top of page
CBD Shots Prove There’s Life Left in the Old Nag as Israel Develops New Pain Treatment Product for Animals
20 February 2025 at 12:30:00
Israeli company Innocann, has developed a single shot CBD injection treatment for osteoarthritis that could have wide application in the international veterinary world. The Liposomal CBD treatment was administered to Ariel the elderly donkey with positive results and there could be future application for humans.
Dr Gallow in Demand: SA’s ‘Medical Cannabis Ambassador’ Hits the World Stage After Concluding Ground-breaking SA Research
19 February 2025 at 12:30:00
Dr Shiksha Gallow recently wrapped up SA’s first Pharma-ethics and DOH approved clinical trials involving cannabis and has now become a highly sought after presenter in the international medical cannabis arena. She is presenting two papers in Brisbane this week at the CIU Australian Medical Cannabis Conference. This follows her whirlwind tour of USA, Costa Rica, Thailand and the Philippines in the past few months
Will the Shift to the Right Derail Germany’s Dramatic Regulatory Changes?
17 February 2025 at 08:00:00
Germany’s cannabis sector has undergone dramatic regulatory changes in the last year, particularly in medical cannabis uptake. However, stakeholders are concerned that the gains may be undone as the European political landscape shifts to the right.
‘TeleHealth’ Services Drive Rapidly Growing Australian Medical Cannabis Market
4 February 2025 at 07:00:00
Australia’s medical cannabis boom is being driven by an explosion of ‘telehealth’ clinics that have eliminated procedural bottlenecks and driven up prescription volumes. But they are also coming under scrutiny by authorities for ‘fronting’ for recreational use.
African Cannabis Hits an Impasse: Limited Vision, Disappointing Exports and No Local Market Development
29 January 2025 at 19:00:00
Africa has missed out on the first wave of cannabis legalization that has swept the Americas and Europe. Exports have not lived up to expectation and there has been limited local market development. African cannabis is now at an impasse and is being left further behind as international markets grow exponentially .
SA’s Medical Cannabis Expertise Spreads its Wings: Dr Gallow Invited to Philippines to Support Legalization Bid
15 January 2025 at 06:30:00
South Africa’s ‘Medical Cannabis Ambassador’, Dr Shiksha Gallow, recently trained and certified 40 doctors in medical cannabis in the Philippines where the practice is generally outlawed. She was keynote speaker at a conference pushing to legalize medical cannabis and urged the Manilla government to accept the legitimacy of cannabis as a healing plant.
Poland’s Medical Cannabis Shake-Up: Drastic Drop in Patients as Authorities Halt the “Prescription Machine’.
13 January 2025 at 09:30:00
Since November 2024, Poland has observed a drastic decrease in the number of prescriptions for medical cannabis. This change is a direct result of the tightening of regulations on ‘prescription machines’ by the Ministry of Health which specifies that prospective patients have to be personally examined by a doctor.
2025: Mixed Outlook for US Cannabis Market, But Overall A Better Year Expected
12 January 2025 at 08:30:00
2024 was a rough year for cannabis investors in the US, but 2025 could be much better. Here are cannabis investment specialist Cabot Health’s top eight predictions for the cannabis sector for the year ahead.
Blowing in the Wind: Cannabis Cross-Pollination a Source of Concern for US Hemp Farmers
6 January 2025 at 06:00:00
It’s well-known that cannabis pollen travels far and wide and that planting high THC and low THC varietals in the same geographical area can be detrimental to both. According to a new study, cross-pollination in the US cannabis industry is becoming a serious challenge.
Brand on the Run: Cannabis Marketing Tips for the New Year
1 January 2025 at 14:00:00
As South African cannabis begins pivoting from the underground into the mainstream, so does brand development become a key focus for entrepreneurs. And as everyone knows, you can’t develop a brand without marketing. Here IC Glass, California shares some marketing tips that local cannabis business may find useful in 2025.
Bitcoin and Bud: Crypto Offers Cultivators a Secure Financial Tool to Protect Their Interests
22 December 2024 at 09:00:00
Bitcoin is the natural fit for the cannabis industry. If you believe in decentralization, open-source technology, resilience, and biodiversity, Bitcoin aligns perfectly with these values. By using Bitcoin, breeders and growers can be paid in a currency that allows them to focus on their craft without the need to engage in patent wars or defend intellectual property.
Cannabis Australia 2024: Inappropriate Policies Out of Kilter With Public Opinion
21 December 2024 at 05:00:00
Australia is one of the fastest growing medicinal cannabis markets and there is mounting public pressure for adult-use legalization. However, as John Ryan of the Pennington Institute reports, 2024 has been a year where authorities have not got the message and a prohibitionist mindset continues to hold the industry back.
Brazil: Medical Cannabis Market Booming as the Pieces Fall into Place
14 December 2024 at 07:00:00
Medical cannabis use has climbed to new peaks in Brazil, with a 56% increase in patients seeking treatment. This in turn has led to a 22% increase in revenue in the sector as the South American giant shows how the healing benefits of the plant are having a knock-on effect on the economy.
Global Drug Policy Report: The ‘War Against Drugs' Has Failed; Time to Move Beyond Punishment
13 December 2024 at 07:00:00
Cannabis legalization has reduced criminal activity and led to better health outcomes. That's the view of the Global Commission on Drug Policy which has urged the US and Canada to decriminalize the use and possession of drugs, saying to date previous prohibition policies have failed.
Syria’s Collapse Exposes How Dictator’s Captagon Cartel Cornered the Jihad Market
10 December 2024 at 06:00:00
Syria has been responsible for 80% of the world’s production of Captagon, a metamphetamine-like narcotic that makes one feel ‘invincible. described as. Deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad is believed to have earned billions from the illicit production and distribution of the Jihad’s ‘drug of choice’ that generated over US$4 billion for his regime. Now what’s going to happen?
‘Eco-Friendly’ is a Growing Fashion Niche But Hemp Clothing Will Never Challenge Synthetics in the Mass Market
7 December 2024 at 04:00:00
Hemp clothing is gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative in the apparel industry. Yet, the higher price tag often deters consumers. This premium stems from production challenges, including natural yarn inconsistencies, rigorous quality control processes and the commitment to sustainable practices.
Scratching the Next Surface: Minor Cannabinoids Hold the Key to Major Therapeutic Benefits
4 December 2024 at 06:00:00
From CBN to CBG and THCA, there are more than 100 cannabinoids in the plant with different psychoactive and non-psychoactive components. Indeed, each cannabinoid counts different attributes, with research only beginning to scratch the surface of how we can leverage specific cannabinoids for specific therapies.
Moving on Up! Cheeba’s Higher Certificate Course has Become Africa’s First Officially Recognized Cannabis Education Qualification
29 November 2024 at 08:00:00
Cheeba Africa operates at a foundational level in cannabis development, providing the basic skills, training and education that is the bedrock of any sunrise industry. After years of persistence it has finally clinched official recognition for its Higher Certificate in Cannabis Production & Management course, providing a new basic industry standard.
Cartel Crackdown: Operation Orion, the Colombian Narco-Sub Navy, Record Coke Busts and 1 000 tons of Cannabis Seized in Undercover Raids
28 November 2024 at 10:00:00
A mega undercover anti-narcotics operation involving 64 countries resulted in the seizure of 1 000 tons of illicit cannabis and a world-record 225 kg cocaine bust. Operation Orion, which resulted in over 400 arrests, was aimed at hitting Colombian drug cartels and uncovered a major smuggling route from South America to Australia.
Australian Greens Fail to Push Cannabis Legalization Through the Senate
27 November 2024 at 12:00:00
Legalization in Australia has suffered a setback after a Greens Party bid to introduce a cannabis law in the Senate was blocked by other parties. The Greens responded, slamming the Government for continuing to “criminalize” Australia’s 8,8 million cannabis users, saying “legalization was inevitable”.
Trending USA: Pre-Roll Market on a Roll, Driven by Youngsters' Desire for 'Convenience Consumption'
25 November 2024 at 06:00:00
Millennials, Gen Xers and GenZ's are driving the shift towards convenience and ready-to-use cannabis products. One of the fastest growing segments in the US market over the past year as been that of pre-rolled joints. These have evolved from a niche offering to a staple on retail shelves
New Long-Term Study Busts Stereotypes About Cannabis Use and Mental Decline
22 November 2024 at 07:00:00
Men with a history of cannabis use over 44 years were not any more likely to show mental decline in old age than non-users. The ‘Brain and Behaviour’ Study is the latest report to debunk the myth that cannabis use leads to age-related cognitive decline.
Pain Relief is what Most Medical Cannabis Patients Are Looking For
20 November 2024 at 05:00:00
In the United States nearly one-third (32%) of medical cannabis patients cite chronic pain as their primary condition for medical cannabis use, with anxiety the second most common (26.8%) followed by insomnia (18.5%).
Finally, the Multi-Million Euro JuicyFields Cannabis Scam Starts Finding its Way to Court
17 November 2024 at 06:00:00
Two German nationals believed to be pivotal to the E645 million JuicyFields fraud are soon to appear in a Berlin court. However the thousands of investors left out of pocket by the complex cannabis pyramid scheme are unlikely to see any of their funds returned.
Trump’s White House Unlikely to Prioritize Cannabis, That’s Probably a Good Thing
13 November 2024 at 12:00:00
US cannabis stakeholders have cautiously welcomed Donald Trump’s return to the White House, saying the industry will probably escape the impending pushback of Biden policies. Trump does not see cannabis as a priority issue, which means current reform initiatives are likely to remain intact and that the plant is still in line to be removed from the federal list of controlled substances.
Former Israeli US Ambassador: IDF is Targeting Hezbollah’s Drug Empire in Lebanon
11 November 2024 at 09:00:00
The Israeli Defence Force believes that one of Hezbollah’s main funding sources is the trade in Captagon, a powerful amphetamine that is produced almost entirely in the Middle East. A former Israeli ambassador to the US says the recent IDF strikes in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley have the aim of taking out Hezbollah’s narcotics production infrastructure.
Trump’s Pro-Business Stance Gives US Cannabis Stakeholders ‘Tempered Hope’ for the Future
6 November 2024 at 18:00:00
Donald Trump’s White House victory has been greeted with cautious optimism by the big players in the US cannabis industry. They don’t see the Republicans rolling back plans for federal reform, banking access and state autonomy and hope for bipartisan support in dealing with regulatory challenges.
Mexico Moves to Ban All Vapes, Critics Fear The Cartels Will Step Into the Void
2 November 2024 at 07:00:00
Mexico ’s new president wants to constitutionally ban all vapes by the end of the year. Critics are concerned that this overlooks the fact that vapes are nicotine alternatives and that banning them will simply drive the vape market further underground.
Global Cannabis Market Just Keeps Growing, Africa Nowhere Really to be Seen
31 October 2024 at 07:00:00
International consulting company Global G has just released its Global Cannabis Market: Fall 2024 Outlook which shows the market just keeps growing. The oils market especially has expanded rapidly in a sector that has increased by 14% in value over the past year. Sadly, Africa is nowhere to be found in this positive prognosis.
USA: NYC vs 'Grey Zone'; 'Grey Zone' Wins for Now
31 October 2024 at 06:00:00
South African cannabis retailers trapped in the ‘grey zone’ of regulatory vacuum may take heart from a recent bombshell ruling in New York City. A Queens judge has ruled as unconstitutional a state law that allowed NYC to padlock hundreds of suspected illegal cannabis shops.
New Wave of Legalization Expected After US Elections, Starting with Florida
30 October 2024 at 10:00:00
The US Presidential elections are set to unleash a new wave of cannabis legalization no matter what the outcome. This is the first US election where there is bipartisan support for cannabis reform with both Democrats and Republicans backing the Biden administration’s push to reschedule cannabis and remove it from the list of scheduled substances..
Trending USA: Younger Women Now Buying More Cannabis than the Guys
25 October 2024 at 07:00:00
The United States’ US$30 billion cannabis industry is experiencing a surge in female buying power. And with younger women now buying more cannabis than their male counterparts, cannabis companies are re-evaluating their product offerings and marketing strategies.
CBD Skincare Market is Growing Faster Than You Can Apply Moisturizer on a Dry Day
23 October 2024 at 09:00:00
The South African CBD skincare market is poised to grow significantly for the rest of the decade, outpacing most other CBD categories. This is in line with global trends which show that growing consumer awareness of CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects is translating into sales.
Hemp-Derived CBD Pesticide Found to be Effective Against Mosquitoes
23 October 2024 at 08:00:00
New uses for industrial cannabis are being discovered all the time. A recent study published in the journal Insects found that hemp-derived CBD kills Yellow Fever mosquitoes in their larval phase, opening up new possibilities in ecologically-sustainable insect control.
Here’s a Thought from the Taxman in Kansas: It Would Be More Practical to First Legalize 'Rec' Use While Developing a Proper Medical Cannabis Framework
21 October 2024 at 08:00:00
Kansas lawmakers are debating cannabis legalization, and a senior taxman has suggested the US state start with regulating cannabis for recreational use rather than begin with a medical cannabis programme as other states have done. This, he said, would be “easier to implement”. South African policy-makers should take note: this could solve a lot of self-inflicted regulatory problems, which appear to be getting worse.
Paraguay exports 100% of its Flower to Europe, Uses Freeze Drying to Gain Competitive Advantage
19 October 2024 at 13:00:00
Paraguay has clinched a deal to export all its cannabis flower to Europe. It has wooed European buyers with advanced technology such as freeze-drying, to become a major player in the global cannabis industry.
White House Hopeful Kamala Harris Promises Federal Legalization, While Pro-Cannabis Campaigners in Florida Raise US$100 Million
16 October 2024 at 17:00:00
The US Presidential elections loom large with good news for the cannabis industry as both White House contenders are in favour of reform.. Kamala Harris has come out in support of federal legalization and Donald Trump says he’s in favour of a pro-cannabis vote on the Florida ballot. The pro-legalization lobby in Florida has raised over US$100 million to push for reform.
Cherokees Legalize Adult-Use in Own Territory in Prohibitionist North Carolina
9 October 2024 at 07:00:00
The legalization of cannabis across the US has left North Carolina behind. Here medical and recreational use remains prohibited, but that hasn’t stopped the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to leverage their sovereignty to became the first indigenous tribe to launch a regulated cannabis market.
UK Study: Many ‘Cannabis Vapes’ Contain a Dangerous ‘Synthetic Cannabinoid”
8 October 2024 at 06:00:00
‘Synthetic Cannabinoids’ (SC’s) are prevelant in the cannabis vapes sourced from the US being sold in the UK. A University of Bath study has revealed that vaping might not be such a ‘less harmful’ way of ingesting cannabis than previously believed.
Breaking New Frontiers: Afriplex Unveils Process to Turn Cannabinoids into Non-Cannabis Catalysts For Industrial Applications
3 October 2024 at 10:00:00
Afriplex, a subsidiary of the investment group, Impilovest, has invested R150 million in upgrading its scientific technology capacity in the past four years and has entered a completely new space in the cannabis industry. It has invested in highly-specialized equipment that uses cannabinoids as building blocks to create new compounds and processes. These have nothing to do with traditional cannabis applications but have a wide range of industrial and other uses.
Cannabis USA: The Economic Upside of Legalization
3 October 2024 at 07:00:00
There’s no doubt that despite the pain many cannabis companies have felt, the industry itself is burgeoning, creating new businesses and jobs, opening up fresh markets – and importantly, from a government perspective, adding big numbers to the fiscus. In the US, legal cannabis jurisdictions generated over US$4 billion in tax revenue in 2023.
Cannabis and Sex: Three US States Invite Public Comment About Treating Female Orgasmic Disorder with Medical Cannabis
26 September 2024 at 05:00:00
Over 40% of women worldwide have difficulty in attaining orgasm and this is now being treated as a serious health issue. In the US, the states of Oregon, New Mexico, and Arkansas opened public comment periods regarding adding Female Orgasm Difficulty/Disorder (FOD) as a condition of treatment with medical cannabis.
Trump Now on the Vote-Catching Cannabis Bandwagon: Says He Supports Legalization in Florida
19 September 2024 at 12:00:00
Cannabis is no longer a divide between Republicans and Democrats after Donald Trump has come out in support for legalizing adult-use cannabis in Florida. He has taken some fellow Republicans by surprise with a pro-cannabis stance, but polls show that Americans overwhelmingly support full legalization
Advice for Cannabis Entrepreneurs: Learn Like Mad, Network Like Crazy and Commit Yourself to the Long Haul
19 September 2024 at 08:00:00
Regulatory hurdles, the lack of finance and the ‘knowledge gap’ remain the biggest challenges to unlocking the potential of cannabis in South Africa. Despite this several successful cannabis businesses have been launched, and there are more and more entrepreneurial opportunities opening up. But be warned, cannabis remains a risky proposition, requires significant upfront investment and a deep understanding of an evolving market.
As War Clouds Loom, Lebanon Looks to Legalize Hash to Raise Cash
17 September 2024 at 11:00:00
A 2020 McKinsey Report proposed that Lebanon legalize hash for medical and export purposes, saying that it could raise US$1 bllion for the fragile Middle Eastern country. Now, with the increasing prospect of a full-blown regional war, there is renewed pressure on the Government to legalize hashish as an economic lifeline.
Cannabis Legalization a 'Significant Threat' to the US Alcohol Industry
16 September 2024 at 11:00:00
It’s already an established trend that more young Americans are choosing cannabis over alcohol for their recreational pursuits. With the probability of the US legalizing cannabis at a federal level in the not too distant future, the alcohol industry is increasingly concerned that legal cannabis will be bad for liquor sales - particularly for beer and wine.
DEA Kicks Cannabis Reclassification Decision into Touch; Will Only Happen After US Elections
12 September 2024 at 10:30:00
A decision on whether to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug in the US won’t come until after the November presidential election, a timeline that raises the chances it could still be a potent political issue in the closely contested race for the White House.
Cannabinoid Research: CBD & THC May Not Balance Each Other Out After All
9 September 2024 at 09:00:00
The two most studied compounds in cannabis may not balance each other out like it's commonly claimed. THC and CBD are often pitted against each other, but their effects on the human body may not be in a tug-of-war after all. A new study reveals CBD may not take the edge off THC, but in fact, taken at high doses may enhance the psychoactive effect.
Pakistan Set to Legalize Medical Cannabis as Regulatory Framework Takes Shape
9 September 2024 at 07:00:00
Pakistan is the latest Asian country to look to cannabis to boost its economic fortunes. The plant has already been legalized for industrial purposes (with a THC limit of 0,3%) and now lawmakers are debating an overall cannabis framework that would include medicinal use.
President Petro Calls for Full Legalization (Again) as Colombia Becomes a Global Leader in Cannabis Exports
6 September 2024 at 07:00:00
Colombia is probably South Africa’s main competitor in exporting medicinal cannabis to Europe, but it is streets ahead in terms of delivery. It is now a global leader in cannabis exports, while South Africa languishes in the proverbial backwaters. Meanwhile, President Gustavo Pedro wants to take reform further and legalize full adult-use consumption in the ninth attempt to get lawmakers onside.
Young Americans: Cannabis and Psychedelics Use at Historically High Levels, Tobacco and Opioid Use Declining
5 September 2024 at 08:00:00
Alcohol remains the most consumed substance in the States but new lifestyle trends are emerging. A recent Monitoring the Future survey shows that 42% of young adults use cannabis regularly. Psychedelics are at the height of ther popularity, while cigarette consumption and opioid use continue their years-long decline.
Early Mover Tokyo Smoke May Go Up in Smoke as Canadian Cannabis Retailers Face Crunch Times
3 September 2024 at 12:00:00
In a sign that even the most mature cannabis markets remain risky, Canadian ‘lifestyle brand’ Tokyo Smoke has shuttered 29 stores and is seeking creditor protection. This early-mover still has 167 outlets in business, but is grappling with persistently high costs and relentlessly declining prices.
Armed Police Swarm Over Grounded BA Flight Carrying Medical Cannabis, Highlights UK Cop Confusion On Legal Status
31 August 2024 at 07:00:00
Armed police recently swarmed over a grounded British Airways flight after concerns were raised about medical cannabis on board. Ultimately, it was all above board! The incident has highlighted the fact that a third of surveyed police officers did not know that medical cannabis was legal under prescription, sparking further calls for more police education on current cannabis laws.
NYC Destroys 4 Tons of Cannabis in Mass Clampdown on Illegal Retailers
30 August 2024 at 10:00:00
New York City authorities have launched a major crackdown on illegal cannabis retailers following the recent introduction of tax regulations. This has sparked a string of lawsuits - and protestations from hemp shops that they are being unfairly targeted. South African 'grey zone' retailers, take note!
More Study Needed on Potential Harms as European Cannabis Landscape Becomes More Complicated
23 August 2024 at 11:00:00
More research is urgently needed on the harms associated with cannabis as the plant remains by far the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe. Around 23 million people regularly use cannabis which is relatively stable compared to the previous year. A new report identifies key trends in cannabis being the divergent regulatory approaches by different countries, a greater choice of consumer product, and the rising omnipresence of THC.
Ukraine Legalizes Medical Cannabis as Russian Invasion Unleashes Widespread Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
19 August 2024 at 06:00:00
Ukraine has legalized medical cannabis as one of the ways of dealing with the Russian invasion which has obviously been deeply stressful to a large number of civilians and soldiers. One of the main reasons behind legalization is the potential healing effect cannabis may play in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.
California Cannabis Crisis: Poor Prices and Wildfires Push Small Scale Farmers to the Brink
18 August 2024 at 09:30:00
California is a good example of legalization backfiring on the small-scale grower. Many of the Golden State’s cannabis farmers have been crushed by poor prices and the damage wrought by wildfires and are going out of business..
High Times: A Jo’burg Boytjie’s Life as an Afghan Cannabis Smuggling Kingpin
18 August 2024 at 09:00:00
Michael Medjuck’s extraordinary life took him from King David’s High School in Johannesburg to the Montreal underworld where he became one of North America’s biggest cannabis smugglers. He was arrested in in 1991 by US federal agents, convicted of trafficking and sentenced to 24 years in prison. He was released nine years early after agreeing to give evidence against a corrupt prison guard, but barely a year later he was arrested in Spain for cocaine-smuggling!
UK Concern that Medical Cannabis is Being Overtaken by ‘Pseudo-Recreational Market’
16 August 2024 at 06:00:00
Cannabis medical prescriptions in the United Kingdom have shot up in the past year, many of them for ‘unlicensed cannabis-based medicines’. A clampdown appears imminent against those doctors who are issuing medical scripts to ‘patients’ who are really wanting just to get stoned.
German Market Starting to Cook with Rocketing Medical Patient Numbers and Price Affordability
11 August 2024 at 11:00:00
The German cannabis industry is taking off following the landmark Cannabis Act which reclassified the plant as a non-narcotic. Consumers have benefitted from easier access to medical cannabis and a drop in up to 50% in price compared to a year ago.
Brighter Outlook for US Cannabis Reform as Dems Field Pro-Legalization Presidential Ticket and Trump Hints at Decriminalization
10 August 2024 at 08:00:00
The future of cannabis reform in the US is now looking increasingly positive, with both presidential candidates now appearing to show their support for change. It’s also emerged that seven out of ten voters support legalization, among them many Republicans.
New Laws Put Germany on Track to Become the ‘Gold Standard’ of European Cannabis
7 August 2024 at 08:00:00
Germany has significantly expanded its medical cannabis programme and decriminalized adult-use consumption. This bodes well for the market which will continue to rely on cannabis imports to meet demand. Niklas Kouparanis, CEO of one of the country’s biggest cannabis businesses, Bloomwell, says the impact of the new laws will be felt internationally.
Philippine Lawmakers Move to Legalize Medical Cannabis, Warn This is No Stepping Stone to Allow Recreational Use
1 August 2024 at 08:00:00
Lawmakers in the Philippines House of Representatives this week voted 177-9 to legalize medical cannabis. The proposal, however, faces an uncertain future in the Senate. If passed, however, it will pip Thailand as being the first Asian country to pass a law regulating cannabis
Canna-Tourism Takes Off as Legalization Spreads, New Travel Niche Set to Blossom
1 August 2024 at 07:00:00
The global cannabis industry, which includes travel and tourism, is expected to reach a whopping $444 billion by 2030. Key destinations for cannabis tourism include Canada, Spain, Germany, the U.S. and Thailand, each with unique offerings.
Thailand Bows to Stakeholder Pressure: Will Legalize Medical Use and Refer Recreational Use Back to Parliament
29 July 2024 at 07:00:00
The Thai Government has backtracked on recriminalizing recreational cannabis after mounting opposition from activists and commercial interests. Instead it will regulate medical use and refer recreational use back to Parliament to decide on the way forward.
Thailand: Cannabis Activists Go on Hunger Strike as Recriminalization Approaches
26 July 2024 at 12:00:00
Cannabis reform is not a one way street, as Thailand has shown us. Once hailed as Asia’s beacon of progressive cannabis thinking, legalization is about to be rolled back with the plant to be reclassified as a narcotic.
Interpol Comes Knocking as SA Emerges as a Key Player on the International Narco-Trafficking Scene
24 July 2024 at 15:00:00
South Africa’s role as a key hub in international narco-trafficking is coming to the fore and the country is also a “cornerstone production location for crystal meth, cat, mandrax and MDMA. Now Interpol has dropped in for a look.
Kamala Kush — The Evolving Cannabis Politics of Kamala Harris
24 July 2024 at 10:00:00
US Democratic Party presidential nominee Kamala Harris has been plunged into the limelight since Joe Biden's sudden resignation last week. Although she's been hstorically conservative around cannabis reform, expect this to change in the run-up to the November 2024 elections for the White House
Leaked Docs Reveal Czechia’s Quiet Plans to Legalize Full Commercial Adult Use Cannabis Market
20 July 2024 at 07:00:00
The Czech government looks to be pursuing a full commercial adult-use cannabis market as part of its ‘Cannabis Management Act’, according to leaked documents. These envisage a cannabis regulatory model similar to that of the US and Germany.
Cannabis and Celebs: Snoop Dogg Launches Death Row Brand at an LA Airport
18 July 2024 at 10:00:00
Snoop Dogg has launched his first licensed cannabis dispensary and exclusive product line under the Death Row Cannabis brand. The shop, S.W.E.D., is located near LAX airport in Los Angeles and the company said its first product line honours the late rapper
US Cannabis Trends: The ‘Munchies’ Are Driving Significant Changes in the Food and Beverage Markets
11 July 2024 at 10:00:00
Millennials and Gen Z’s are driving the cannabis markets in legal jurisdictions. But they’re not just getting high, they’re getting hungry as well and ‘convenience’ food outlets are reaping the benefits.
Swiss Pilot Study Shows Trend Towards ‘Lower-Risk’ Cannabis Consumption
10 July 2024 at 16:00:00
Six months on from the opening of Europe’s first legal cannabis stores in Switzerland, experts are reporting trends towards regulated sales and ‘lower-risk’ consumption methods, such as edibles and extracts.
Germany: Cannabis Social Clubs Now Legal as Measure to Curb Black Market
3 July 2024 at 12:00:00
Local officials began accepting applications for prospective cannabis cooperatives from 1 July 2024. But it may still be some time before members can start obtaining cannabis under the country’s legalization law, with individual states free to set certain rules for the facilities.
UN Drug Body: 90% of Global Tramadol Seizures in Past Five Years Have Been in Africa
28 June 2024 at 07:00:00
The UNODC reports that Africa is facing an alarming increase in ‘dangerous drug cocktails’, with youngsters most susceptible to this growing trend. This is highlighted by news that almost all global seizures of tramadol – an opioid analgesic used in most of these cocktails – occur the region.
Africa’s Cannabis Consumption is Growing Faster Than Anywhere Else, So is the Use of Dangerous New Drug “Cocktails”
27 June 2024 at 08:00:00
Cannabis use in Africa is growing faster than any other region in the world, according to the latest UN Drug Report. The continent is also increasingly affected by drug trafficking and the use of new and dangerous drug “cocktails”
Cannabis And Sport: Portland Pickles is 1st Pro Baseball Team to Sell THC Products at Home Games
21 June 2024 at 09:30:00
Cannabis is now well-known for its association with sports medicine, but a US baseball team is taking things to the next level. The Portland Pickles will be the first US sports team to sell THC products at its home games as sport and cannabis hit the entertainment level.
Mexico’s New President: Good News for the Cannabis Industry, Bad News for the Cartels
13 June 2024 at 09:00:00
Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is a climate change scientist with a Jewish background. Her ascension to power is a positive sign for the country’s cannabis industry as she has long been a proponent of legalization.
New Study: Drugs are Affecting the Environment, Big Pharma Needs to Make ‘Greener’ Products
8 June 2024 at 08:00:00
A report published by Nature Sustainability shows that human drug usage is becoming a threat to wildlife. Among the findings are that addiction, anxiety and sex reversal have been reported in species by researchers as a range of substances contaminate ecosystems around the world.
Ukraine Removes Cannabis from its List of Dangerous Psychotropic Substances
1 June 2024 at 09:00:00
Ukraine has also removed THC from the banned list but includes it in a ‘list of restricted narcotic drugs’ permitted for educational, scientific and technical uses, opening up the way for the future production of narcotic drugs and new pharmaceutical products.
Tipping Points: Americans Now Consume More Cannabis Than Alcohol on a Daily Basis.
26 May 2024 at 14:00:00
For the first time, the number of Americans who use cannabis daily or nearly every day has surpassed those who drink alcohol as frequently. This marks a significant cultural shift as recreational cannabis becomes more mainstream and legalized across the United States.
Pres Biden’s “Momentous” Announcement on Rescheduling Cannabis is the ‘Biggest Shift’ in 50 Years of US Cannabis Policy
18 May 2024 at 07:00:00
On Thursday, 16 May 2024, US President Joe Biden announced that the US Justice Department is moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. He said he is committed to “righting the wrongs” of prohibition, though the reclassification doesn’t help those currently in jail on cannabis offences.
Cannabis Stakeholder's Plan Action as Thailand’s Cannabis U Turn Threatens Thousands of Businesses
16 May 2024 at 06:00:00
Thailand’s move to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic threatens to trigger street protests and class-action suits by owners of thousands of dispensaries which sprung across the country in the wake of decriminalisation two years ago.
Thailand’s Shock U-Turn on Cannabis: Strictly Medicinal, Broader Adult-Use Will be Prohibited.
9 May 2024 at 05:00:00
Despite the positive economic impact cannabis has had on the post-Covid Thai economy, the new government is set on reversing the cannabis reform gains made by the previous administration. It is turning it’s back on a growing industry that was projected to be worth up to US$1,2 billion by 2025.
Blinded by the Green: The JuicyFields Scandal and the Psychology of High Returns
8 May 2024 at 09:00:00
In the face of slick marketing investors fell into a variety of psychological investment traps: FOMO, Herd Mentality, the Ripple Effect, Cognitive Bias Confirmation Bias and the Halo Effect. But behind it all lies that basic human instinct, greed, which is the driving force behind so many financial decisions.
Middle East Conflict: Moroccan Hash Dealers Boycott Israel Over Gaza
7 May 2024 at 04:00:00
Although exporting Hashish to Israel was incredibly lucrative to dealers in Morocco, they are no longer willing to sell to Israeli dealers: 'Why Should Israelis be able to make a living selling Moroccan hashish when our Palestinian brothers are suffering from hunger?'
DEA’s Historic Move to Reclassify Cannabis to Recognize its Medical Benefits
1 May 2024 at 07:00:00
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), under the Biden administration, will move to reclassify cannabis under Schedule III, meaning its medical benefits will be recognized by the federal government.
JuicyFields: Swedish Lawyer Confirms Class Action Cases Against 'Enablers' Facebook and Ernst and Young
1 May 2024 at 06:00:00
The recent arrests in connection with the JuicyFields fraud, are to be welcomed says Lars Olofsson, the Swedish lawyer trying to retrieve investor funds, but there should have been more people taken into custody and the way the investigation is being conducted is actually an embarrassment to the German police.
2024: The 25 Nations That Consume The Most Cannabis
30 April 2024 at 08:00:00
The US of A leads the way in global prevalence of cannabis use with some 22,8% of adults consuming on an annual basis. South Africa is nowhere near the top with only an estimated 3 – 5% of the adult population consuming. Take a look at the charts, courtesy Yahoo Finance, for some unexpected results.
South African Willem v d Merwe Among those Arrested for JuicyFields Scam: Also Faces Fraud Charges in Cape Town Over Missing Investor Cash
29 April 2024 at 10:00:00
The former JuicyFields CEO has reportedly been arrested in Switzerland as part of Europol’s crackdown on the fraudulent cannabis crowd-funding scam. He’s also facing fraud charges in Cape Town in connection with allegedly siphoning off investor cash for his own interests.
CBD Over-Hyped in Pain Treatment, Probably Doesn't Work Says International Review Panel
28 April 2024 at 06:00:00
A review of 16 randomised controlled trials testing the efficacy of CBD products for pain found they did not work. Although CBD may have positive effects in treating other conditions, a group of UK and Canadian researchers have said CBD products are over-hyped in treating pain.
Finally, the First JuicyFields Arrests – “The Russian” is Tracked Down in the Dominican Republic As Europol Cracks the Whip
26 April 2024 at 11:00:00
One of the original ‘Russian mafia’masterminds behind the JuicyFields scam was among those recently arrested in connection with the latest cannabis ponzi scheme. This suggests JuicyFields evolved into another scam, that has continued to take money from gullible cannabis investors who to date may have lost US$700 million through Juicyfields and its associates.
BREAKING
International News
Cannabiz Africa brings you the hottest breaking international cannabis news right here! From crucial developments in laws and reform to socio-economic changes in the industry. Find your latest dose of breaking news right here and stay onto of the earliest developments!
Cannabiz Africa Weekly Newsline
The Business Of Cannabis
Free every Thursday.
Dr Gallow in Demand: SA’s ‘Medical Cannabis Ambassador’ Hits the World Stage After Concluding Ground-breaking SA Research
Dr Shiksha Gallow recently wrapped up SA’s first Pharma-ethics and DOH approved clinical trials involving cannabis and has now become a highly sought after presenter in the international medical cannabis arena. She is presenting two papers in Brisbane this week at the CIU Australian Medical Cannabis Conference. This follows her whirlwind tour of USA, Costa Rica, Thailand and the Philippines in the past few months
What Sets Us Apart ?
Cannabiz Africa is the leading B2B news platform for the continent's cannabis industry, connecting you directly with key stakeholders. With over 4,000 unique monthly users and a growing audience of 1,500 engaged Newsline subscribers, we provide unmatched visibility for your brand. Advertise with us today to reach the heart of the industry! Click here, to advertise your brand, product and or service
bottom of page