US: Strong public support for cannabis reform in the US is evidenced by positive DEA comments, as marijuana and hemp factions clash over the 2024 Farm Bill and the Florida legalisation battle. Emerging markets like Illinois, Maryland, and Missouri perform well, while Ohio prepares for its first adult-use sales:

Unprecedented support revealed by DEA comment period: 93% of comments in favour of cannabis reform, and 57% for complete descheduling of cannabis.

• Former state cannabis regulators comment in favour of rescheduling cannabis, emphasising the need for federal-state collaboration, research support, and integration with healthcare.
  • House Appropriations Committee approves legislation that could block Department of Justice from spending federal funds to reschedule or deschedule cannabis.
• Intense lobbying for the 2024 Farm Bill provisions: Miller Amendment aims to redefine hemp, limiting it to non-intoxicating cannabinoids, while others seek to protect hemp production. “Civil’ war” between marijuana and hemp rages at the federal level, with regulated cannabis seeking to restrict the federally legal hemp sector, dividing industry associations.
  • FDA and FTC issued warning letters to five companies selling copycat food products containing delta-8 THC – FDA received over 300 adverse event reports involving delta-8 products.
• Revised USP Cannabis Monograph updates specifications for THC and CBD content to >90% and <110%, providing two options for microbial contaminants limits.
• Florida legalisation battle is raging, with Gov. Ron DeSantis, the GOP, and the Florida hemp industry working together to oppose it.
• Ohio issues more adult-use licenses ahead of market launch in August 5.
  • However, patients are feeling the increase in dispensary prices as producers hold back inventory, eliminate discounts ahead of adult-use cannabis legalisation.
• Michigan vape manufacturer Sky Labs faces allegations for illegally using out-of-state THCa isolate without a proper license and may revoke their processor licenses.
• California Assembly Bill against unregulated intoxicants in the hemp market could hurt pediatric patients, depriving access to crucial cannabis oil.
  • Los Angeles‘ cannabis social equity program insiders claim program has failed due to lack of access to capital and high tax burdens.
  • California State Fair now includes cannabis awards and a consumption area, recognising its significance in the state’s agricultural sector.
• North Carolina proposal to legalise medical cannabis fails for the third straight year due to Republican opposition in the House of Representatives.
  • However, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians approve sale of both medical and recreational cannabis on tribal lands.
• New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signs bill expanding qualifying conditions of medical cannabis, but vetoes a bill that would have allowed greenhouse cannabis.
• Oklahoma implements stricter standards for cannabis testing labs, aiming to close the “THCA loophole” and prevent misuse in cannabis sales.
  • Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority lays off 10% of staff due to decreasing licenses.
• Voters in North Dakota oppose legalising adult-use cannabis, with a 43% to 57% opposition.

Despite slowdown in mature states, U.S. cannabis sales reached record highs, with retail sales over $32 billion and wholesale sales around $11.2 billion led by new licensing in key states.

• Illinois exceeded $2 billion in cannabis sales in fiscal year 2024.
• Maryland sales since adult legalisation surpassed $1.1b, with over $95m in sales in June 2024.
• New York‘s adult-use cannabis market is projected to reach $520 million in sales in 2024.
• Michigan cannabis sales slow down, despite increasing 6.9% from June last year, even with declining flower prices of 3.1% from a year ago.
• Missouri‘s cannabis sales surpassed Colorado’s in the first half of 2024, reaching $795m.
• Village Farms aims to dominate the US cannabis market with over 50 hectares of greenhouse in Texas, after being a winner in the Canadian market and gaining a foothold in the Netherlands.
• Verano to acquire production facilities and 6 dispensaries in Virginia and cultivation facility and 2 dispensaries in Arizona from The Cannabist (Columbia Care) for a total of $105 million.
• Ascend Wellness issues $235 million of senior secured notes to refinance existing term loans.
• MariMed doubles cannabis cultivation capacity in its Maryland facility.
• Charlotte’s Web CBD topical collection launched at Walmart, available in 827 stores across California, Illinois, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
  • However the CBD giant has recorded $9.7 million in losses in Q1 2024 as it seeks to cut costs and focus on medical CBD opportunities.
• BREZ hemp-derived THC drinks generated over $2.5M in sales in June through direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels.
• Stiiizy, California’s biggest weed brand with 34 stores, is facing numerous lawsuits and allegations of fraud, illegal sales, and dangerous pesticide use.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, field trial investigates the acute effects of cannabigerol (CBG) finding significant reductions on anxiety, stress, and mood.

• Consensus panel recommendations for optimizing Epidiolex treatment for epileptic seizures include overcoming barriers to initiation, individualized dosing.
• Online survey reveals lack of information by neurologists and movement disorder specialists despite 25-40% of Parkinson patients using cannabis compared to 18% in general population.
• High cannabigerol (CBG) hemp extract reduces the severity of bowel disease in mice.
• Topical nanoencapsulated CBD cream reduces UVA-induced skin aging and DNA damage.
• Potential of CBD inhalation to reverse fentanyl addiction and regulate neuroinflammatory responses found in mice study.
• Comparison of decarboxylation rates of acidic cannabinoids finds presence of THCVA in air-dried inflorescence extract, while CBDVA is exclusively detected in the secretory cavity contents.
• The stability of nano-emulsified CBD in acidic foods and beverages was investigated, finding that some conversion to THC can occur with foods stored at room temperature.
• MyFloraDNA files a provisional patent for CRISPR-based technology to improve cannabis crops and accelerate breeding solutions.
• Majority of Ohio medical cannabis patients reported that cannabis use reduced their use of prescription painkillers and other illicit drugs.
• Evaluation of label accuracy and content of hemp-derived CBD finds almost 90% of products not accurately labelled within 10% deviation, and many made incorrect health claims.
• Cannabis edible packaging analysis finds product descriptors and imagery that may increase appeal and decrease perceptions of harm without scientific evidence.
• Study investigates the dual use of tobacco and cannabis and its impact on health, showing 7-11% of young adults in California practice dual use.

Germany: Market boom continues with streamlined reimbursement by specialists, expanded medical grower licenses, and first cannabis club permits. However, concerns persist about lack of legal recreational supply, fuelling medical fraud and the illicit market:

The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) determined that specialist doctors do not require insurance company approval for reimbursed cannabis prescriptions. However, risk of cost-effectiveness audits on doctors, leading to potential repayment of costs, raises concerns that doctors will keep asking for approval before prescribing.

• The three licensed domestic medical cannabis growers have received expansion to their production licenses, which allowed them to produce 1,735kg last year, 623kg of which made its way to the pharmacies. Tilray plans to increase production 5x, Demecan intends to produce up to 2 tonnes, Aurora produces up to 1 tonne and plans to introduce 7 additional cultivars.
• Associations are receiving the first permits for cannabis cultivation throughout the country: the first license was granted as of July 8 in Lower Saxony, with a total of 16 applying in the first week; in North-Rhine Westphalia the processing can take up to 3 months; the first club has been licensed in Hannover expecting to deliver products at €7/g; Saarland announced a restrictive assessment for cultivation associations; while conservative-ruled Bavaria has seen 12 applications despite high investment costs of up to €300,000 and bureaucratic hurdles and extensive documentation obligations.
• Black market remains strong in Germany as the only legal source of cannabis is home cultivation, with cannabis clubs intended for communal growing facing regulatory confusion, delaying establishment and creating uncertainty for potential growers. Critics argue legalization lacks proper market structure and youth protection, enabling drug mafia to thrive.
• Stricter cannabis rules have been introduced in Bavaria prohibiting smoking at folk festivals and in designated smoking areas, including outdoor restaurant spaces. Municipalities can extend consumption bans to public areas like city parks, similar to alcohol regulations.
• Agriculture Ministry presents draft law to liberalise cultivation and handling of industrial hemp in Germany aims to provide legal certainty and expand opportunities in the hemp sector.
• A survey shows that many Germans are concerned about an increase in traffic accidents after the new limit for THC while driving in Germany is set up to 3.5 ng/ml.
• Police and prosecutors in Coblenz are investigating a CBD vending machine near a school.

Medical cannabis market in Germany has nearly doubled since legalisation, with 80% of private prescriptions and only 20% reimbursed. This has raised concerns about recreational use disguised as medical prescriptions, after the new law made cannabis “as available as Ibuprofen”. German Pharmaceutical Society is skeptical of telemedical offers used for recreational purposes, which it claims violates professional standards posing risks to patients, as advertising campaigns are being criticised for promoting “illegal procurement” of cannabis:

• Bloomwell, a cannabis platform serving over 40,000 patients, faced criticism for charging cannabis suppliers up to €184,000 to promote its products in its platform. CEO expects patient numbers to multiply 5-6 fold and compete with the illicit market with prices as low as €5/g, as the company collaborates with rapper Xatar to promote its products.
• Cantourage Group reported a sales increase of almost 90 percent to 10.8 million euros for the second quarter, with a record month of sales in June of €4.1m.
• Cansativa expects a sales increase of more than 75 percent to €30m for 2024, expecting the market will grow to 24 tonnes this year and 35 tonnes in 2025.
• Cannamedical is distributing 500kg a month to around 1,000 pharmacies.
• Grünhorn pharmacy has seen number of prescriptions doubling or tripling since April 1st.
• Somai and Canify launch four cannabis extracts with varying THC and CBD contents on the German market.
• Stenocare and ADREXpharma launch Astrum 10-10 medical cannabis oil in Germany.

The study analyzed characteristics of 7,075 cannabis prescriptions received by the top 10 German cannabis pharmacies in 2021. It showed that 96% were for cannabis flowers, with 71% issued as private prescriptions. Of these, 24% were between 14 and 30 years old, and the average age was 39 years. Additionally, 83% were issued to men. The average private prescription was for 17 grams, compared to 39 grams prescribed under health insurance.

 Canada: Import tariffs are a watershed for the Canadian sector, which is still enduring financial losses and restructuring. The sector hopes for regulatory reform to boost the Canadian cannabis industry:

Cannabis industry associations express disappointment with Israel’s preliminary decision to impose import tariffs for Canadian cannabis products, as the preliminary report of the investigation is found to be flawed and use incorrect data.

• Proposed changes to micro licensing would increase maximum canopy space from 200 m2 to 800 m2, providing more options for processors and potential financial benefits.
• Attorney General highlights ongoing challenges in reducing the black market for cannabis in Ontario, despite its free market approach leading to positive economic outcomes.
• Ontario Cannabis Store is reducing number of products in the warehouse from the current 5,000 SKUs to create more efficient supply chain, expanding its flow-through program by shortening payment timelines to 15 days.
• BC‘s cannabis branch updates its cannabis sampling rules for marketing licensees.
• Health Canada plans to release guidance on CBD health products this fall, likely allowing limited over-the-counter CBD use beyond the current cannabis distribution models.

Year-over-year growth in cannabis sales continues to slow as the market reaches saturation, with the number of retail cannabis stores slightly decreasing to 3,663, led by BC and Alberta.

• Canadian hemp licenses have declined for the third consecutive year, with a 26% drop in active licenses to 737 at the end of 2023.
• Tilray reports 26% net revenue growth to C$789m in the last 12 months led by alcohol.
• SNDL is laying off 106 employees as part of an C$11m restructuring to improve profitability of its operations including 188 retail locations under 4 banners, as it entered a purchase agreement with Indiva for C$25-28m.
• Decibel Cannabis had a 16% drop in Q1 2024 revenue to C$21m with an adjusted net loss of C$3.5m due to falling domestic rec sales, despite leading the infused pre-roll segment.
• MediPharm is closing down its BC facility as it shifts medical sales to Ontario, where it seeks to source lower-cost products and compete with larger-scale growers.
• Organigram completed $1m investment into Phylos Bioscience as it bolsters its portfolio with 21 unique auto-flower seed varietals and THCV genetics derived from Phylos’ cultivars.
• Avant Brands reported net revenue of C$16.4m and a C$6.7m loss for the first half of 2024.
• Atlas Global Brands has been granted CCAA protection to restructure its business.
• Rubicon Organics is considering expanding its range of vape products.
• Aurora and Vectura Fertin Pharma collaborate to launch a new CBD lozenge.
• First legally sold disposable vape brand at a Canadian music festival takes place in Alberta.
• Uber Eats partners with Leafly to offer cannabis delivery to Albertans.

 Zentrela‘s CEO aims to understand how cannabis affects mental state through brainwave analysis technology, as the company launches its products in Europe.

• Clinical trials involving cannabis in Canada are being delayed due to a lack of acceptable GMP cannabis products, as most cannabis produced in Canada is only certified as GPP.
• Article finds 20% of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain have used cannabis to manage their pain, with a majority reporting its perceived efficacy.
• Study exploring the experiences of midlife women using medical cannabis during menopause finds that cannabis provides symptom relief, but highlights the need for educational resources.
• Tilray Medical announced a scientific study on medical cannabis for patients over the age of 50 that found positive real-world impact on health outcomes such as pain and sleep.
• Consumption of hemp seed protein significantly reduced blood pressure in adults.
• New Brunswick facility deploys AI and robotics platform to save labour and improve yields.
• Somatic mutation accumulations in micropropagated cannabis are proportional to the number of subcultures, study finds.
• Study argues cannabis use should be discussed in terms of benefits, not just harm reduction.

 Australia: Companies report generally successful FY24 results, continue to expand capacity, as vape and concentrate craze persists:

A report finds current cannabis policy in Australia ineffective, leading to criminal involvement in the A$5 billion cannabis market and resource depletion, advocating for adult access to reduce criminal markets, improve community health and safety.

• ODC launched an online portal for medicinal cannabis production licence applications, allowing online submissions and progress tracking.
• Two industry associations, MCIA and ETAA, signed a non-binding MOU to form a single peak industry body for the medicinal cannabis sector.
• Lifestyle magazine received a A$56,340 fine for unlawful advertising of medicinal cannabis.
• Victorian Government supports proposals to cut red tape for the state’s hemp industry.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has rejected applications of several medical cannabis companies to exhibit in the annual RACGP conference, potentially stigmatising the industry in the midst of pressure against tele-medicine clinics and prescribers:

• ECS Botanics announces record crop of 6.8 tonnes harvested and processed and FY24 revenues of A$20m. The company received a A$118k grant and secured A$3.4m in additional debt to support growth and expand producte range to rosin cartridges.
• Althea recorded A$34.5 million in cash receipts for FY24, as it secured a distribution agreement with wholesaler Symbion in Australia and launched a joint venture for US cannabis beverages.
• Tasmanian Botanics will contribute almost A$1 million worth of products to supply 500 patients for 12 months in the newly launched AMCA nationwide compassionate access scheme.
• LGP‘s revenue increased by 12% to A$7.3M in the last quarter driven by oils, vapes and new brand “CherryCo”.
• Entourage Effect and MiDispensary clinics’s monthly revenue rose from A$1.2M in April 2023 to A$2.4M in June 2024, CEO explains.
• Cann Group revenues in FY24 grew 12% to A$15.38 million. The company is considering a sale and leaseback of its flagship facility, as it appointed new CEO and resumed trade on ASX.
• Licensed manufacturer IDT Australia reports 92% revenue increase for FY24, reaching A$13.5 million, as it is exploring a takeover bid by Myndbio.
• Bioxyne (Breath Life Sciences) reported A$9.43m revevenue for the financial year and A$3.1 in the last quarter, as it seeks to achieve cash flow positivity next year.
• ANTG seeks to triple capacity of its Armidale facility to 10 tonnes to meet renewed export deals in Germany.
• Biortica Agrimed is introducing 49 new cannabis varieties from Apollo Green to the Australian market.
• Somai Pharmaceuticals is launching new THC, CBD, and balanced oils, as well as vape varieties in Australia, planning to have 140,000 units by the end of the year.
• Medcan subsidiary, Greensaver Distribution, partners with Snoop Dogg to distribute his high-THC flower products in Australia under the “Dogg Lbs” brand.
• Melodiol sells Canadian facility for up to A$14.2, depending on production targets, to deal with debt, to rely on third-party producers to continue manufacturing its Ritual product range.

Survey on medical cannabis users finds 27% still use mainly illicit cannabis, while prescribed cannabis users were less likely to have been recreational users and to administer cannabis by smoking compared to illicit cannabis users (22% vs 65%).

• Zelira Therapeutics secured patents for HOPE® 1 and HOPE® 2 formulations targeting Autism Spectrum Disorder from Australia and US patent offices.
• Avecho Biotech commenced dosing in its Phase III Clinical Trial for a CBD soft-gel capsule targeting insomnia that it intends to register as an over-the-counter product.
• Neurotech‘s trial of NTI164, a broad spectrum cannabinoid with high CBDA, shows 100% improvement in all 14 female patients after 20 weeks of treatment for Rett Syndrome.
• Argent BioPharma (previously MGC Pharma) raised US$2 million through a placement of 2.5 million shares to support its drug development pipeline of CannEpil® and CimetrA®.
• Australian hemp trials will assess local varieties as dryland winter crops in Western Australia, comparing them to Chinese varieties to provide alternatives for grain and fiber production.
• Study examines the thermo-chemical properties of hemp hurd and its impact on biobased composite applications, with factors influencing its chemical composition and thermal stability.

 UK: Medical cannabis production capacity is increasing in the United Kingdom, driven by demand from private clinics:

Labour’s historic victory in the UK election raises questions about potential drug policy reform, despite not explicitly supporting it in its manifesto. Minority opposition parties like the Greens and Liberal Democrats are in favour of reform, as the illicit market rakes in over £2.5 billion a year.

• Despite medical cannabis being available since 2018, lack of training still leads authorities to act against prescription cannabis, as seen in a recent flight to Amsterdam.
• The UK Food Standards Agency completed a positive Risk Assessment for EIHA’s Novel Food application for natural CBD isolate, representing 160 companies and over 1000 products.
• The States of Jersey voted against decriminalising cannabis by one vote. Instead, they asked ministers to propose relaxed laws regarding cannabis use.
• Registered pharmacies on the Isle of Man can now apply for import and dispensing licences, expanding options for patients, that can now obtain prescriptions from private clinics in the UK.

Private cannabis clinics in London are seeing a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for chronic pain and mental health conditions. Mamedica grew tenfold to almost 3,000 patients in 2023, while the Twenty21 scheme has over 4,600 patients nationwide.

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) finds over 100% year-over-year growth in medical cannabis prescribing by over 22 providers, but further education on treatment plans is required.
• Glass Pharms launched three branded high-CBD and high-THC strains in UK pharmacies, after being the first in the UK with products in the market in collaboration with Releaf.
• Leicestershire medical LP Dalgety plans to grow after securing a £6m investment to expand the facility, increase product volume, and meet rising market demand.
• Technology platform Script Assist goes live through CB1 Medical, Integro and Cannim private clinics along with IPS pharmacy.
• Celadon Pharmaceuticals celebrates eighth harvest in its hydroponic, indoor facility.
• Phytome Life Sciences begins construction of Phase II of its Cornwall campus.
• B3 Labs, a leading white-label CBD manufacturer, is closing due to restrictive regulations, lack of innovation, supply chain price increases, and declining consumer interest.
• Another CBD manufacturer, Nootro Labs, completes £600k fundraise to further increase output.
• The pilot service in the Isle of Man allowing patients to obtain prescritpions from private clinics in England had over 650 patients, with an average of 335 items dispensed each month.

New Cannabinoid Research & Development Group believes that the UK has potential to be a global leader in cannabinoid R&D. The report recommends transferring licensing authority, creating a medical R&D roadmap, and fostering industry partnerships.

• Cannabis-based medicinal products are increasingly used by older individuals (65+ years), experiencing improvements in health and well-being, Twenty21 data finds.
• UK Medical Cannabis Registry provides positive clinical outcomes in patients with inflammatory arthritis using medical cannabis.
• Medical Cannabis treatment reduced the prevalence and intensity of suicidal ideation, which is associated with higher levels of depressed mood among medical cannabis patients.
• No association between heavy cannabis use and mortality was found in a cohort study with data from 121,895 participants in the UK Biobank.

 Brazil: Interest in cannabis is booming in Brazil in the aftermath of the decision to decriminalise it by the Supreme Federal Court:

Recent decriminalisation of cannabis by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) could impact 31% of drug trafficking convictions and up to 90,068 inmates may benefit from sentence reviews.

• Survey shows that decriminalisation decision is not popular, with 67% of Brazilians disapproving the recent decision and 57% believing it could increase drug trafficking.
• Cannabis Working Group presents a report to support an official request for a 12-year research program focused on genetic development, cultivation techniques, post-harvest practices, and public policies, seeking to create a robust and sustainable cannabis production chain in Brazil.
• Proposed bill aims to facilitate access to CBD treatment for people with autism in Brazil by creating a national program registry coordinated by the Ministry of Health and ANVISA.
• Ease Labs has been selected by ANVISA to receive regulatory guidance on drug innovation.

Online searches for cannabis seeds have increased by 130% since STF’s decriminalisation decision determined that importing small quantities of cannabis seeds is not a crime.

• Abrace Esperança, the largest medical cannabis association, reaches 50,000 members as it opens a modern Medicinal Cannabis laboratory in João Pessoa, capable of producing 5,000 bottles of medicine per batch and serving up to 500,000 patients.
• Herbarium, a leading pharmaceutical company in Brazil, celebrates one year in the cannabis market and launches new cannabis-based product approved by Anvisa.

Brazil has developed the first variety of industrial cannabis adapted to local conditions with THC below 0.3%, created by crossbreeding plants from Colombia, France, Italy, the US, and Brazil.

• Scoping review finds evidence of the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of CBD in topical administration, with or without tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Israel: Country to impose tariffs on Canadian imports following an investigation that found substantial dumping rates. The domestic market struggles with regulatory changes as patient figures continue falling:

A preliminary decision on the investigation of cannabis imports from Canada causing damage to the local industry has been published. After reviewing the accounts of Canadian producers, the Commissioner on Trade Levies found dumping rates ranging from 63% to 369% and will recommend tariffs to protect the domestic industry.

• The Commissioner has denied provisional measures as it considers that Canadian companies do not have the time to ramp up imports ahead of the final decision. However, 10 domestic companies disagree and ask for the tariffs to be imposed immediately.
• New regulations in Israel require medical cannabis packaging changes for uniformity, limiting colors, logos, and graphic design elements.
• Ministry of Health clarifies that health funds may decide to allow changing the products written on the prescription, but change from oil to flower are not allowed.
• Victims of work accidents in Israel entitled to medical cannabis can now receive it first and pay later, avoiding financial difficulties by having to advance the payments out of pocket.

The fall in the number of medical cannabis license holders continues to decrease, and it has dropped by about 8% in the last six months due to difficulties in managing treatment of patients transferred to health insurance and limited flexibility in the newly introduced prescription model.

• Specialised cannabis pharmacies are altering the pharmaceutical landscape in Israel with bold design choices to invite costumer experiences merging the worlds of medicine and plants.
• Competing offers to purchase Terrapin’s indoor facility for NIS 2-2.36 million ($0.5-0.6m).

 CannaMore Biotechs announces successful completion of Phase 2a clinical trial for CBD-based treatment for Ulcerative Colitis, reducing disease severity and improving symptoms.

• Study investigated the impact of flushing the growing media in cannabis cultivation, suggesting it is a beneficial practice that does not damage plant productivity and can improve it.

 Netherlands: The Dutch legal cannabis supply chain is attracting foreign celebrities, but enhancing quality and strengthening regulations remain essential:

The Dutch cannabis industry, as a united front, has sent a letter to Parliament requesting deeper regulations: decriminalise possession of small amounts, increase stock limits for Coffee Shops, allow personal cultivation of up to 3 plants, reform THC limits for drivers, and expand the current experiment on the Coffee Shops supply chain.

• Amsterdam Municipal Council to investigate if new Snoop Dogg’s coffee shop, “Smoke Weed Every Day”, violates advertising regulations for coffee shops.

Amsterdam becomes prime real state for American cannabis brands and celebrities: Snoop Dogg to open stores named S.W.E.D. also in LA; Mike Tyson has opened its first branded retail store in Amsterdam after it opened a Coffee shop last year. Both Snoop Dogg’s and Mike Tyson clubs are owned by entrepreneur Rachid Bahida.

• Lack of quality in the legal supply chain a concern, as dealers are prepared to seize their chance with disappointed costumers by handing out flyers at the door of coffee shops.
• Domestic medical cannabis market continues to shrink in the Netherlands for the sixth year in a row, with a 5% drop in dispensations in 2023 to only 7,300 patients. The growing share of Epidyolex has nonetheless contributed to rising spending which now amounts to €4.6 million.

 Cultivators consortium investigates the spatial distribution of cannabinoid content within a plant, showed consistent THC percentages proving the effectiveness of cultivation and analysis.

 Poland: Import limits to be increased to meet growing demand in Poland, despite the Health Ministry seeking to limit remote medical cannabis prescriptions:

The Ministry of Health plans to eliminate remote medical cannabis prescriptions without medical examination of the patient, including for medical cannabis, to increase control. The Supreme Medical Council aims to block the uncontrolled dispensing of narcotics online, despite opposing a total ban on issuing prescriptions during teleconsultations.

• These changes might lead to more physical clinics and a higher threshold to qualify for medical cannabis therapy in the booming Polish market.

Import limits of medical cannabis to Poland likely to be increased to 10 tonnes a year from the current 6 tonnes to meet growing demand which currently sits at 300-400kg a month.

• Polish pharmacy provides magistral preparation of rosin (solvent-free hemp extract) from available medical cannabis flower, at a cost of 70 PLN ($18).

Cannabinoids potential in neurodegenerative diseases highlighted in a recent review showing that terpene and vitamin B12 supplementation may enhance the effects of CBD in treatment.

• The use of cannabinoids in regulating gastrointestinal peristalsis shows potential as components of therapy for gastrointestinal disorders.

 Portugal: More medical cannabis products are being licensed in Portugal:

Infarmed approved two new cannabis-based preparations: Satalliv (THC) and Tilray (THC10 CBD10) for medicinal use in Portugal, expanding therapeutic options for patients to six products.

• The Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) seized CBD extracts in specialised shop, but did not seize flowers due to them being labelled as collectible items.

Portugal granted its first medicinal cannabis cultivation license in 2014; 50 companies now hold licenses as of July 2024, with exports jumping from 204kg in 2017 to 12 tonnes in 2023.

• SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals has launched a new Mint Oral Solutions product line in Australia, Germany, and the UK, including single-strain oils infused with peppermint terpene mixes.
• Herdade das Barrocas achieves EU-GMP I certification, allowing it to produce finished products.
• Paralab Green will distribute Vaportrol Technology of Cannatrol in Europe.

Study found differences between label claims and actual cannabinoid contents of CBD products available in Portugal.

• Systematic review explores the epigenetic effects of cannabis on behavioural and emotional symptoms, finding evidence of epigenetic changes modulating psychiatric conditions.

 Spain: Barcelona city council continues its offensive against cannabis clubs:

Offensive against the cannabis club model is in full swing in Barcelona, with 30 of the city hundreds’ of clubs receiving a closure order.

• This news follows the decision to suspend new licenses for CBD stores and other cannabis shops in the Barcelona city centre, blaming cannabis for the deteriorating security situation.
• Experts alert that security will further deteriorate with the closure of the clubs, as street dealing will become more prevalent in these highly touristic areas.

 Ondara Directorship, a 14-hectare greenhouse grower in central Spain, has exported 923kg of flower it held in stock, marking a significant milestone towards the reactivation of cultivation.

• Extremadura aims to become a leading region for industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis production, seeking to rotate hemp with other traditional crops.
• Catalan machinery supplier Master Products now offers solventless extraction equipment in addition to post-harvest machinery.

A clinical study sponsored by CBD brand Votum World investigates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in patients with temporomandibular joint pathology. The brand adds basque surfer Bitor Garitaonandia as ambassador.

Italy: Drama sees decree against CBD published, shelved, and then hemp flower ban passed as an amendment to the security law:

Amendment to Security bill equates light cannabis to soft drugs; final approval postponed to September after lengthy debate. Government amendment equates industrial hemp to narcotic, banning all processing of hemp plants producing inflorescences.

• Opposition claims government actions threaten 11,000 jobs in the €200M cannabis light sector.
• This comes after Minister of Health published a decree listing CBD among narcotic drugs earlier this month, an amendment that was shelved, thanks to the support of various agricultural organisations.

The first regional cannabis research center, CORE-C, is established in Puglia through an agreement between Farmalabor and the University of Bari.

• A review covers THC-like cannabinoids on the recreational market, including natural and artificial compounds using semi-synthetic processes starting from legal hemp.

 Switzerland: Court rules no reimbursement for medical cannabis

Administrative court ruled that health and disability insurance does not need to cover costs for medically prescribed cannabis, as court found alternative treatments available for man with ADHD.

Over 700 participants have registered in Basel-country to acquire over 5,000 deliveries of study products in the Grashaus dispensaries. The Introduction of legal THC specialist shops in Basel-country reduced the illegal market and promoted lower-risk forms such as extracts and edibles.

• Canway completes first round of CBD flower production in new indoor facility in Switzerland.
• Marry Jane, a Swiss leading supplier of CBD, expects entry to German medical THC market.
• Canexis Pharma is expanding by acquiring 2000m2 of land next to its Schlattingen facility.
• Swedish ODI Pharma announces first delivery of cannabis products to leading medical cannabis provider in Switzerland.

Argentina resumes patient approvals in the cannabis registry and begins supplying medical cannabis flower to international markets:

Following long delays with 90,000 patients waiting to be approved, in the last few weeks there has been a massive approval of renewals and new registrations of patients in the Cannabis Program Registry (Reprocann), despite the intention of the Ministry of Health to limit the approved conditions to access the program.

Argentina exports high-THC medical cannabis flower to international markets: Cannava, public company from the Jujuy province, has exported 730kg (400kg to Portugal, 200kg to Australia and 130kg to Germany) and projects a turnover of €5M this year and €7.6M next year.

• Cannava will partner with private companies for further medicinal cannabis production, awarding a tender for the first 10 private production units in Jujuy.
• In Misiones, the Biofactory has harvested 3,500 cannabis plants of 5 adapted varieties for the production of medicinal CBD oil in its 4,000sqm hybrid greenhouses.
• Yungannabis Foundation opens its first associative dispensary in Tucumán.
• Nem Skin, a cosmetics brand with CBD and Matcha, achieves first exports to the USA.
• The Santa Fe Province Medicinal Cannabis R&D Center has been abandoned.

New Zealand’s export regulations streamlined to open global market opportunities, as the domestic market doubled year-on-year in 2023:

The government approved changes to the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme, improving export regulations. Exporters now need to align with importing jurisdiction standards, different from those in New Zealand, opening up global market opportunities. The amendment regulations also broaden the definitions of cannabis-based ingredients and starting material for medicinal cannabis.

Domestic use of prescribed medicinal cannabis in the country doubled in the last year.

• Rua Biosciences launches new products in Germany produced by partners Schroll Medical (Denmark) and Alphafarma (Malta), introduces flower product in New Zealand and expands compassionate access program to benefit 52 patients per month.
• Canadian giant Aurora Cannabis seeks to expand its presence to New Zealand by hiring a Territory Manager.

Denmark: CBD companies face scrutiny for marketing practices, as domestic medical cannabis producers report mixed financial results:

 DanCann Pharma achieved a pharmacy sales growth of +40% YoY in 2023, as it aims to increase the current Rx portfolio sales volume to 20,000 packages and it submitted applications for a THC-dominant and a CBD-dominant varieties, expected to launch later this year.

• Danish CBD companies like Sense Organics come under scrutiny for marketing CBD and other cannabinoids as collectables or aromatherapy products, while SweetWeedSpot.dk reaches agreement with Wolt to distribute products door-to-door.
• Valeos Pharma reported a DKK 16.5 million ($2.4M) deficit after tax in 2023, its first year of operations, due to ongoing investment and costs of its production facilities.
• Cannabis International ApS, company which was involved in the Juicy Fields scandal, has been sold to a private buyer.

Thailand’s Cannabis Policy U-Turn: Aims of recriminalisation are dropped; the country will pursue medical regulation instead.

Despite push by the Prime Minister to return cannabis to narcotic status, with a majority of the Narcotics Control Committee voting in favour, the position to support progressive regulation of the Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and leader of the Conservative Bhumjaithai Party (who recently achieved a sounding victory in Senate elections) has emerged victorious.

• Thailand plans to instead legislate medical cannabis and avoid re-criminalisation, relieving entrepreneurs of an industry bringing $1B a year, consisting of 15,000 shops across the country that sustain 45,000 jobs.

Colombia’s cannabis sector remains in the doldrums despite new export milestones

Colombian deputies reintroduced a bill, first rejected last year, intending to regulate adult cannabis use, led by representative Juan Carlos Losada from the Liberal Party. President Gustavo Petro supports regulation to combat drug violence, citing global trends in cannabis legalisation.

 Clever Leaves announces agreement to introduce its products in Poland later this year, while claiming a nearly 80% share of the Colombian export quota, primarily to Brasil and Australia.

• Avicanna completes export of “Aureus” CBG into Singapore, marking the first export into Asia.

 Czech Republic dampens its ambitious cannabis reform plans, key legalization proponent in government resigns:

Czech ruling parties agreed to allow adults to grow three cannabis plants and possess a total of 600 grams at home, while not advancing the possibility to establish cannabis clubs.

• This follows the resignation of the national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil, the staunchest defendant of full-on regulated cannabis market in the Czech Republic.

France: cannabis agenda in the hands of the yet-to-be-elected government:

The process to form the new French government following the elections has halted the overhaul of the medical cannabis system.

•  French Polynesia assembly has voted to legalise CBD for medicinal use.

 SAS Biostructure, near Clermont-Ferrand, set to invest €6.2M to produce hemp concrete panels and wooden frames using sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

• La Ferme Médicale has launched a new range of full-spectrum CBD products for the Summer.

 Greece: The first online medical cannabis clinic is now open

Greek telehealth platform Doctor Any Time launches Greece’s first medical cannabis specialised clinic, ReliefTime Clinics, connecting patients with 70 doctors.

• Hellenic Dynamics completed Phase 1 of its medical cannabis facility and is now raising funds to complete the post-harvest area and build its own cultivation on top of outsourced areas.

 South Africa: Hemp market woes hit South African farmers:

South African hemp farmers face market challenges and unfulfilled promises, struggling to sell CBD flowers and other products.

• GESLabs announces extraction, distillation, and formulation expansion as well as the launch of live rosin products and price drops in the second half of 2024.

Morocco prepares for a record legal harvest this year by 3,000 farmers:

Nearly 3,000 cannabis-related licenses have been issued in 2024, up from 609 in 2023, primarily for cultivation and production. The number of legal cannabis farmers in the Rif increasing from 430 to 3,000, expecting a record harvest up from the 296 tonnes of legal, low-potency cannabis harvested last year as the licensed surface has increased 10-fold from 286 hectares to 2,700.

• Morocco achieved its first legal export of cannabis resin containing less than 1% THC to Switzerland.

Malta will admit more cannabis clubs to boost its competitiveness:

The Responsible Cannabis Authority in Malta will not impose a cap on the number of associations, seeking to provide better competitiveness and product quality. The Eighth Cannabis Harm Reduction Association has been licensed as the regulatory framework for Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations has been updated.

• Cannabis activists ReLeaf Malta oppose the ban on outdoor cultivation of cannabis by registered retailers, arguing it contradicts environmentally friendly practices.

 Philippines: The House of Representatives passes an act to legalise medical cannabis, yet to be approved by Senate and President:

An Act was approved by a majority of the House of Representatives with 177 lawmakers in favour, 9 against and 9 abstentions: the Act regulates access and use of medical cannabis, establishes the Medical Cannabis Office (MCO), defines qualifying conditions and sets penalties for unauthorised acts.

 Uruguay: Cannabis policy reform remains unfinished business in Uruguay a decade after legalization:

Survey finds that 40% of Uruguayans believe current cannabis regulation is ineffective, despite increased acceptance over the past decade and support for legalisation, particularly among higher educated and left-wing Frente Amplio voters.

 Auction for Boreal medicinal cannabis plant in Salto closed in July 2023 has been scheduled for August 27, after initial $3.4m tender failed to attract buyers to the $15m facility.

 Hungary: Unregulated semi-synthetics cause harms in Hungary:

Narcotic gummies with THCJD caused 31 tourists to be hospitalised in Budapest.

Review of antidepressant effects of herbal cannabis is non conclusive, however its composition in regards of terpenes, and THC:CBD ratio may influence its effects on depression.

Zimbabwe production is starting to come online, small farmers excluded:

Report argues that cannabis policy reform in Zimbabwe should prioritise small-scale producers for economic and social reasons, which have been prevented from participating in the legal market.

Zimbabwe aims to tap into the global cannabis market: after legalising medicinal cannabis production in 2018, and licensing as many as 60 companies in 2022, the first farms are coming online: Thathokuhle grows 20 hectares with a yield of 1.5 tonnes per hectare and 85 employees that increase to 150 during the harvest, cannabis flower fetches US$650 per kilogramme.

Caribbean nations advance, Costa Rica and Nigeria stay behind:

Spokesman for the Nigerian drug enforcement agency opposes cannabis legalisation due to health and security concerns, despite acknowledging the global trend towards legalizing cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.

In the Bahamas, Prime Minister Phillip Davis supports bills to legalise medical and religious use of cannabis and decriminalise possession. The Prime Minister of The Bahamas pledges a huge impact from the legalisation of cannabis, despite ownership limits to obtain licenses.

In the Cook Islands, the Ministry of Health has set requirements to bring medicinal cannabis with a prescription from New Zealand or Australia.

 Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves will no longer push for the approval of a bill to legalise recreational cannabis, after Parliament rejects the proposed bill.

 Antigua and Barbuda to introduce legislation clearing criminal records for minor cannabis convictions.

In Saint Kitts and Nevis the cannabis Board held its first meeting, marking a milestone in implementing the Cannabis Act, 2020.

North Macedonian company to supply Canopy Growth:

 Ohrid Organics signs supply agreement with Canopy Growth for German medicinal cannabis market.

Xebra Brands expands partnership with ICAN to enhance CBD product offering in Mexico.

Hemp extract anti-cancer potential explored in China and Lebanon:

 Chinese mice model study shows potential of Hemp essential oil to treat tumors and neuropathic pain activity.

A double-blind multicenter randomized clinical trial found a nanodispersible cannabidiol oral solution effective to treat mild to moderate anxiety subjects.

 Lebanese cannabis oil extract shows potential as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).