Southern Cone

Cannabis and climate change: challenge for an emerging crop

Planet WatchSome of the key cannabis cultivation zones around the world are also those feeling the earliest and harshest impacts of the impending global climate disaster. How can the global cannabis community respond?

Home cultivation of medicinal cannabis legalized in Argentina

Posted on November 20th, 2020 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , .

medical marijuanaA new day has dawned for medical marijuana patients in Argentina, who have finally won the right to home cultivation, three and a half years after medicinal use of cannabis derivatives was officially legalized in the South American country.

President Alberto Fernández on Nov. 12 signed a decree that had been issued by the Health Ministry earlier this year, stating: "It is imperative to create a regulatory framework that allows timely, inclusive and secure access for those who require to use cannabis as a therapeutic tool."

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.

New Frontier Data analyzes Latin America cannabis market

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

leafLatin America is at the forefront of the global wave of cannabis law reform, according to a new report from a DC-based industry analyst. New Frontier Data sees a $9.8 billion market in the region, with big expansion potential for both exports and serving local consumption. 

Multi-billion dollar legal cannabis industry foreseen for Latin America

Posted on October 9th, 2018 by Bill Weinberg and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

leafOver the past two years, the Latin American cannabis industry has "emerged from the shadows" to command the attention of international firms and investors. Legal cannabis sales within the region are on track to reach $125 million in 2018—but that figure is expected to rise to $12.7 billion by 2028.

The next likely countries to legalize cannabis

earthWith Canada now joining Uruguay as the second country to legalize cannabis at the national level, industry eyes are scanning the world map for which could be the likely third. Latin America may provide the candidate, as even UN experts now urge the region's governments to consider legalization as a way out of the endemic narco-violence. But pressure for legal cannabis is fast mounting in several European countries as well. Legalization may soon be on the legislative agenda in Australia, while New Zealand has promised to put the questions before the voters. 

USA Patriot Act threatens Uruguay cannabis legalization

Posted on June 14th, 2018 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , , .

UruguayA year after legal cannabis first went on sale in Uruguay, it is still only available at a small handful of pharmacies. One particularly ironic obstacle has emerged: Uruguay's banks face US sanctions under the Patriot Act if they do any business with the country's legal cannabis industry. So a measure passed by the US Congress to crack down on criminal and terrorist networks that use drug profits is actually helping to keep cannabis under the control of criminal networks.

Brazil: deadly deja vu in New Years Day prison riot

Posted on January 2nd, 2018 by Global Ganja Report and tagged , , , .

BrazilFor the second year in a row, Brazil has witnessed a deadly prison riot on the first day of the year. A death toll of nine is reported from the central state of Goias. One inmate was decapitated. The violence began New Year's Day afternoon at the rural penitentiary in the outskirts of the state capital, Goiania. Rival criminal factions clashed, broke the barriers of the compound and escaped, by the BBC News account.

Who's new

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