Germany Enacts New Hemp Law, Medical Cannabis Sales Continue to Surge, Cannabis Club Licensing Faces Hurdles

German government approved industrial hemp liberalisation law, abolishing the “intoxication clause” and simplifying cultivation and product handling.

• Industry insiders predict significant growth and revitalisation of the hemp market, particularly for CBD flowers as herbal smoking products, despite pending reforms like raising THC limit beyond 0.3% and standardising cannabinoid measurement methods.
  • Reports of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids are rising, particularly those confusing for children, like gummies, with 592 reports last year by German food authority.
• Doctors and health insurers would like reimbursement or prescription restricted to extracts, as flower represents a “system break” for conventional medicine, citing abuse concerns.
• Licensing of cannabis clubs in Germany faces bureaucratic challenges in obtaining licenses, as only around 300 applications have been received nationwide. Only in Lower Saxony clubs are actively cultivation, with the rest awaiting permits.
  • Despite different models, including an entry fee or annual membership fee, prices in the clubs are expected to average €6, and range from €3 to €10.
  • In Berlin, 21 applications have been received, with Green Leaf Society planning to begin distribution in the last weeks of 2024.
  • In Baden-Württemberg 56 applications have been received, Freiburg plans to issue first permits this autumn.
  • The first club in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania faces a CDU motion to prevent its opening.

New law is expected to further promote the hemp sector, which reached a record high of 7,116 cultivated hectares in 2023, with 623 farms mostly located in former East Germany.

• Legalisation has shifted the demographics of the medical market, increasing demand among young men aged 20-30 years old thanks to higher quality and lower price than illicit market. Estimates assessed over 150,000 patients active in the market last year.
• A Bloomwell survey with last-year users found 94% self-reported as patients, while 92% were positive towards the possibility of telemedicine and delivery from the pharmacy.
• Cantourage expects market to double to €600 million and to become profitable in 2024, after launching 15 products since legalisation.
• Becanex launches a 70% THC cannabis raw extract in 50ml packs as an alternative to dronabinol, enhancing therapy control with precise ratios.
• Cansativa has made available four Cookies strains cultivated by Somaí in Portugal: Apples and Bananas, Medellín, Blanco, and Hawaiian Rain, as it prepares event featuring Berner.
• Cannordic partners with Nimbus Health to enhance access to CBD-infused medical cannabis in Germany under Nimbus brand, expected to become available online by January 2025.
• Cultivation technology company TSRgrow partners with compliance software provider Cannavigia to enhance cannabis cultivation solutions for German clubs.

A retrospective study found dronabinol subjectively efficacious in pediatric patients but lacked significant objective symptom reduction or medication demand changes, as well as showing severe side effects in some patients, showcasing importance of cautious dosing.

USA: Presidential Candidates Embrace Reform, States See Tax Windfalls, and Industry Evolves.

One month ahead of critical federal election, both presidential candidates fight over who has the most advanced cannabis program. Trump explicitly supported federal rescheduling and banking access for cannabis businesses, on top of endorsing Florida’s legalisation initiative on the November ballot; while Kamala has expressed her support for adult-use legalisation.

• States collected over $8.7 billion in cannabis taxes since 2021, with California leading at $2 billion. Colorado leads in percent of total tax revenues with 1.21% coming from cannabis.
• In recordings recently made public Nixon privately acknowledged cannabis was “not particularly dangerous” despite publicly advocating strict drug policies during his presidency.
• Congressional Research Service report outlines legal options to regulate cannabis after rescheduling, including as a tobacco additive or cosmetics; while libertarian think tank publishes policy brief on harmonising of federal and state regulation to ensure consumer safety with hemp-derived cannabinoids.
• Federal Appeals Court rejects DEA’s restrictive stance and rules all hemp products with 0.3% THC or less are federally legal.
• A Florida medical cultivation company is suing the DEA for violating the Controlled Substances Act by delaying the approval of R&D licenses.
• Apart from Florida’s Amendment 3 which has raised over $105 million in favour, four other states have cannabis ballot measures in 2024, including Nebraska medical legalisation, adult-use in North and South Dakota, and medical cannabis expansion in Arkansas.
• California Governor has enacted emergency rules banning THC in hemp products to protect children from unregulated sales, despite potential to harm communities relying on CBD products for medical needs, while industry blames competition with hemp for drop in licensed sales. However, Governor Newsom has signed a bill legalising cannabis cafes in California, allowing food sales at licensed lounges, and growers are lobbying for direct-to-consumer sales.
• In New York City 2,600 unlicensed cannabis shops still remain, despite over 1,300 closures from a crackdown on illegal dispensaries, while only about 70 legal dispensaries are operative in the city. However, regulator claims market is on track to surpass its first $1 billion in sales this year.
• Pennsylvania Governor supports adult-use legalisation which makes sense from an economic perspective, as users are currently traveling out of state to get supplies.
• Rhode Island regulators propose a hybrid lottery system for cannabis retail licenses after initial applicant screening, seeking to avoid delays faced by other states with merit-based systems.
• Kentucky issues first medical cannabis license to a testing lab, as sales are set to start next year.
• Missouri health department shifts focus from banning all hemp-derived THC products to targeting misbranded items resembling candy.
• Nebraska Attorney General initiates city-wide crackdowns on delta-8 product retailers.
• Democratic nominee for Indiana governorship lays out cannabis legalisation plan.

The U.S. cannabis market continues to evolve, with significant developments in sales, product preferences, and corporate strategies:

• Four cannabis edibles brands dominate 18% of the U.S. market: Wyld, Incredibles, Wana, and Kiva, with gummies as the preferred choice, with 84% of consumers opting for them last year.
• Michigan set a record with $295.4m in sales for August 2024, a 2.7% increase from July, and is projected to exceed $3.3b in sales for 2024, despite record low prices of under $80 per ounce.
• Ohio market completed $44 million in sales in the first month of activity, with 123 dispensaries now operational, despite potential price surges and shortages for medical patients.
• In Nevada, Planet 13 buys Exhale dispensary for $6.9m, boosting its Las Vegas presence.
• Acreage paid off old debt with a new $65 million loan, enhancing financial position for growth opportunities in Ohio, driving its total outstanding debt to $261 million.
• Tilray Brands last to launch hemp-derived Delta-9 THC beverages in the US, including mocktails and seltzers targeting various consumer segments.
• Glass House Brands aims to capitalise on hemp opportunities in THCA markets like Texas.
• Cookies to sponsor USC Athletics, first cannabis collaboration with a collegiate athletic program.
• Green Thumb Industries announces a $50 million share repurchase program.
• Ayr Wellness awarded the last medical cannabis production license in Virginia.
• Weedmaps to pay $1.5 million to SEC for misleading user metrics, misleading investors.
• Eaze delivery drivers unionized in 2023; claim low pay amid ongoing labour disputes.
• Althea Group starts producing cannabis beverages in Florida through subsidiary Peak USA.
• RENW launches industrial hemp-based packaging solutions to reduce plastic use.

Econometric study finds price integration across US cannabis markets despite federal illegality preventing interstate trade.

• Corbus Pharmaceuticals‘ stock dropped nearly 60% after disappointing trial results for its weight-loss drug monlunabant, a CB1 inverse agonist drug.
• Study evaluated effects of CBD-terpene formulation on sleep in individuals with insomnia using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, finding marginal improvements.
• Study identifies complex interactions between cannabinoids and ADHD symptoms.
• High-dose CBD mitigates respiratory depression from fentanyl in mice, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy using CBD as a preventive therapy.
• A year-long study on medical cannabis found no significant association between brain activation in the areas of cognition of working memory, reward, and inhibitory control.
• Delta-8 THC exposures reported to US poison centres are higher in States that restrict delta-9 THC.
• Case study finds that dabbing, a popular cannabis extract consumption method, can cause respiratory issues like pneumonitis in young adults.
• Adoption of a medical cannabis law may contribute to decreases in healthcare costs.
• Spent hemp biomass diet improves bone mineral density in broiler chickens.

UK: Medical Cannabis Clinics Drive Market Growth, Industry Grapples with CBD Regulatory Hurdles

Industry insiders claim new requirements for CBPM name registration by the MHRA include strict character limits, ingredient disclosures and packaging rules.

• Concerns raised over low daily dose for CBD extracts in toxicology studies supporting Novel Foods applications, questioning FSA’s approach and potential bias towards synthetic CBD.
  • According to a deep dive by The Grocer, CBD sales in large distribution reached £13.3m in the year leading up to June 2024, lead by Trip and Goodrays.
  • EIHA’s toxicology submission limits CBD products to 10mg Hemp Oil tinctures. This affects 64% of UK FSA Public List products, risking financial losses. New FSA leadership may speed up removal of non-compliant items.
• In Jersey, Northern Leaf has been given six months to remove unauthorised equipment or seek planning permission due to noise and smell complaints of its cannabis farm.

Demand for private medical cannabis clinics in the UK is rising as patients seek easier NHS access, despite affordability concerns for many patients.

• Grow Pharma and Integro Clinics expand medical cannabis access advantages to university students, including free appointments, lower prescription costs, and discounted products.
• Alternaleaf and Mamedica maintain top positions in clinic and pharmacy rankings, respectively, indicating strong market presence and patient loyalty.
• Leva and Zerenia Clinics merge, combining Leva’s pain management expertise with Zerenia’s holistic healthcare approach for innovative, personalised care.
• The Yardley Clinic launched MARUCANNA, a medical cannabis clinic for pain treatment via online consultations for UK residents.
• Jorja Emerson Centre acknowledges delays in prescription processing due to cannabis medication shortages and is working to resolve them.
• Big Narstie opens a medical cannabis office in Essex, handdling patient care and accessibility.
• Medical cannabis was legalized in the UK in November 2018 for specific medical conditions, improving treatment options for patients.
• Nootro group has acquired B3 labs, which was previously in administration, expanding its manufacturing capacity.
• Canadian HYTN Innovations partners with 4C LABS to introduce its products in the UK and global markets like Germany and Australia.
• Ananda Developments completed a £2.1 million placing and subscription for cannabinoid-based therapy research and clinical development of its MRX1 drug candidate.
• Celadon Pharmaceuticals raised £1.05m ($1.38m) through a placing and formed a strategic collaboration with Danish firm Valeos to supply it with genetics.
• Fourfive CBD launches in 183 Sainsbury’s stores across the nation.
• Goodrays launches a four-week in-store promotion at Waitrose.

An initiative of Glass Pharms with James Hutton Institute has secured £350k funding for research projects on medicinal cannabis.

• A real-world, observational study found that controlled inhalation of THC-predominant cannabis reduces PTSD symptoms and improves sleep quality in UK civilians.

Australia: Industry Expands with New Partnerships, Product Launches, despite Increased Regulatory Oversight

A new compliance taskforce has been established to investigate practices in the medicinal cannabis industry, focusing on high-volume, low-consult fee clinics.

Australian Cannabis Industry Expands with New Partnerships and Product Launches:

• ECS Botanics secures exclusive eight-year license to manufacture and sell Terphogz™ cannabis products in Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, including the Original Zkittlez.
• Tilray Medical launched Redecan EU-GMP certified medical cannabis products in Australia, marking the third brand available to Australian patients after Tilray and Broken Coast.
• Avant Brands launches BLK MKT™ brand in Australia through exclusive agreement with Nectar Portfolio for medical cannabis distribution.
• Releaf Group expands with 4 new locations in Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, enhancing its national presence.
• Byron Bay Bio plans to raise AU$1.5 million via crowd-funding, focusing on technology initiatives and CBD muscle balm product registration as an OTC.
• Cann Group reported a net loss of AU$51.2m for FY 2024, as revenue decreased by 7.6% to AU$19.1m compared to 2023. However, share price surge has prompted an ASX price query.
• Melodiol Global Health is suspended from the ASX while its distributor, Health House, is up for sale for CAD$9.9 million (A$10.9m) by Canada-based Hyde Advisory.

Study finds THC-dominant chemovar showing superior sink strength and higher flower biomass compared to CBD-dominant chemovar due to higher carbon and nitrogen assimilation.

Canada: Sales Growth Slowdown Urges Regulatory Changes

A solution to simplify the tax structure and regulations has been proposed, as high cannabis excise duty rates hinder profitability for producers.

Canada’s cannabis retail sales grew for the fifth consecutive month, reaching CAD$440 million in July 2024, despite year-over-year decline of 3.9%, led by Ontario and British Columbia.

• Processor Nextleaf Solutions reports 50% YoY revenue increase, achieving CA$4 million gross revenue and CA$3 million net revenue.
• Decibel‘s dried flower strategy leads to market share growth and positive feedback, with shipments of QWEST products planned for the UK, Australia, Israel, and Germany.
• Aurora Cannabis and Vectura Fertin Pharma launched the Luo CBD lozenge, their first medical cannabis product in Canada, designed for easy dosing.
• Rubicon Organics launched new strain, as the company achieved two profitable EBITDA years and reported record net revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow of $0.7 million.
• Akanda Corp secures a hemp cultivation license in Canada.

Aurora Cannabis advances auto-flowering research, receiving a US patent for methods identifying auto-flowering traits, improving potency and yield in cannabis production.

• Avicanna announces a 1,000 patient study through online platform on medical cannabis effects on pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy.
• Study investigated recreational cannabis effects on auditory perception and music experiences, with participants reporting increased hearing sensitivity and state absorption while high.
• Cannabis sativa root extracts exhibit strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal properties beneficial for therapeutic applications, highlighting its pharmacological potential.
• Cannabis-infused foods show potential benefits but require further research on dosing, safety, and regulatory guidelines for effective use.

Brazil: Court Decisions Advance Access and Provide Legal Victories

Brazilian government will set up a task force with third sector members to discuss cannabis regulatory frameworks, as sector awaits Supreme Court sentence to enable hemp cultivation in the country from the first half of next year.

• Federal Prosecutor’s Office supports a class action that would allow compounding pharmacies to prepare medicinal cannabis derivatives, challenging previous court restrictions.
• Brazilian mothers campaign for free access to CBD for children with epilepsy, achieving legislative success in Sao Paulo allowing families to obtain CBD through public health.
• Bill for free distribution of cannabis-based medicines by the public health system approved in Santa Catarina and in Mato Grosso do Sul.
• Judge ordered health insurance to provide CBD for a patient with fibromyalgia.

Import requests of CBD products increased by 14.6% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, a slow-down compared to growth of 100% in previous years, as sales of the 25 products approved by ANVISA in the country’s pharmacies take precedence.

• Patient survey shows chronic pain is the leading condition treated with cannabis in Brazil, with 36% of patients, followed by 31% of participants using it for mental health. A many as 54% of patients report consulting doctors through virtual platforms for prescriptions.
• Tijucanna association in Brazil received a court order allowing it to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes for its 826 members.
• Terpene-infused beer has been launched by Luna brewery.

Study conducted in collaboration with Abrace Esperança shows CBD oil significantly reduces blood pressure and improves blood vessel function in hypertensive rats.

Poland: Government Backtracks and is Set to Prescribe Online Prescriptions, Import Quota Expanded, and New Products Enter Market

Following denunciation by medical associations, the government backtracked and now wants to make a personal examination by the doctor mandatory to receive a medical cannabis prescription.

• Activists protest against the ban on e-visits, claiming it worsens patient access and increases costs, as very ill patients will require in-person doctor follow-ups every two to three months.
• Medical cannabis import quota has been expanded to 11 tonnes for 2024, following dramatic increase in importation.
• Ministry of Finance claims that VAT rate for cannabis products will remain unchanged at 8% as a medicinal product, and it will not be increased to the general rate of 23%.

Growing market attracts new entrants as a suppliers, such as Cosma, which intends to register Somaí’s products in the country.

• Popular balanced variety by Canopy Growth, “Penelope” has been withdrawn from the market claiming quality fluctuations due to the strain’s age. Canopy intends to register a 25% variety “OG Delux”.

Green Lanes developed an ecological wood substitute using hemp lumber, offering competitive pricing and quality amid decreasing wood availability and rising prices.

• A three-year pot experiment assessed the effects of controlled drought stress on hemp plants’ fiber properties, finding it significantly affects quality, chemical composition and linear density.

Spain: Steps Towards Limited Medical Cannabis Legalisation Amid Regulatory Challenges for CBD Industry

The Ministry of Health has published the Draft Royal Decree to legalise medical cannabis in Spain, allowing specialists to prescribe medical cannabis oils as a last resort to patients of a limited list of indications, that will access magistrally prepared products in hospital pharmacies.

• Patients consider the model overly restrictive, anticipating that most will keep obtaining their supplies in the illicit market. Decree is set to be published in the next weeks, with a requirement to publish an official monograph and register products before supply can commence.
• CBD operators concerned about the Royal Decree defining all cannabis as a narcotic, irrespective of its THC content, which could restrict the use of hemp.
• Madrid Health authorities intervened over 50 CBD stores: surveys found that 22% of Madrid adolescents have used cannabis-derived products.
• Basque court dismissed criminal case against a CBD store, ruling CBD products with less than 0.5% THC are not illegal, setting a precedent of distinguishing hemp from cannabis.
• Anti-Drug Police in Extremadura has been charged as a criminal organisation, accused of being involved in drug trafficking from 2018 to 2021.

Ondara Directorship has received production permit from Spanish Medicines Agency to cultivate cannabis for medicinal purposes after three years of inactivity, following the sale of 923kg of biomass it had in storage.

• Leon-based CBD laboratory WeBotanix expands range beyond cannabinoids.
• Analytical lab Labiana positions itself as validation partner to release products in the market.

Switzerland: Medical Acceptance Grows as Swiss CBD Growers Target THC Market at Home and Abroad

Medical cannabis therapies are not widespread in Switzerland, but acceptance and inquiries from patients are increasing leading to the opening of new clinics.

• Zürich Pilot Project celebrates 1 year allowing legal cannabis sales through pharmacies, social clubs, and the Drug Information Center: 90% satisfaction among the 2,100 participants in the study; with 36,000 dispensations in the first year and need to expand product selection.
• Swiss CBD producers are shifting focus to THC to explore both adult-use market and medicinal exportation: Alpina Pharma supplies ZüriCann pilot project, while Marry Jane claims to be the largest producer in Europe and targets German medical market.
• Canadian company with Colombian Production Allied Corp released its first GMP certified medical cannabis product in Switzerland, available through PhytoXtract SA.
• Europe’s largest hemp house, built in St. Gallen, features 19 apartments constructed with sustainable hemp concrete.
• Cannavigia partners with sensor technology company Aroya to enhance cannabis cultivation efficiency, compliance, and quality through integrated technology solutions.

Fourth Grower Joins Experiment, Half of Supply in Experiment Cities Still Coming From Illicit Market

Supply Chain Experiment loses one coffee shop in Groningen, declared bankrupt after multiple closures due to violent incidents and mayor’s orders.

Nearly 44% of cannabis sold in Tilburg and Breda is legally produced, despite only four out of ten growers are active, producing insufficient quality and quantity for the trial’s success.

• Hollandse Hoogtes launched its own cannabis in Maastricht, becoming the fourth licensed grower in the Dutch cannabis experiment. A fifth grower is expected to join later this year.
• Village Farms has acquired the final 15% equity ownership in experiment grower Leli Holland, expects to begin production in the next weeks.
• Bedrocan launches Bedrolina®, a cannabis variety with 14% CBD, which it plans to grow outdoors, targeting the cosmetics industry due to increased demand for CBD products.

New edition of the THC monitor finds decreasing potency of popular Dutch weed from 17.2% in 2022 to 12.9% in 2023, while potency of imported weed increased.

Italian Cannabis Industry Challenges CBD-Restricting Amendment, Seeks EU Support

Sector future pending on the Security bill, which contains provisions forbidding the supply of CBD flowers, claimed to be “illegal”, and which has already been approved in both the Chamber and the Senate.

• Entrepreneurs seek European help and criticise a “serious defeat for free enterprise” of a sector whose contribution is estimated at €500 million employing thousands.
• A Lazio Regional Administrative Court suspended the government decree equating CBD extracts with narcotics, which would prohibit its sale in shops.

Entrepreneur develops eco-sustainable hemp fibre plant pot, offering impermeability, durability, and low cost without environmental harm—seeks to develop local supply chain.

• Review finds that cannabinoids may target inflamed synovium for treating rheumatic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

Portugal: Cannabis Industry Advances with Awareness Campaigns and R&D Initiatives

Campaign aims to promote hemp benefits by distributing over 500 hemp plants in Lisbon to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Medical equipment supplier Paralab has acquired an R&D license in its Porto facility to develop innovative projects in the cannabis space.

• AceCann has received GACP certification for its indoor organic facility.
• Polish Hemp&Health has acquired a 5% stake in Portuguese owner of Voyager Genetics brand for 20,000 euros, securing medial cannabis varieties and enablings research on genetics.

A project sponsored by Green Be Pharma and the New University of Lisboa aims to use medicinal cannabis by-products as biopesticides for controlling diseases in olive groves.

• A case series showed significant pain relief and improved quality of life in fibromyalgia patients over three months following cannabinoids treatment.

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France: Progress in the Medical Cannabis Scheme Not Expected Before 2026

France’s new government has elected new ministers responsible for cannabis policy: new moderate Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq will see progress on the new scheme delayed until at least 2026; while right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau opposes cannabis legalisation, prioritizing anti-drug efforts and continuing previous aggressive narcotics operations.

• France officially proposes to classify CBD as toxic at the European level, impacting cosmetic product regulations, potenitally banning it in cosmetics.

Parisian CBD retailer le Lab Shop offers new high-quality French CBD oils with CBG and CBN.

• Silent Seeds launched a new line of Delta9 THC gummies with a 1:1 THC:CBD ratio, 10mg each.

Aelis Farma’s clinical trial for cannabis addiction treatment failed to meet primary and secondary endpoints, causing its stock to collapse.

Israel’s Medical Cannabis Market Struggles Post-Reform: Bureaucratic Hurdles in Permits and Prescriptions

Israeli market continues to struggle after April reforms, with patients setting a new low under 124,000. Rhythm of imports has also contracted, with only 260kg imported in August, compared to 1.4 tonnes on average the previous months of the year.

• Intercure faces financial difficulties, with over 100 million NIS ($26m) in bank debts and a 40% revenue drop, despite receiving a State compensation of NIS 16.4 million for the impact of the October 7 attack in its facility near the Gaza border.
• Medicann launches X Series, a budget line featuring small cannabis buds aimed at cost-conscious consumers.
• Good Pharm pharmacy chain receives approval to sell medical cannabis in one of its branches, as it plans to expand operations with approximately 15 new branches.

Argentina Tightens Cannabis Regulations: Government Intervenes in Regulatory Agency, Raising Industry Concern

The Argentinian government has intervened in the Regulatory Agency for Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis (ARICCAME) for one year, appointing industry insider Ignacio Ferrari with the responsability to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and ensuring effective operation.

• Together with last month’s reform of the medical access program, with new requirements for doctors and NGOs complicating access, concerns have been raised in the sector of further restrictions and delays.
• Comodoro Rivadavia approved a new ordinance promoting access and research on medicinal cannabis, by establishing a municipal banks for cannabis genetics and oil.

Agrogenética Riojana exported 5 kilos of CBD-rich cannabis to Green Brothers in Switzerland: as it plans to grow 1200 kilos of smokable CBD flower and 50 tons of biomass for Switzerland.

Uruguay: International Companies Exit, Remaining Players Adapt

The IRCCA has extended the deadline for recreational cannabis production bids. After the success of the 12% THC gamma variety in adult-use sales through Uruguayan pharmacies to 71,000 registered users, a new epsilon variety with nearly 15% THC is set to launch in the next months.

Exodus of cannabis companies from Uruguay continues, while remaining operators adapt strategies to focus on higher-value products and nearby markets like Brazil.

• Aurora Cannabis will cease operations in Uruguay due to lack of growth and profitability, despite its 2018 acquisition of ICC Labs for C$290 million.
• Pharmin‘s cannabis plant in Uruguay has been auctioned for $335,000; owners untraceable after sudden closure in early 2024. The auction included a greenhouse and laboratory, sold for significantly less than the company’s $9.5 million investment.

Colombia: Ministry Proposes Flower Dispensation

Ministry of Health published a draft decree responding to long-awaited industry petition to allow the dispensation of medical cannabis flower to Colombian patients.

Brazilian market leader Ease Labs has fully acquired Plena Colombia, becoming the largest cannabis group in Latin America and expanding production capacity.

Thailand: New Cannabis Bill Reflects Softer Approach, Omits Recreational Use Ban

Proposed Cannabis Bill regulates use for health, medical purposes, and herbal, food, and cosmetic products, omitting clauses that would outlaw recreational cannabis use, reflecting a softer regulatory approach by the new government.

• New Prime Minister praised by key Bhumjaithai Party for not reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic. Thailand’s government supports medical cannabis and hemp, aiming for a 200 billion THB ($6 billion) annual market value. Public Health Ministry reports over 14,500 licenses issued for cannabis-related activities, enhancing business opportunities and industry standards.

Barkuna Cannabis Inc. has obtained GACP certification, prepares to target international markets for expansion and growth opportunities.

Japan: CBD Companies Prepare for New Medicinal Law

Medicinal cannabis law in Japan will be effective from December 12, 2024, requiring licensing to cultivate and possess cannabis, which has caused concerns among CBD entrepreneurs that seek to obtain licenses for their activities.

Taisho Pharmaceutical launched “CBD Taisho,” a made in Japan supplement with 100 soft capsules of 2mg of CBD per capsule, with a recommended daily intake of one tablet per day.

South Africa: Despite Hundreds of Hemp Permits, Farmers Face Market Challenges

Acting Prime Minister announced a National Cannabis Master Plan for industry growth and development in South Africa.

South African government has expedited 1,100 hemp permits since 2021, but market challenges leave cannabis farmers with surplus biomas: farmers face pricing mismatches; need R4,500/t ($257) for viability, but builders offer only R2,000/t ($114) for alternative materials.

Denmark’s Medicinal Cannabis Sector Advances

New Zealand’s Helius Therapeutics forms partnership with Balancial Denmark to introduce medicinal cannabis extracts to Denmark’s pharmaceutical market.

• Valeos Pharma collaborates with Celadon Pharmaceuticals, boosting medical cannabis production and supply across Europe. This partnership grants Valeos access to Celadon’s plant cultures.

Tetra Pharm seeks to secure over DKK 200 million ($30m) for its obesity treatment candidate. The drug is slated to begin phase 2 trials next year. Additionally, the company is in talks with major pharmaceutical firms for clinical development partnerships and potential milestone payments.

Czech Republic Moves Toward Limited Cannabis Legalization

The government is leaning towards supporting personal cannabis cultivation and expanding medicinal cannabis access, while recognising the complexities of implementing a fully regulated market.

• A Prague University analysis quantifies the benefits of various cannabis regulation options—including self-cultivation, cannabis clubs, and a state-supervised market. The study suggests a legal market could yield an annual net benefit of CZK 5.5 billion ($238 million).

Greece: Tikun Olam Receives GACP Certification

Tikun Olam Greece has received GACP certification for its EU-GMP facilities in Corinth, as it plans to develop additional products for the Greek market, including sublingual mouth drops.

CBD modulates nicotine-induced toxicity, suggesting a protective role against inflammation and mitigating nicotine’s adverse effects on locomotor activity and liver enzyme imbalances.

Morocco: Cannabis Industry Advances with Distribution and New Processing Factory

Somacan inaugurated a cannabis processing factory in Taounate, with an investment of 20 million DH ($5.4m), covering over 3,000m² with advanced extraction technology.

• Cannaflex claims to have obtained GACP certification, after its newly launched products in the Moroccan market gained distribution through over 320 licensed points of sale.

Ireland: Cannabis Activist Convicted

Cork cannabis activist and epileptic patient convicted for planting cannabis outside municipal institutions in civil disobedience campaign.

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals partners with Georgelle to launch cannabis-based medicines in Ireland, expanding its global presence to five countries.

New Zealand: Over 35,000 patients access medical cannabis

Medicinal cannabis patients in New Zealand increased significantly, from 9,401 in 2021 to 35,359 in 2023, mostly led by older age groups, despite significant ethnic disparities and high costs.

• The Cannabis Clinic launches ‘assisted telehealth’ model in Nelson to aid patients with technology barriers, helping older clients in securing remote appointments with specialists.

Chinese Researchers Identify Gene Allowing 20% Yield Increase

Chinese researchers from Hunan identify gene responsible for regulating inflorescence development and grain production in Cannabis sativa, allowing a 20% yield increase through genome editing and transgenic approaches.

Himachal Pradesh regulates cannabis cultivation

Himachal Pradesh to start regulated cannabis cultivation for medicinal, industrial, and scientific purposes after legislative approval.

Nepal Considers Cannabis Legalization to Address Socioeconomic Issues

While no specific proposal has been put forward, there’s growing discussion in Nepal about cannabis legalization and decriminalisation. Proponents argue these changes could address pressing social and economic challenges. Meanwhile, researchers are examining the potential impacts of cannabis policy reform on public health and the economy.

Edibles in Maltese Cannabis Clubs Spark Novel Foods Debate

Malta to impose a ban on all HHC products, including gummy bears, brownies, and lollipops, due to accessibility concerns by children.

Peru Considers Hemp Legislation

The Peruvian government is reviewing a hemp bill previously approved by Congress. The proposed legislation has sparked debate due to its stringent CBD regulations, while potentially allowing synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8.

Malawi Seeks to Build $10 million Processing Facility

Malawi partners with MMC Laboratories, EDF, and Maiic to build a $10 million cannabis processing factory aiming to produce high-standard cannabis products for global supply.

Malaysa: CBD Product Approval

CANNASEN® Pain Patch approved as a general medical device in Malaysia, expanding its Asian market presence, after registering trademark in Thailand.

Zimbabwe: Study Explores Drought Adaptation in CBD Hemp Varieties

Researchers investigate drought adaptation mechanisms in three CBD flower hemp genotypes: one Cannabis indica and two Cannabis sativa varieties. This study is crucial for Zimbabwe, where irrigation systems are not widespread..