Embassy HEADLINES Issue 424

TOP STORIES

AUSTRALIA/NZ

If reducing harm to society is the goal, a cost-benefit analysis shows cannabis prohibition has failed

The case for a referendum on New Zealand’s cannabis law was already urgent in 2015 when the supposedly more pressing issue was whether we should change the flag. As I argued at the time, prohibition had failed and was costing society far more than the drug itself.

Pondering Pot launches Australia’s largest database of cannabis companies

Pondering Pot’s database covers over 60 prominent and upcoming cannabis companies operating in Australia, with new additions continuously added. This includes producers, importers, retailers, medical manufacturers and non-profit organisations within the cannabis space. 

More Australians back legalizing cannabis national survey shows

For the first time in the survey’s history, more Australians support the legalization of cannabis (41%) than oppose it (37%). This is almost double the level of support in 2007 (21%).

Australian cannabis coverage increases 18,850% in 11 years

We did the math. And triple-checked it because the stats seems completely unrealistic. But it stands – Australian-based cannabis news and articles per year has grown 18,850% since 2010.

Cannabis law reform – SIGN THE PETITION TO QLD PARLIAMENT

Qld residents have started a Parliamentary petition to legalise cannabis. Laws criminalising cannabis have categorically failed to stop or even reduce use, and they ultimately end up overwhelmingly punishing users rather than dealers. In fact, 90% of cannabis-related arrests are patients, carers and other consumers. Medicinal cannabis laws are also inconsistent and difficult to access, ultimately forcing more people onto the black market. We need a health-based approach to cannabis, not a criminal one. I believe we should stop locking people up for using cannabis, and instead legalise and regulate it to keep more people safe and out of the cycle of criminalisation.

NSW Police crackdown on cannabis candy

NSW Police have cracked down on cannabis candy, as part of a new operation targeting online drug sellers. Operation Strike Force Leafed Out was launched back in May with the responsibility to tackle new ways of selling cannabis. Four months later, the task force has arrested seven people in seven days. 

Thousands of Australians are forced to break the cannabis laws. It doesn’t have to be this way.

In his first post for Cannabiz, editor-at-large Rhys Cohen analyses the findings of the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey to find out more about the 97% of Australians who still source their medical cannabis from the black market.

NORTH AMERICA

Maine Finally Approves First Marijuana Business Licenses Weeks Before Legal Sales Launch

Maine’s marijuana regulatory body announced on Tuesday that it has finally issued the state’s first round of cannabis business licenses, with weeks until retails sales are set to launch. This development comes nearly four years after voters approved a legalization ballot measure—a significant delay in implementation compared to California, Massachusetts and Nevada, which also legalized for adult-use on the same day in 2016.

4% of Canadian cannabis licensees Indigenous-affiliated, with systemic barriers ‘baked into system’

In total, 19 Indigenous-affiliated cannabis companies make up a little over 4% of the 459 authorized federal cannabis licenses issued by Health Canada. And none of the latest licensees are located on a reserve.

Ontario plans to double monthly pot shop licence authorizations

Ontario cannabis retailers are cheering the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s decision to double the amount of pot shops it will authorize and licence in the province to 40 each month, starting this fall. The decision, made late Tuesday, will likely ensure that many of the retailers who have been burning thousands of dollars and waiting months for licence approvals will be able to open their doors sooner than later.

One cure for an ailing American economy: Legalize cannabis

Legalizing cannabis — as 40 states have already done for either medical or recreational purposes— can’t cure all that ails America. Still, for the next president, it can help drive progress on multiple critical issues.

California Must Share Cannabis Licensee Records With Feds

It sounds like certain Southern California licensed distributors are (allegedly) moving cannabis oil out of Mexico into California.

WORLD

Cannabis Falling from the Sky in Israel

As one of the most cannabis user-friendly and research-oriented countries, Israel has been dragging behind in terms of legalization. Yesterday, a drone flew over Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, dropping bags of what is believed to be cannabis, over the square, leaving eager passers-by to run after the free swag. Two men have been arrested so far, and there’s a possible link to activist group Green Drone Group which has been pushing for legalization, and which made the statements on its Telegram account: ‘the time has come’, and ‘Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Green Drone sending you free cannabis from the skies’.

Philippines warns public about marijuana-flavored vapes

St Vincent & the Grenadines Cabinet Approves First Cannabis Dispensing Licence

The Cabinet of St Vincent and the Grenadines has given the green light for the start of operations of the first cannabis pharmacy here. This follows approval of the first cannabis dispensing licence.

EU & France Battle it out Over CBD Laws

France and the EU have been fighting it out in court over import laws concerning a CBD case. If the EU wins it means a forced legalization of CBD across the entire EU… But if France wins, could it be the beginning of the end for CBD?

Scotland’s first cannabis-based medicine approved for NHS

Cannabidiol (Epidyolex) has been accepted for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a condition which can cause frequent debilitating seizures.

What You Need To Know About Treating Joint Pain With Cannabis

While CBD and THC certainly can’t take over the entirety of a pain management regimen, studies on cortisone treatments are bringing the conversations of cannabis to greater light.

Son of Peter Tosh Dies Due to Injuries from 2017 Prison Beating

The son of late reggae legend Peter Tosh, died in his Boston area home on July 17 at the age of 40. He had never fully recovered from a brutal 2017 beating in a New Jersey jail, where he was serving time on a cannabis charge.

Top international industry trends: A deep dive into the key cannabis markets [online]

Thursday, 17 September 2020 11:00 am AEST: Join me as a speak with Matt Lamers about the key markets across the globe. Matt is one of the most informed cannabis experts on the plan. Matt’s territories cover North and South America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa.

Five key policy insights (New Zealand) – A Conversation with Tara Creaven-Capasso [Online]

Wednesday, 23 September 2020 2:00 pm AEST: Join one of New Zealand’s top regulatory advisors, sharing their insights on New Zealand’s newly formed cannabis regulations.

Australian Cannabis Prescribing Doctors FREE Webinar

Wednesday 23 September 7pm AEST : Join us as we speak to 3 Australian doctors involved in prescribing medicinal cannabis:

• Dr Orit Holtzman (www.compassclinics.com.au) 
• Dr Matty Moore (www.mattmooremd.com) 
• Dr John Teh (www.plantmed.net.au)

Medical Cannabis Live Series – AU & NZ Panel [Online]

Thursday, 1 October 2020 7:00 pm AEST: Join an esteemed panel of industry leaders as they discuss key commercial insights about the Australian and New Zealand cannabis markets.