2016 cannabis year in review

The year 2016 was marked by a number of legalizations of various forms of cannabis. The Americas seem to be leading the way on all things weed, while Europe, lagging behind, is seeing a few national initiatives emerge. 2016 cannabis news roundup.

Canada and the total legalization of cannabis

In the spring of 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a full legalization of cannabis in 2017. For the first time, a country is going to fully regulate a cannabis market open to businesses. While weed consumers are delighted, small entrepreneurs are worried about how the state will distribute licenses. The 32 companies that already have access to the production, distribution and sale of medical cannabis will simply have to change their status and will be able to enter the recreational market directly.

The regulation working group of cannabis has submitted its suggestions to the government, which include: authorizing the sale of cannabis to 18-year-olds and over, opening up the market to SMEs, reinvesting taxes in prevention for young people... Recommendations that should be used to create the future Canadian cannabis market and that will be closely observed by all countries which, for the moment, dare not move for fear of seeing their young people fall prey to drugs and the economy go up in flames (we're exaggerating, aren't we 😉 ).

USA: Huge advances despite Trump uncertainty

More than one in five Americans now have access to a legal form of cannabis. November 8 marks the advent of Donald Trump at the White House, a result that partly overshadowed state votes on cannabis. Four new States have legalized cannabis, including California and Nevada, and the regulation of recreational cannabis is coming to the East Coast as the Massachusetts and Maine join the 8-state club. If the astronomical tax revenues from the cannabusiness fail to convince the most skeptical, the spread of medical use of weed softens its image. 29 states now regulate medical cannabis, and President Trump is 100% for its development. There's no doubt that canna-dollars and this year's medical advances will push more states to legalize cannabis in the near future.

Latin America moves ahead with medical cannabis

The end of the «War on Drugs» is being felt in the countries that were most affected by it. In 2016, Argentina , the Mexico and the Costa Rica have joined Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay. These 3 countries have legalized certain cannabis medications. Argentina has legalized the use of cannabis oil, while Mexicans will have access to varieties with high CBD content but virtually THC-free. A sort of return to ancestral recipes for these countries where psychoactive plant treatments are part of cultural traditions.

A divided Europe

The year 2016 marked the entry of cannabis into the national and European debate. L’Germany, the Macedonia and the’Ireland have legalized medical cannabis, while Denmark is undertaking clinical testing over 4 years. Switzerland is taking advantage of a legal vacuum to multiply tests on its localities and distributes grass with a high dose of cannabidiol for fag smokers.

The British have legalized CBD-based substances, the military italians attempt to produce cannabis Sativex is still not available in French pharmacies.

The only cause for concern may be where European cannabis is produced. The few European laboratories licensed to produce medical cannabis are running out of stock in the face of growing demand. Germany's immediate need for cannabis is forcing it to source from the Canadian giants of legal medical cannabis. Our Teutonic neighbors have also authorized certain patients to use medical cannabis. grow their own cannabis. In Belgium , cannabis social clubs seem to have won the day. legal battle on the Flemish side. On the other hand, the CSCs on the French-speaking side are still before the courts and should know whether they are allowed to continue to exist in early 2017.

Elsewhere in the world

Israel, the world's most advanced country in terms of medical cannabis, has yet again easier access to cannabis for its patients. A small gesture of compassion: the country authorizes its military to smoking cannabis on leave. The only condition is that they must be THC-negative in the urine test on their return to the regiment. Turkey has authorized cannabis cultivation in certain provinces to combat illegal production.

On the other side of the world, the’Australia legalizes therapeutic cannabis and its scientific research. The cannabis debate is also raging in the Caribbean, where the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico have legalized medical cannabis. At the end of the year, we also learn that Chinese cannabis dealers are buying in North Korea.

We hope 2017 will be as rich and eventful as 2016. The French elections will undoubtedly see the emergence of a debate on cannabis in France. If it is followed by French citizens, this subject may not remain solely in the hands of various teasers and other racketeers.

Théo Caillart