Malta first EU nation to legalize cannabis use, St. Louis repeals local possession laws, and a Massachusetts company unveils the world’s largest pot brownie.
There can be a lot to keep track of when it comes to the fast-paced world of cannabis information and news. Our roundup has everything you might have missed from the last week and more.
US Congress Seeks Cannabis Reform In Spring Session
“The federal proposals seek to establish 21st century banking services for the nearly $18 billion industry and purge the criminal records of thousands of marijuana offenders.”
“Cannabis Buds and Flowers Will Soon Be Legalized in Thailand. Here’s What That Means.” [Editorial]
“[Thailand’s] new narcotics code, which officially came into effect on Dec. 9, no longer lists cannabis and hemp. And as early as next year, cannabis flowers and buds will be legal to use, process and sell outside of medical and research settings.”
Malta First EU Nation To Legalize Cannabis Use
“Equality Minister, Owen Bonnici, said the “historic” move would stop small-time cannabis users from facing the criminal justice system, and would “curb drug trafficking by making sure that [users] now have a safe and regularised way from where they can obtain cannabis”.”
“California pot companies warn of impending industry collapse” [Editorial]
“The letter signed by more than two dozen executives, industry officials and legalization advocates followed years of complaints that the heavily taxed and regulated industry was unable to compete with the widespread illegal economy, where consumer prices are far lower and sales are double or triple the legal business.”
Missouri: St. Louis Mayor Signs Bill Repealing Cannabis Possession Laws
“The measure also states that the smell or presence of marijuana no longer can be sole probable cause for search and arrest. The bill also prohibits police from enforcing state and federal laws against possession of small amounts with certain exceptions.”
“Illinois cannabis regulation: moldy weed but no consumer alert or recall, secret investigations” [Editorial]
“Illinois has some of the strictest rules in the nation for cannabis safety and quality, with cannabis required to pass tests for mold, yeast, bacteria and other contaminants that are much tougher than those in many states. Some states don’t require testing at all for certain contaminants. But Illinois officials do little to police those tests to ensure they’re done properly.”
“Marijuana wars: Violent Mexican drug cartels turn Northern California into ‘The Wild West’” [Editorial]
“The state legalized marijuana in 2016 for adult recreational use, yet the black market continues to thrive with thousands of illegal grows. Criminal syndicates, in turn, are cashing in across the U.S. on the “green gold rush.””
Virginia Seeks To Hasten Recreational Cannabis Sales
“Under a Democratic-controlled state legislature, Virginia legalized simple possession and limited home cultivation for adults earlier this year. However, retail sales were delayed until 2024, with lawmakers including a reenactment clause to the bill requiring that a second vote be held during the 2022 legislative session to move forward with the legal market.”
“Rastafari want more legal marijuana for freedom of worship.” {Editorial]
“For Rastafari, the ritualistic smoking of marijuana brings them closer to the divine. But for decades, many have been incarcerated because of their use of cannabis. As public opinion and policy continues to shift in the U.S. and across the world toward legalization of the drug for both medical and recreational purposes, Rastafari are clamoring for broader relaxation to curtail persecution and ensure freedom of worship.”
Massachusetts: World’s Largest Pot Brownie Contains 20 Grams Of THC
The brownie is staggering in its sheer size, weighing 850 pounds and containing 20,000 milligrams of THC. It measures 3 feet wide and 3 feet, 15 inches tall. That completely shatters the world’s previous largest brownie (243 pounds) according to the Guinness World Records.