The topic of cannabis legalisation has been making waves in the news and political arenas for quite some time now. With changing attitudes and an increasing number of states legalising the use of marijuana, it's important to stay up to date on the latest developments and efforts being made towards legalisation. In this article, we will delve into the world of cannabis news and updates, specifically focusing on the legislation and regulations surrounding its legalisation. Whether you are a cannabis enthusiast or simply interested in staying informed on current events, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest news and developments in the ongoing fight for legalisation. From new laws being passed to ongoing efforts to change existing legislation, we will cover it all in this detailed piece. So grab your favourite strain and get ready to dive into the world of cannabis legalisation as we bring you all the updates and information you need to know in one convenient location. To fully understand the current state of cannabis legalisation, it is important to have some background knowledge on the topic.
In 2018, Canada became the second country to legalise recreational use fully, and Mexico is on track to becoming the third country to do so. Other countries such as South Africa, Luxembourg, and New Zealand have also moved towards legalisation. One major milestone in recent developments and changes is the passing of the MORE Act in the United States House of Representatives in December 2020. This bill would remove cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and expunge past cannabis convictions, among other things. It is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate.
Updates on Legalisation Efforts in Different Regions
While there has been progress in many regions, there are still challenges and setbacks in the fight for legalization.North America
patchwork of laws and regulations across the country.
Europe
In Europe, there has been a slow but steady increase in countries legalising medical cannabis. However, recreational use is still largely illegal across the continent. Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are among the countries that have made progress in terms of medical legalisation.South America
Aside from Uruguay's full legalisation, several other South American countries have moved towards legalisation.Argentina has decriminalised personal possession, and Colombia has legalised medical cannabis.
Asia
In Asia, the Philippines has been in the spotlight for its harsh anti-drug policies, including a violent crackdown on drug users and dealers. However, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise medical cannabis in 2018, and other countries such as Malaysia and South Korea are considering similar measures.The Impact of Legalisation
One of the main arguments for legalisation is its potential economic impact. Legalising cannabis can create jobs in the industry and generate tax revenue for governments. For example, in Canada, legal cannabis sales reached $2 billion in 2019, with over 9,000 jobs created in the industry. However, there are also social justice issues to consider.Legalisation can help address the disproportionate impact of cannabis criminalisation on marginalised communities, as seen with the MORE Act in the United States. Expungement of past convictions and equity programs for those affected by the war on drugs can help rectify some of these injustices. Industry experts and advocates argue that legalisation can help regulate the market and ensure consumer safety. This can include measures such as quality control and labelling requirements.
Consider Different Perspectives
Others have concerns about the potential negative effects on public health and safety. By considering different perspectives, readers can gain a well-rounded understanding of the issue and make informed conclusions.
In Conclusion
Cannabis legalisation efforts constantly evolve, and staying informed on the latest developments is important. From legislative changes to societal and economic impacts, there are many factors to consider in the global landscape of cannabis laws and regulations. By providing a comprehensive overview of updates in different regions and considering different perspectives, this article aims to keep readers up-to-date and informed on the current state of cannabis legislation and regulations.Challenges and Controversies
While support for cannabis legalisation continues to grow, there are still many who oppose it. Some cite concerns about potential negative effects on public health and safety, while others argue that cannabis is a gateway drug. These controversies surrounding cannabis legalisation highlight the importance of addressing these concerns and educating the public about legalisation's facts and potential benefits.
Recent Developments in Asia
While North America and Europe have been at the forefront of cannabis legalisation efforts, Asia is slowly but surely making progress. This section will look at the recent developments in three key Asian countries: Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.Thailand:
In 2018, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise medical cannabis.This was a significant move, considering the country's strict drug laws. Since then, the government has made further efforts to expand the use of cannabis for medical purposes and research. In 2020, they decriminalised possession of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use and allowed the use of cannabis extracts in food and cosmetics. South Korea: In 2018, South Korea also legalised medical cannabis, making it the first East Asian country to do so. However, the law is very restrictive and only allows for imported cannabis-based medications with approval from the Korea Orphan Drug Center.
Recreational use of cannabis is still illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison. Japan: Japan has one of the strictest drug policies in the world and has not yet legalised medical or recreational cannabis. However, in 2019, the country passed a law allowing clinical research on cannabis for medical purposes. This could potentially lead to further developments in the future.
The Global State of Cannabis Legalisation
The global landscape of cannabis legalisation is constantly evolving, with countries around the world taking different approaches to cannabis laws and regulations. This section will briefly overview the current state of cannabis legalisation across various regions. In North America, Canada made history in 2018 by becoming the second country in the world to legalise recreational cannabis fully.Since then, several states in the United States have also legalised recreational use, with more expected to follow suit shortly. In Europe, countries such as the Netherlands and Spain have long had a more relaxed approach towards cannabis, but there has been a recent surge in legalisation efforts across the continent. Countries like Luxembourg and Switzerland are currently considering full legalisation, while others like Germany have legalised medical cannabis. Asia, on the other hand, has some of the strictest laws against cannabis. However, there have been recent movements towards legalisation in countries like Thailand and South Korea. In South America, Uruguay was the first country to fully legalise cannabis in 2013, and other countries, such as Colombia and Argentina, have since followed suit. Africa is also seeing a growing interest in cannabis legalisation, with Lesotho becoming the first African country to legalise medical cannabis in 2017. Other countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa are also considering legalisation. It's important to note that even within regions, there can be significant differences in legalisation efforts and laws.
For example, while recreational use is legal in Canada, it is still illegal at a federal level in the United States. Overall, the global state of cannabis legalisation is constantly changing, and both consumers and businesses need to stay informed on the latest developments and regulations.
Updates in North America
In recent years, North America has been at the forefront of cannabis legalisation efforts. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico all making significant changes to their cannabis laws, keeping up with the updates can be challenging. In this section, we will delve into the latest developments in each country. United States: The United States has seen a significant shift in cannabis laws recently. As of 2021, a total of 36 states have legalised medical cannabis, while 15 states and Washington D.C. have also legalised recreational use. Most recently, New York and Virginia became the latest states to legalise recreational use, joining states such as California, Colorado, and Washington. However, despite the growing number of states legalising cannabis, it remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. This has caused some confusion and challenges for businesses operating in the cannabis industry as they must navigate through different laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels.Canada:
In 2018, Canada became the second country to legalise recreational cannabis use nationwide. The Cannabis Act allows for the possession, distribution, and cultivation of cannabis for personal use.It also established a regulatory framework for the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products. Since legalisation, Canada has continued to make updates to its cannabis laws. In 2019, edibles, extracts, and topicals were added to the list of legal cannabis products. And in 2020, regulations were put in place to allow for the legal sale of cannabis edibles and concentrates.
Mexico:
In March 2021, Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that its current laws prohibiting the recreational use of cannabis were unconstitutional. This landmark decision set the stage for Mexico to become the third country in the world to legalise recreational cannabis use. The Mexican government is currently working on legislation to regulate the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis.Once finalised, it is expected to allow for personal use and possession of up to 28 grams of cannabis, as well as the cultivation of up to six plants for personal use. These updates are a significant step forward for cannabis legalisation in North America.
Progress in Europe
Netherlands: The Netherlands has long been known for its relaxed approach to cannabis, with the drug being decriminalised since the 1970s. However, the country has been slow to legalise and regulate the industry fully. In 2019, a law was passed that would allow for the legal production and supply of cannabis to coffee shops. Still, the implementation has been delayed due to concerns over increased involvement in organised crime.Despite this setback, the Netherlands remains a key player in the European cannabis market. Germany: Germany legalized medical cannabis in 2017, making it the largest market for medical cannabis in Europe. In 2020, the country also passed a law that would allow for the cultivation and export of medical cannabis. This move has opened up opportunities for German companies to enter the global market and has also sparked interest in other European countries to follow suit.
Spain:
Spain has a long history of cannabis use and possession being tolerated for personal use. However, the cultivation, sale, and distribution of cannabis are still illegal.In recent years, there have been efforts to legalise and regulate the industry fully, but progress has needed to be faster. In 2021, a bill was introduced that would legalise recreational cannabis use and allow licensed establishments to sell and distribute cannabis. If passed, Spain could become the second-largest market for recreational cannabis in Europe, after Germany. As more countries continue to legalise cannabis, it is clear that this movement is not slowing down. While there may be challenges and controversies along the way, it is important to continue staying informed and advocating for responsible and fair cannabis legislation.
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