Global Ganja Report

Despite a heretofore uninspiring record, Biden is poised to complete a trifecta of long-sought reforms of federal cannabis law: giving the industry access to financial services, expungement of convictions for possession, and allowing medical research.

Legal action has blocked the issuing of several retail cannabis licenses in New York state, with a would-be entrepreneur arguing that equity measures favoring those with in-state cannabis convictions violate the US Constitution’s interstate commerce clause.

The Nov. 8 midterm elections saw mixed results for state cannabis legalization efforts. In Maryland, voters approved Question 4, amending the state constitution to permit the purchase and possession of up to 1.5 ounces. In Missouri, Amendment 3 passed, allowing adults to purchase and possess up to three ounces, with a provision for registered home cultivation. Similar measures failed in Arkansas and North and South Dakota. (Vox, CNBC)

New York state is just now accepting applications for retail cannabis licenses. But the Big Apple already sees a thriving retail trade in cannabis products, from both storefronts and street stalls—more or less tolerated by authorities. What legal rights do these unlicensed operators have, and will they survive the imposition of the licensing regime?

Industrial-scale illicit cannabis grow operations are being raided by police in Southern Oregon. Licit-market prices are totally depressed in Oregon, yet the illicit market continues to be evidently lucrative. What explains this contradiction, and what can be done?

Colombia is at a crossroads with the historic election of the left-populist Gustavo Petro as president. But will he be able to close the country’s cannabis gap? Big Bud is booming, while small peasant producers face continued eradication.

Irradiated cannabis? Yes, it’s a reality. While it may sound scary, industry tells us not to worry. Consumer advocacy groups, however, are raising concerns.

The cannabis industry is globalizing fast, which means changes for mainstays of commercial production in Europe and North America, and new players coming on line from regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Central America. Here’s a brief overview of a few entries from these categories.