massachusetts Gov. Refuses to Reopen Adult-Use Dispensaries

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) called the reopening of recreational cannabis dispensaries a “non-starter” because they would likely attract out-of-state customers, MassLive reports. Yesterday, Baker extended his order closing non-essential businesses until May 4 and did not carve out an exception for adult-use cannabis shops.

Cannabis Sales Rise 57% In Colorado During Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, marijuana sales in the United States have grown substantially. It may be due to uncertainty that people either decided to stock up and buy more — or perhaps they’re looking for a medicinal way to cope with social isolation.

Colorado Implements Social Distancing Rules for In-Person Cannabis Sales

Colorado officials have re-opened in-shop cannabis sales but businesses are required to implement social distancing rules. Patients and consumers may still pre-order and pick up products and dispensaries can still offer curbside pickup services.

Governor: Cannabis Legalization ‘Not Likely’ In New York Budget

Marijuana legalization is “not likely” to be included in the final budget in New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said on Tuesday, explaining that the issue proved too complicated as the state grapples with the coronavirus.

Illinois House Rep Asks For Urgent Passing of Cannabis Home Delivery Legalization

The COVID-19 pandemic could accelerate the legalization of marijuana deliveries in Illinois.

COVID-19: How US cannabis companies are helping in the crisis

In today’s war on COVID-19, America’s $10.73 billion legal marijuana sector is rapidly redeploying assets to help fight SARS-CoV-2, with the goal of saving as many lives as possible. Legal cannabis makers have begun repurposing hash supply chains for hand sanitizer. Marijuana farmers are donating pest control gowns to desperate hospitals. And once-derided ‘pot shops’ are running food drives to keep America’s most vulnerable fed.

Health Canada says cannabis labs willing to assist in COVID-19 testing

Federally regulated cannabis labs have answered Health Canada’s call for assistance in supporting COVID-19 testing, and the agency is currently assessing the facilities’ capabilities.

WORLD

First medical cannabis sales in Colombia imminent – a year later than expected

Colombia’s delayed medical cannabis industry could see its first sale within days, according to one of the country’s leading producers. Khiron Life Sciences announced Friday that it became “the first company” authorized to sell medical cannabis in Colombia.

HEALTH & SCIENCE

Cannabis Scientists are Chasing the Perfect High

Chemists at some of the biggest legal-weed companies are after an elusive prize: a predictable, reliable product.

Does Smoking Cannabis Put You at Higher Risk for the Coronavirus?

The straight dope from health professionals on the dangers of smoking pot during the pandemic.

Are You Skeptical Of Cannabis Coronavirus Claims? You Should Be

One scam that is becoming more widespread with every passing day is people selling CBD products and products made from other ‘cannabinoids’ claiming that the products can treat, or even cure, coronavirus.

Best Marijuana Strains for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

A number of studies have found that cannabis can be effective at treating many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, without the serious side effects associated with many medications. Muscle stiffness, spasms, and tremors have all decreased in trials with marijuana. And obviously, the right strains of pot would be helpful in treating the debilitating pain and depression that often accompany MS.

Exploring cannabinoid bioavailability in the medical cannabis industry

When medication is consumed it must reach the intended site of action, but what is the degree and rate at which it is absorbed by the human body? NNE spotlights a vital concept in pharmacology: bioavailability.

Cannabis Inhalers: The Next Big Thing For Asthma And Cancer Pain Relief?

To meet and fulfill the demands of people who need immediate relief but cannot or choose not to combust cannabis, Israeli scientists have created cannabis inhalers.

Cannabis helps fight resistant bacteria

Bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. By combining antibiotics with the cannabis compound, cannabidiol, researchers have found a way to enhance the antibiotic effect.

LIFESTYLE

Leafly’s Guide to 420

Got questions about 420? Leafly’s got answers. Learn about the history of 420, get tips on how to smoke, celebrate, and stay safe, find the best 420 deals on cannabis and accessories, and much more.

‘Feminist Weed Farmer’ & The Radical Act of Growing Your Own Medicine

If you follow the steps Stewart lays out in her book, the author believes that “you, dear reader, can grow the dankest, stickiest, tastiest, loudest, highest-vibration cannabis on the planet.”

Here’s The Best Way To Preserve Marijuana For Long Periods Of Time

Science has determined that the best way to store and maintain marijuana over time is to…put it in the freezer.

6 Sensational Cannabis Cookbooks

These cookbooks are an essential guide for creating infused edibles at home.

Learn To Marijuana Like a Pro While You’re on Virus Lockdown

So, in the spirit of education, reflection and a little bit of fun, we highly recommend the following reading material.

You’re Socially Isolating. Is Now a Good Time to Trip on Psychedelics?

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people at home, alone. Psychedelics are one way to travel without going anywhere.

POLITICS & LAW

Profiles in Cannabis History: Dennis Peron, Patient Activist

Dennis Peron is touted as the “Father of Medical Marijuana,” and for good reason.

UN Votes to Delay Rescheduling of Cannabis for Second Time in Two Years

For the second time in two years, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has delayed a critical vote on the reclassification of cannabis. The vote to delay rescheduling came just under two weeks before WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Cannabis Delivery Proves Essential During COVID-19 Quarantine

Although sales are surging for the industry overall, one group of license holders have become more essential than others: delivery services. Considering the nature of a viral pandemic and the need to stay as far away from other human beings as possible, it makes sense that having your groceries, alcohol, toilet paper and weed delivered would feel the safest.

Quick guide to federal aid available to US hemp businesses impacted by coronavirus

Legal hemp businesses are eligible for emergency loan assistance and other lifelines included in the $2.2 trillion economic stimulus signed into law last week to hold off economic devastation from the coronavirus pandemic.