Keeping abreast of the latest global cannabis policy changes is crucial for any industry professional. While we may not be able to predict every state’s eventual legalization of marijuana, we can certainly look forward to changes in Canada and Uruguay, as well as other key markets where the cannabis industry is flourishing. Read on for updates from the cannabis industry about the latest developments.
Legalization of cannabis in Uruguay
In Uruguay, cannabis is legal. The most commonly used drug is cannabis. As a result, it is also one of the most popular drugs. Legalization of cannabis in Uruguay is only for adults and has been restricted to state-licensed entities and pharmacies. It is not available to non-residents. Uruguay’s cannabis laws limit the quantity of cannabis a person can buy at a time. However, they do allow a small amount of haze xl auto cannabis seeds and other popular strains grown by private citizens and those in cooperatives with shared cultivation duties. This has resulted in a significant increase in the legal sales of cannabis.
In addition to the state-owned pharmacies, two private firms will initially supply marijuana to the country. Both companies will be supplying Uruguay with marijuana, but the government will retain a large portion of the profits. The low profit margins of the industry have prompted many to leave the business. Despite the difficulties faced by North American marijuana producers, legalization in Uruguay could benefit local farmers. Uruguay has also contracted with a private firm called Symbiosis to grow two tons of cannabis per year in the country.
Legalization of cannabis in South Dakota
This year, South Dakota voters approved constitutional amendment A that would legalize adult-use cannabis. The measure failed, however, when the state Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional. Instead, voters approved a medical marijuana measure, which has become state law. Despite this setback, advocates are rallying the state’s voters to put this issue on the ballot again. It would require at least 33,922 valid signatures, and ten percent of the total vote cast in the state’s last election.
To support legalization, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services has provided more than $500,000 for marijuana policy research. The state’s Secretary of State, Steve Barnett, will sign the initiative once it has been verified by the Secretary of State’s office. In June, South Dakota residents will vote on the Republican-led constitutional initiative Amendment C. Amendment C requires that citizen-led ballot initiatives garner 60% of the vote.
Although the South Dakota Legislature postponed legalization of medical marijuana until this fall, the state is moving forward with the process of implementing a medical cannabis program, which will be available to medical patients in the fall. However, legalization of recreational cannabis was destined to be a much more difficult fight.
Legalization of cannabis in Canada
There are many issues to be addressed as the legalization of cannabis in Canada begins. Understanding the nature and size of the market will be critical to ensuring a safe and effective implementation of the new system. Regulation should focus on aligning supply and demand. Too much supply can lead to negative outcomes. A congruent supply and demand situation will minimize risk in the early years of implementation. Some key considerations include creating a highly efficient regulatory system and ensuring that cannabis products are produced in a quality manner.
As Canada moves away from prohibition, many stakeholders will turn to governments for information. Current research suggests that youth and some adults are still not fully aware of the dangers of cannabis. Public perceptions of cannabis use are overstated or exaggerated. Effective messaging about the risks of cannabis consumption should be consistent across the country. The federal government and different levels of government need to coordinate messages. In addition, the messages should be aimed at the public.
As the legalization of cannabis in Canada continues to progress, the task force visited licensed producers and medical dispensaries in Canada. A visit to the B. C. Compassion Club Society, a group that has provided cannabis to patients for more than two decades, was also necessary for the Task Force to gain insight on how the industry is functioning. Industry experts also expressed their concerns about marketing to heavy users and how companies can take advantage of any exceptions left in the system.