Embassy HEADLINES Issue 411
AUSTRALIA/NZ
HEMP Party Protest in Eden-Monaro by-election
The Help End Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) Party will provide a protest vote for Cannabis law reform at the Eden-Monaro by-election on Saturday 4 July 2020.
Queensland election news: John Jiggens candidate for South Brisbane
I am Dr John Jiggens and I am writing to announce that I will be a candidate for the seat of South Brisbane in the Queensland state election at the end of October for Legalise Cannabis Queensland and to urge you to register your support for Legalise Cannabis Queensland. To support us go to: https://legalisecannabisqld.com/ and hit the join button.
Nearly $22 million worth of cannabis seized – Lismore
While governments around the world legalise the growing and consumption of cannabis, and cannabis growing facilities are being developed on the north coast of NSW itself, yesterday the police arrested four men and seized nearly $22 million worth of cannabis. They also dismantled 20 large-scale industrial grow houses at the site near Lismore.
NSW police pursue 80% of Indigenous people caught with cannabis through courts
Data shows hugely disproportionate treatment, which experts say helps trap young Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.
Helen Clark urges Kiwis to vote ‘yes’ on legalising personal use of drug
The Drug Foundation launches its “Vote Yes – On Our Terms” campaign today, featuring Former Prime Minister Helen Clark and others including child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder, former police detective Tim McKinnel, law lecturer Khylee Quince and Ecostore founders Malcolm and Melanie Rands.
Drug infused lollies, baked goods being sold via social media in NZ
An operation producing cannabis-infused gummy lollies, chocolates and baked goods in Waikato has been busted by police. The products were being marketed and sold online via Instagram and Facebook and through a website using the alias ‘Dolly’s Edibles’, Detective Inspector Graham Pitkethley said.
2020 Cannabis Awards are here!
After an incredible first year (and an overwhelming amount of support) we’re super proud to announce that nominations for the 2020 Cannabis Industry Awards are now open! Make a nomination. Here is a link to 2019 winners.
NZ Cannabis Referendum FREE Webinar
REGISTER HERE: Jun 17, 2020 07:00 PM AEST: New Zealand goes to the polls on Saturday 19 September 2020 for a non-binding referendum, on the question of whether to legalise the sale, use, possession and production of cannabis. Our panel of experts Pharmacist Paul Mavor (Health House), Rhys Cohen (Freshleaf Analytics) Dr Mark Hardy (Cannabis Access Clinics), ᴍᴀɴᴜ ᴄᴀᴅᴅɪᴇ (Rua Bioscience) and Shane Le Brun (Medical Cannabis Awareness New Zealand (MCANZ)) discuss the issues around this. Register now! Limited places available.
Australian Ethnobotanical and Psychedelic Community Video Call Out
Entheogenesis Australis invites the Australian ethnobotanical and psychedelic community to contribute original video content to our livestream on Sunday 28th June. Click here for more details.
NORTH AMERICA
A Piece of the American Pie: The Successes & Shortcomings of Oakland’s Equity Program
In two turbulent years, the City of Oakland has approved 572 temporary licenses and 24 permanent licenses to people who qualify for Oakland’s “Cannabis Equity Program,” according to the city’s most recent data from March 2019. In order to qualify for the equity program, applicants must be residents that earn less than 80% of the city’s median income. They also must have lived for 10 of the last 20 years in one of the city’s neighborhoods that police have disproportionately targeted or been convicted for a cannabis crime in Oakland after 1996.
Ontarians spent $20M on Cannabis 2.0 items in first three months of sales
Cannabis vapes, topicals, concentrates and edibles such as gummies and chocolates hit store shelves in January with beverages following in March, and roughly $19.3 million worth of those products were sold in Ontario in the 12 months ending at March 2020.
Oregon Cannabis Sales Surpass $100 Million in May
“The marijuana tax fund is really the only bright spot in the state budget right now. In terms of taxable sales it was about $15 million that’s going to go to the school fund, city and county governments.”
Why Does California Still Have a Black Market for Cannabis?
California’s tax revenues could be much higher and the benefits of legal weed greater — if only it could get a handle on its thriving cannabis black market. Currently, California’s black market for weed is more profitable than its legal one. Read on to learn more about why people are opting for illegal purchases over legal ones and what the state can do to change it.
California’s Cannabis Industry Marred by Limited Supply Chain and Heavy Tax Burden
California, the largest licensed cannabis market in the world, can’t seem to compete with illicit activity. What’s the problem?
Texas hemp groups challenge state’s proposed smokable hemp ban
The Texas Hemp Industries Association is asking the Texas Department of State Health Services to change a proposed rule that would prohibit smokable hemp sales, saying it goes beyond state and federal statutes, is an unfunded mandate and is unenforceable.
CBD liver study to inform U.S. FDA regulation gains support for deployment next month
A third-party consumer research study looking at CBD’s effects on humans, meant to help gather liver safety data that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration needs to move forward with regulation, is set to begin in July.
WORLD
International Cooperation: The Next Generation of Cannabis Development?
The Canadian-German market connection has been a “thing” ever since the middle of the last decade. But this is not the only international cannabis connection. Indeed, firms in multiple countries have been developing international partnerships for quite some time – and not just deals involving the plant or its extracts, but on the cannabis technology front.
What Does The Future Hold For Jamaica’s Cannabis Industry?
Bermuda Seeks Public Feedback on Legal Cannabis Market
Bermuda legalized medical cannabis in 2016. The government also decriminalized marijuana for recreational use in 2017. Now, the government wants to expand its legal cannabis market. The government wants public feedback before the upcoming Bermuda Parliament sessions. On June 3, the government released a draft bill for establishing a legal marijuana market in the country.
Israeli Lawmakers Signal Support for Cannabis Legalization
Legislation easing restrictions on recreational, medical use to be advanced ‘responsibly’; report says process will take 4 months, use to be approved for ages 21+.
The two huge shipments are unusual for their secretive nature – at least from the importer’s standpoint. Cannabis companies, particularly those from Canada, typically boast about the smallest of international shipments. But, so far, no company has publicly taken responsibility for importing the shipments into Europe from Uruguay.
HEALTH & SCIENCE
How to Choose the Best Seeds for Planting Cannabis
Seeds that are not mature are typically small with a greenish hue and soft shell. Good, healthy seeds will be more greyish to brown with speckles and have a glossy appearance free from cracks. They are typically bigger in size as well. Seeds that are very dark or near black and appear to be dull may be old. To avoid immature seeds or aged seeds, try not to purchase seeds that have recently been harvested as well as those that have been kept in storage for long amounts of time.
Ultra-low cannabis dosing: When microdosing is still too much
Consumers are experimenting with novel ways to get the most out of their hit, with less … of a hit. As growing research confirms that a little weed goes a long way, both cannasseurs and researchers alike are looking to enhance the beneficial outcomes of cannabis while minimizing detrimental ones with very small doses.
This doctor’s insight on treating the pandemic with cannabis
Once cytokines are turned on past their maximum, the proteins become difficult to control and can cause a shockwave of effects.
Study: Cannabis Can Reduce Severity of PTSD Symptoms
A recent Washington State University study found that cannabis can reduce the immediate symptoms of PTSD by more than half.
The Endocannabinoid System and Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
We spoke exclusively to Ethan Russo who believes that many common diseases stem from clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.
POLITICS & LAW
Racism and Policing Are Global Problems. Drug Control is a Vehicle.
There is now substantial evidence that the war on drugs has disproportionately targeted Black and Brown communities in the US, resulting in profound racial injustice.
Drug Policy Alliance Urges U.S. Congress to Strengthen Police Reform Bill
“We are grateful for Congressional leadership in introducing legislation that would reform policing in this country and reexamine the kinds of deadly police militarization practices that have stricken our nation and have caused many to question the operation of American democracy. This bill includes much-needed provisions to end racial profiling, ban chokeholds, and create a national database for police misconduct and use-of-force.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom: Marijuana Legalization Is A ‘Civil Rights’ Issue
Though California legalized marijuana to roll back unjust Drug War policies, cannabis taxes help fund police operations.
Drugs are not an excuse. There is no excuse.
George Floyd drew his last breath after one police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while another taunted “don’t do drugs, kids” to the gathered crowd. Drug involvement –whether real or perceived- is a convenient excuse for these violent and too often fatal law enforcement interactions.
Minneapolis City Council Members Announce Intent To Disband The Police Department, Invest In Proven Community-Led Public Safety
Since Floyd’s killing and the protests that ensued, officials in Los Angeles and New York City have called for making deep cuts to swollen police budgets and reallocating those funds for education, affordable housing, and other social services. “Our commitment is to end policing as we know it, and to recreate systems of public safety that actually keep us safe.”
Data Shows Roadside Searches Decrease After Marijuana Legalization
Traffic searches, a longtime tool in the War on Drugs, dropped dramatically following marijuana legalization, new data reveals.
New lawsuit aims to force U.S. DEA to reschedule marijuana
In recent years, lawsuits directed against the federal government’s prohibition of cannabis have tried—and repeatedly failed—to knock down marijuana’s Schedule I status. A recently filed lawsuit, however, suggests the legal wall against cannabis legalization should not even exist, due to a mistake made more than 25 years ago.
Capturing the Market: Cannabis regulation in Canada
Canada became the first G7 and G20 nation to regulate cannabis on 17th October 2018. In this report, we provide a comprehensive overview of cannabis regulation in Canada, analysing and comparing regulations in key areas and drawing out lessons for other countries going forward.
Protests Drive DC Psychedelics Decriminalization Signatures As Activists Launch Major Mailer Campaign
CULTURE
10 Cannabis Photographers Who Have Changed the Game
Here’s a list of some outstanding cannabis photographers who have made waves in the industry in their own unique ways.
Cannabis may be a safer alternative for people who use drugs during sex
Not everyone is a fan of rock ‘n’ roll but, for many people, sex and drugs make a great combination. Pairing the two can lead to a highly enjoyable experience, with heightened physical and psychological effects including increased feelings of intimacy, confidence and pleasure.
The 5 best dishes and strains in Netflix’s ‘Cooked with Cannabis’
Where there’s a weed, there’s a company trying to make a show about cooking it. Cooked with Cannabis is Netflix’s newest attempt at making cannabis-infused dinner parties exciting to watch.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Dr. Bronner’s Now Sources 100% of Organic Hemp Seed Oil in from U.S. Farmers
Dr. Bronner’s, family owned maker of the top-selling natural brand of soap in North America, has announced it now sources its entire supply, approximately 30 metric tons annually, of USDA Organic hemp seed oil used in its soap and other body care products, from U.S. farmers. A profound and long-sought accomplishment for Dr. Bronner’s, this achievement marks the cumulative success of more than two decades of committed advocacy by the company to legalize hemp farming in the U.S., and to protect the right of U.S. farmers to cultivate this versatile and sustainable crop.
Elixinol Global looks to raise cash with 48% discount on shares
Elixinol is looking for much-needed cash after turmoil beset the company over the last year amid a global downturn in the fortunes of the CBD sector and the coronavirus crisis.
An online business directory and marketplace for the Australian cannabis and hemp industry
EVENTS
Medicinal Cannabis: Legal, Business & Insurance Updates
11 June online event: Back by popular demand, you don’t want to miss the second annual cannabis legal issues update. With the medicinal cannabis sector continuing to grow at a rapid rate this is the perfect time to get in on the ground floor so you don’t miss your chance in this growing field of law. Hear about the latest legislative developments including the outcomes of the Senate inquiry into patient access to medicinal cannabis.
NZ Cannabis Referendum FREE Webinar
REGISTER HERE: Jun 17, 2020 07:00 PM AEST: New Zealand goes to the polls on Saturday 19 September 2020 for a non-binding referendum, on the question of whether to legalise the sale, use, possession and production of cannabis. Our panel of experts Pharmacist Paul Mavor (Health House), Rhys Cohen (Freshleaf Analytics) Dr Mark Hardy (Cannabis Access Clinics), ᴍᴀɴᴜ ᴄᴀᴅᴅɪᴇ (Rua Bioscience) and Shane Le Brun (Medical Cannabis Awareness New Zealand (MCANZ)) discuss the issues around this. Register now! Limited places available.
Australian Ethnobotanical and Psychedelic Community Video Call Out
Entheogenesis Australis invites the Australian ethnobotanical and psychedelic community to contribute original video content to our livestream on Sunday 28th June. Click here for more details.
Hemp, Health & Innovation Expo [Sydney]
Drug Policy Public Discussion Forum [Sydney] Postponed until October!
Australian Medicinal Cannabis Conference 2020 [Melbourne]
Garden States – Cultivating Plant Knowledge [Melbourne]
Saturday 6 December 2020 at 9:00am
Springvale City Hall, 397 – 405 Springvale Rd, Springvale VIC 3171
FUNDRAISERS/CAMPAIGNS/PETITIONS/SURVEYS
Legalise Cannabis Queensland launched!
To combat the decades-long discrimination against cannabis users, activists from the MCUA and HEMP have joined to form Legalise Cannabis Queensland to support candidates campaigning to legalise cannabis in the approaching 2020 elections. The war on drugs is unsustainable and counter-productive. Help legalise cannabis in Queensland in 2020.
Help Entheogenesis Australis [EGA] fundraise for a new website
We have launched a new crowdfunding campaign to fund the development of a new online platform for EGA. We have outgrown our old website from 2016 and need to replace our interim holding page with two new websites – a main EGA site and a separate site for EGA conferences.