Embassy HEADLINES Issue 402
AUSTRALIA/NZ
42020 – Canna Crisis Peace Offering
Activists delivered a pound of marijuana to the residence of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
New Zealand’s Medical Cannabis Scheme now launched
As of April 1, 2020, New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Agency, part of the government’s Ministry of Health, launched its new Medical Cannabis Scheme to improve access to quality medical cannabis products for patients.
Regulation and reputation with Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia
Rosemary Richards of Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia tells MCN about industry regulation, licensing and the future of Australian cannabis.
With the change in how PBS medicines are dispensed, theoretically some medicinal cannabis products should be among those that can be obtained without a script. However, it may be a little more complicated for those who haven’t had a prescription in the past.
Medipharm Labs Corp Expects To Begin Supply Of Pharmaceutical-quality cannabis oil products in Australia
Compass Clinics provides education and consultation services to Australian patients who look to access medical cannabis products. It will now commence the sale of its own branded products. It offers consultation services for the patients, who want to get medical cannabis products via SAS (Special Access Scheme) or Authorized Prescriber pathways, in Australia. The company also uses the services of third-parties to sell cannabis oil and cannabis products.
Bod Australia and Swisse launch hemp product range
- Medicinal cannabis company Bod Australia (BDA) has launched nine hemp-based products in collaboration with Swisse Wellness
- More than 2000 leading retailers such as Coles, Priceline and Chemist Warehouse will receive these products
- The range is primarily made-up of skincare products, but soft gel caps containing hemp seed oil will also be launched
AusCann to begin distributing THC-CBD medicinal cannabis capsules throughout Australia
AusCann has shipped the hard-shell capsules to its distribution partner CH2, with authorisation now granted for prescription sales across the country.
National Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT)
In February 2020, Mr Tony Eyres from industry consultancy Rounding Up provided an overview and update of the IHVT project to the Australian Industrial Hemp Conference (AIHC) in Fremantle.
NORTH AMERICA
Illinois Recreational Cannabis Sales Approach $110 Million in First Quarter of Legalization
That represents a solid beginning for the business in the state, where the sale and consumption of cannabis for recreational use was made legal on Jan. 1.
Veterans, people with disabilities score free drive-thru cannabis in COVID-19 lockdown
‘It’s a big deal for those who became unemployed temporarily due to the virus’.
Michigan pot sales don’t skip a beat, relying on new online and curbside model
As non-essential Michigan businesses shut down operations, marijuana shops across the state continue to operate via curbside pickup and home deliveries. Like bars and restaurants, marijuana dispensaries can no longer serve customers in-store, but local pot shops say sales are holding steady as they transition to online orders.
Oregon Cannabis Sales in March Were the Highest Ever for a Single Month
Well, it’s now clear how a lot of Oregonians got through their first month of quarantine: by smoking a lot of weed. Sales increased 37 percent from this time last year.
Anchorage, Alaska, voters reject on-site cannabis consumption
In a blow to marijuana retailers in Anchorage, Alaska, voters overwhelmingly rejected a measure to permit cannabis consumption on store premises.
New York attorney general orders CBD company to stop marketing products as coronavirus cure
The emails have titles such as, “Protection from Corona Virus With Immunity Oil!” and “Fight back against the coronavirus outbreak! Pure Herbal Total Defense Immunity Blend.”
People Could Still Be Denied These Jobs Over Marijuana Use Under New York City Drug Testing Exemptions
New York State might not be legalizing marijuana this year, in large part due to complications from the coronavirus outbreak, but at least many of those still in the workforce in New York City won’t risk being denied jobs over a positive THC test thanks to a local law that goes into effect next month.
WORLD
Albanian Government looking into possibility of legalizing cultivation of medical marijuana
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced during an interview that the government is currently studying the possibility of legalizing the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes only, similar to several countries which have already done so.
The future of hemp and medical cannabis in Namibia
Namibia has the opportunity to create a dynamic, highly opportunistic, forward-looking industry, serving the fast growing cannabis and hemp industries in Africa and around the globe.
France, Italy, Netherlands lead Europe for hemp land use
France, Italy and the Netherlands are leading the pack when it comes to industrial hemp cultivation in Europe, according to the most recent data available. More than 50% of industrial hemp in Europe was planted in those three countries.
Mexico: Senate Asks Supreme Court for More Time on Cannabis Legalization
This was supposed to be a decisive year for the cannabis industry in Mexico. But amid the coronavirus outbreak, a draft bill to legalize cannabis for medical, adult, and industrial uses has been stalled in the Senate one month before a Supreme Court deadline requiring that lawmakers pass such a bill.
The Lebanese government is looking to cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes to improve the country’s economic situation. Lebanon is the third most indebted country in the world, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 170%, according to Prime Minister Hassan Diab.
Cannabis street prices surge under coronavirus lockdown in France
Cannabis use is outlawed in France but the country has one of Europe’s highest consumption rates. Most cannabis resin that enters France comes from Morocco via Spain. Marijuana, or grass, is typically imported from the Netherlands. “The price of a 100 gram bar of resin went from 280 euros to 500 euros in a week in Marseille”.
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Cannabis proven to help insomniacs sleep
The results of a world-first study at The University of Western Australia have shown that medicinal cannabis can be used as a novel treatment for adults suffering from chronic insomnia.
How to Decarb: Making Cannabis Psychoactive With Heat
Decarboxylation is a scientific term for removing the carbon molecules from marijuana to activate THC.
What Does Smoking Weed Do To Your Lungs?
Are there dangerous heavy metals in your weed?
The ability of cannabis to extract dangerous heavy metals from the soil has a dark side, especially in states where the soil may still have some old contaminants lurking within.
Charlotte Figi, The 13-Year-Old Poster Child For Medical Cannabis, Has Died
Charlotte Figi, a girl whose battle with severe epilepsy inspired changes in medical cannabis laws, died on Tuesday. She was 13. A particular strain of medical cannabis called Charlotte’s Web was named in honor of the girl. The Figi family had moved to Colorado in order for their then-toddler daughter to access the drug legally.
Study finds CBG useful in killing MRSA, the deadly hospital bacteria
Researchers at McMaster University in Canada recently published a paper describing how cannabigerol, the common cannabinoid known as CBG, killed a variety of strains of MRSA, the antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria.
After 4-year delay, DEA in USA will review dozens of requests to grow marijuana for research
In certain states, growing marijuana is allowed, but only one source nationally is legal for researchers. That could change with new rules from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ease rules on research into psychedelic drugs, urges David Nutt
Ex-UK government adviser says substances such as psilocybin could have medical value.
National Psychedelics Advocacy Group Takes Next Step In Movement
A Denver-based psychedelics advocacy group announced last week that it has secured a nonprofit status that will enable it to better empower activists, educate the public and pave a path so that people ultimately have equitable access to entheogenic substances such as psilocybin mushrooms. The Society for Psychedelic Outreach, Reform and Education, or SPORE, is a national organization that first came online last year.
LIFESTYLE
6 Reasons Why You Should Use a Bong To Enhance Your Cannabis Experience
Like cannabis itself, bongs have grown up in the age of legal cannabis. It’s time to shelve your acrylics and home-made water bottle bongs and invest in something you can proudly display next to your best crystal.
Marijuana Was In 100-Year-Old Medical Cabinet On Antiques Roadshow, But Owner’s Brother Smoked It
In the late 1800s, it wasn’t uncommon for doctors to lawfully possess marijuana as part of a medical kit. And at a recent antique show, one person gave a glimpse of how that cannabis was stored.
Cannabis Shortages Spur New Interest in Growing at Home
Lockdowns and economic paralysis imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak are creating a new emphasis on self-sufficiency. Even before the crisis, medicinal cannabis users facing shortages at local dispensaries were turning to home cultivation.
Leafly’s cannabis homegrow
Welcome to Leafly’s cannabis homegrow! Watch as our writer Johanna Silver grows a set of marijuana plants from seed to harvest in her backyard in Northern California.
POLITICS & LAW
#LetThemOut During COVID-19 – Last Prisoner Project
In the USA, 40,000 people are currently in prisons for nonviolent cannabis offenses. Help sign the peition to free these individuals and save lives.
Pandemic upends pot legalization
Ballot campaigns and cannabis bills get pushed aside during public health crisis. What was supposed to be a banner year for marijuana legalization is becoming a bust.
How a small US town reacted when its mayor was caught growing weed
After the buzz faded, a small, close-knit community was left divided, and a middle-aged couple who had devoted their entire lives to this town faced the prospect of prison time for self-medicating using a substance that in many other states is legal, and in others decriminalized.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Top 25 Cannabis Products for 2020
Going into 2020, there are plenty of products that you should have your eye on. From cannabis infusers and high-tech vaporizers to CBD drinks and muscle salves, we’re bringing you the top 25 products you should consider in 2020.
Businesses in USA That ‘Indirectly’ Work With Marijuana Industry Ineligible For Federal Coronavirus Loans
The list includes “businesses that provide testing services, or sell or install grow lights, hydroponic or other specialized equipment, to one or more Marijuana Businesses; and businesses that advise or counsel Marijuana Businesses on the specific legal, financial/accounting, policy, regulatory or other issues associated with establishing, promoting, or operating a Marijuana Business.”
EVENTS
HHI Expo [Canberra/Brisbane/Sydney] Canberra Expo CANCELLED!
Nimbin MardiGrass [Nimbin] POSTPONED
Protest, Educate & Celebrate
1st – 3rd May 2020
Postponed for Now
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
Closes on 14/4/2020 – Qld parliamentary petition to legalise cannabis
Australian Senate committee issues report on medical cannabis barriers
117 Public Submissions for Senate Inquiry
Read the submissions made to the Senate inquiry into current barriers to patient access to medicinal cannabis in Australia.