Breakthrough in Mauritius as Govt Looks at Legalization Options and Calls for Public Input
In a major policy conceptual shift, the Indian Ocean island has taken the first tentative steps towards legalizing cannabis. The National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) has established a technical committee to look at various options regarding cannabis reform and will launch an online portal to gauge public opinion.
California Study: In Areas Where There are Licensed Farms, Illegal Cannabis Growing Declines
A California study has shown that the biggest deterrent to illicit cannabis cultivation in any area is the presence of a licensed facility. The study found that this was consistently more effective than enforcement or bans in restricting illegal grow ops, because licensed facilities bought with them the spotlight of compliance.
US: Cannabis Rescheduling Creates 2-Tier Structure, Benefits Medical, Adult-Use Still in Limbo
The reclassification of cannabis as a ‘less dangerous drug’ has far-reaching beneficial implications for medical cannabis and research but has left the adult-use market in a limbo. CNN takes a deep dive into the implications of the rescheduling order signed last week by the US Attorney General.
420 Day in the USA: From Counter-Culture to Across-the-Counter-Culture
420 Day was traditionally about the cannabis community coming together to celebrate underground weed culture. But now in the age of legal cannabis, the 4th of April has become a retail marketing hook with a focus on customer acquisition and retention.
Accra to Host HempTech 2026 as Ghana Taps the African Diaspora to Remit Their Money into Hemp Investments
Ghana is looking to leverage the investment power of its citizens living abroad to boost its fledgling cannabis industry. To this end Accra is hosting the 6th Annual HempTech Conference on June 19th – 20th, 2026 to bring together international investors, policymakers, innovators, and diaspora leaders.
US Reschedules Cannabis as ‘Less Dangerous’ , Expanding Patient Access and Boosting Research
In a major policy announcement, the US Department of Justice has announced the reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 3. This has far reaching implications for medical cannabis research and business tax, but does not legalize adult-use consumption at a federal level.
The ‘Godfather of American Legal Cannabis’ is Headline Act at Upcoming Major International Cannabis Policy Conference in Cape Town
UCT’s Law School is to host a major international cannabis policy conference at the end of June, bringing together global thought-leaders to develop sustainable and inclusive cannabis policies. The three-day event is open to the general public who are encouraged to participate in the programme.
Clash of the Titans: Bob Marley Estate Sues Tilray for Royalties-Related Fraud
Bob Marley’s estate has accused cannabis multinational Tilray Brands of fraud by deliberately hiding royalties payments due to the commercial heirs of the legendary reggae icon. The estate has filed a lawsuit to recover US$11 million it believes it is due.
Thailand: Mass Cannabis Retail Closure as Model Shifts to ‘Medical Only’
Thailand’s move away from general adult-use towards a ‘medical only’ model has led to the decimation of that country’s ‘Grey Zone’. Of the 18 000 cannabis outlets facing closure, fewer than 15% are likely to continue under new regulations which specify that cannabis sales are for medical use only.
Trump Opens the Door for Psychedelic Drugs to Treat Serious Mental Illness
President Donald Trump has opened the door for psychedelic drugs to be used as a potential treatment for serious mental illness. He signed an executive order on 18 April 2026 that empowers the FDA to do this and put aside US$50 million for psychedelics research.