Quick Hit August 2023: what we've missed in recent weeks

Our most regular Newsweed readers will have noticed that we’ve been on hiatus for the past two weeks. But since the news doesn’t wait for us, here’s a recap of what’s been happening in the cannabis world in the meantime.

France

French conservatives have discovered that the’Germany was in the process of legalizing cannabis, triggering scientific and fact-based reactions such as «drugs are bad,» «if this happens in France, it’ll be worse,» or «we can’t legalize dangerous substances or activities,» thereby placing alcohol, cigarettes, sugar, and online gambling within the potential scope of French prohibition. As you can see, opponents of cannabis legalization have no real arguments against it, but they act as if they do. And they «forget»—or perhaps don’t know?—that Canada legalized it in 2018, without the country turning into a den of zombies.

Europe

The German government has approved a bill to legalize cannabis for adults. However, Parliament must pass the law before it can take effect. Under the proposal, adults would be allowed to possess up to 25 grams, grow up to three plants, and purchase cannabis by joining a cannabis club. The second part of the legalization bill, which would authorize the sale of cannabis by retail stores, is not yet on the agenda.

Almost Two years after ending the ban on cannabis, Malta has awarded the first two Cannabis Club licenses, which will allow the licensees to begin construction of their cultivation facilities. Once construction is complete, ARUC, Malta’s cannabis regulatory body, will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with regulations before cultivation can begin. In June, 26 groups had applied for licenses to open a Cannabis Club. The first clubs are expected to launch during the first quarter of 2024.

The Swiss Federal Court has decided that small amounts of cannabis—up to 10 grams—intended for personal use can no longer be confiscated by the police.

United States

The Rollout of Cannabis Legalization in New York State has been paused by a judge. A group of veterans has filed a complaint because they believe they are being treated unfairly by the first licenses granted to individuals who have already been convicted of cannabis-related offenses. These veterans would also like to be able to sell cannabis. Pending a compromise, no distribution licenses will be granted in the state.

Cannabis Dispensaries in Michigan sold with $275 million in revenue in July, putting the state on track to reach $3 billion in revenue for the year. Michigan had a population of 10 million in 2021.

Last month, the California’s United Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has eradicated more than 67,000 illegally grown cannabis plants and seized nearly 4 metric tons of cannabis products as part of its efforts to combat the illicit cannabis market.

A a recent NHS study found that alcohol consumption among 19- to 30-year-olds—including consumption in the past month, daily consumption, and binge drinking—has declined over the past 10 years in the United States. At the same time, cannabis use in the past year among 19- to 30-year-olds is at the highest level ever recorded by the agency. The survey revealed that 4% of the cohort had used cannabis in the past year (compared to 25% in 2017), while 11 % used it daily (compared to 8% in 2017).

Among adults aged 19 to 30, 8% reported having used hallucinogens in the past year. Five years ago, that proportion was 5%, and in 2012, it was 3%.

The study also indicates that the nonmedical use of cigarettes, sedatives, and opioid medications over the past ten years has declined among those aged 19 –30-year-olds and among 35–50-year-olds, and that amphetamine use over the past ten years has continued to decline among 19–30-year-olds and to increase among 35–50-year-olds.

The DEA considers that CBD-derived Delta-8 THC is illegal. According to the agency, «any amount of Delta-8 THC obtained chemically is a controlled substance.» Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in cannabis plants, but only in trace amounts. The vast majority of products containing Delta-8 THC are therefore synthesized from hemp-derived CBD.

Canada

The Canadian cannabis company Tilray Brands Inc. has acquired eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch, making it the fifth-largest player in the U.S. craft beer market.

Cannabis producer Organigram has entered into an agreement with 4C Labs, based in Guernsey, to supply dried medical cannabis flowers for the British market.

Rest of the world

Brazil’s Federal Supreme Court has resumed proceedings in the case examining the constitutionality of the criminalization of illicit drug use. After nearly eight years on hold, the extraordinary appeal was placed back on the Court’s docket earlier this month and received the fourth vote in favor of decriminalizing the possession of cannabis for personal use in Brazil.

Australia Addresses Parliament his very first A bill to legalize the recreational use of cannabis nationwide, introduced by Green Party senators.

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The NHS in Scotland will fund A £300,000 clinical trial to explore the effects of CBD on pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

A study measured that Cannabis use is «significantly associated» with a reduction in the use of unregulated opioids.

Researchers affiliated with the University of California, San Diego concluded that The police are unable to accurately determine the degree of intoxication caused by THC during field sobriety tests.