CBD

2019: the five biggest moments in cannabis politics

Planet Watch2019 saw advances for cannabis freedom on both the national and global stage—but also some near-misses, from New York state to Mexico, which have left activists frustrated if no less determined. As advocates prepare to carry the fight into 2020, here's a review of what was achieved—or almost achieved—over the past 12 months.

Brazil allows import of THC products —but only cultivation of 'hemp'

Posted on December 6th, 2019 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , .

BrazilBrazil's limited medical marijuana program takes a step forward with new regulations allowing importation of THC products. Cultivation within the country, however, will be confined to "hemp"—that is, CBD-only strains. And even that is proceeding very slowly. The far-right government of Jair Bolsonaro meanwhile continues its hardline policies in the face of fast-escalating narco-violence.

Corporate cannabis eyes Mexico —amid escalating narco-violence

Posted on November 14th, 2019 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , .

MexicoThere is a discomforting sense that Mexico is perpetually on the eve of cannabis legalization, as the country's Congress wins a six-month extension from the Supreme Court to pass a law freeing the herb. But foreign capital is already eyeing Mexico's emergent legal cannabis sector—even amid a terrifying escalation in the bloody cartel wars. 

USDA issues hemp cultivation regs —at last

Posted on October 29th, 2019 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , .

cannabisHemp and hemp-derived CBD were officially legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, but the US Department of Agriculture has failed to bring its regulations into conformity with the new federal law—until now. Interim regs have just been issued by the USDA, with a 60-day public comment period to follow—meaning a final rule will likely be in place in time for next year's planting season.

Federal cannabis legalization in 2020?

capitolHaving cannabis removed from the federal list of controlled substances has long been the holy grail of legalization advocates. Several bills have now been introduced on Capitol Hill to do exactly that. Do any stand a chance of becoming law in the current polarized climate?

The cannabis patent dilemma

Shadow WatchAs the cannabis industry is embraced by corporate power and finance capital, the patenting of strains, products and applications is an increasing concern. But the international patchwork of legality makes for a confusing environment. Illegality has served as a paradoxical break on privatizing of varieties. Growers and advocates are devising means to protect the genetic commons in the new cannabis order.

New study explores cannabis as treatment for dementia

Posted on October 4th, 2019 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , , , , , , , .

THCA ground-breaking study is set to begin in Australia, to determine if cannabis can improve the quality of life of those suffering from dementia. Elderly care facilities are watching closely, hoping cannabis will prove a key to help those they look after lead happier lives, with less medication.

The global state of cannabis legality

Planet WatchThere has been significant progress toward cannabis legalization in the United States and globally over the past years, but pockets persist of the most repressive and reactionary prohibition. What are the prospects for expanding cannabis freedom in the coming year?

Who's new

  • Baba Israel
  • Karr Young
  • John Veit
  • YosephLeib
  • Peter Gorman