Each month we will bring you some international news to give you a clearer picture of cannabis as it pertains to politics, economics, and societal acceptance. A small recap on some exciting and interesting information. Let's take a look into what is happening around the world concerning cannabis legislation, legalization, and advocacy as well.

Switzerland

Zurich, which is the largest city in Switzerland, will start letting people buy cannabis products next year. These marijuana products will be available from certain pharmacies and social clubs. This happened after a law was changed last year that now enables cities to conduct studies into the recreational use of cannabis.

This is a 3 ½  year pilot program to study the effects of the recreational cannabis market. To ensure quality and safety there will be a limited number of manufacturing facilities and a restricted quantity of consumers who can purchase.

The `Zuri Can (Cannabis with Responsibility) study will begin in the fall of 2022. There will be an assortment of products available with various THC and CBD content ratios. The study will be supervised by the University of Zurich psychiatric hospital.

Canada

On September 14, 2021, Canopy Growth Corporation, a Canadian cannabis company headquartered in Smith Falls, Ontario, announced in a press release a partnership with Circle K as an exclusive distributor of Canopy's newest offering.

Canopy has introduced a line of CBD vape pods that are interchangeable with a rechargeable battery. These pods are to be offered in over 3,000 Circle K stores in the United States, starting Oct.1, 2021.

The CBD is made from hemp, grown within the United States. The pods will feature selections for enhancing a person's mood throughout the day. Each pod will hold 200 mg of CBD that is formulated for specific mood expressions. They come in 3 varieties; Tune In Pod, for focus, Intermission Pod, for relaxing all day, and Fade Out Pod, get ready for bed.

South Africa

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development of South Africa recently announced a strategic plan that has been drafted over the past 2 years. This strategy is aimed at the almost 2 billion-dollar cannabis industry.

Recognizing the economic need to help increase opportunity for poverty-stricken people, and to improve the country's overall economic future, this program hopes to strike at the heart of many of South Africa's national issues. It sets out to create more than 25,000 jobs. It also hopes to attract foreign investment. This will encourage the cultivation of hemp and cannabis.

It also addresses "the threat of takeover or dominance by well-funded companies and pharmacy groups". Applications will be available for medicine, food, and recreational consumption. (Bloomberg.com)

Mexico

On June 28, 2021, after congress failed to advance a law signed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador,  about the decriminalization of cannabis for recreational consumption, the court ruled to vote anyway. In an 8-3 vote, the court decided to decriminalize marijuana consumption for those over 18 years old that apply for a permit. The permit allows for up to 28 grams in a person's possession.

Advocates have pushed for decriminalization for many years; this is their most recent accomplishment. They point to increasing the establishment of policies to reduce drug cartel violence by advocating the legalization of cannabis.

There was no regulatory framework supported in the ruling, which doesn't allow for safety precautions to be addressed. As of now, it is still illegal to buy and sell cannabis in Mexico.

Panama

The National Legislative Group in Panama, on August 30, 2021, held a unanimous vote (44-0) in favor of regulating the consumption of medical cannabis.

Panama is the first Central American country to legalize marijuana. This vote authorizes the registry of cannabis patients and also allows further research. The bill is now waiting for a signature from Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo. (Reuters.com)

International News Recap

Every country that is on the verge of considering the legalization of cannabis, is looking to see how legislation is playing out in countries that have already decriminalized or legalized cannabis in some form. Some countries are forging ahead because the calls from their citizens are so great. With the spread of information, the demystifying of cannabis through research and education, cannabis is becoming a formidable international commodity.

Written by Teresa Martin, Copywriter: Cannabis, Hemp, Medical

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