German Regional Government Against National Marijuana Legalization Plan
Germany’s Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has submitted a draft bill to legalize the possession, cultivation, and distribution of recreational cannabis products. If passed, adults in Germany can hold up to 25 grams of marijuana and grow up to three plants for personal use. The law will also permit cannabis social clubs where growers can distribute cannabis products. However, the State government in North Rhine-Westphalia opposes the plan, particularly because of the possible risk of cannabis-related brain injuries in young people under 25 years of age, as per a statement from the Ministry of Health in Düsseldorf.
Local Government In India Prohibits Cannabis Use At Lord Shiva Shrines In Odisha
The local government in the Indian state of Odisha has imposed a ban on cannabis use at all the Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ban comes ahead of the Kanwar Yatra, which starts during the monsoon season from June to September. Dilip Routray, the director of the Odia Language Literature and Culture department, issued this ban following an appeal made by a social activist named Padmashri Baba Balia. Interestingly, cannabis has been a vital component of the Lord-Shiva-centered religious celebrations.
State Department Reports That More Countries Embrace Religious Marijuana Use In 2022
In a recent annual report to Congress, the US State Department reported on issues related to religious freedom worldwide. The report examined whether marijuana laws in some countries respect believers’ rights when practicing their faith. The report found that many believers practice using marijuana during their spiritual ceremonies. Spiritual leaders around the world praised marijuana reform efforts in their respective countries. Saint Lucia’s religious organizations consulted with the government on marijuana issues, while Rastafarians in several countries were inspired by their government’s efforts to regulate the plant, as per the report’s highlights.
Police Will Regulate Cannabis Usage In Thailand
Following its electoral success in May 2023, Thailand’s Move Forward Party wants to re-classify cannabis as a controlled substance through a new Public Health Ministry regulation. The party also wants to allow police and officials dealing with narcotics to regulate cannabis usage. However, the deputy leader of MFP, Sirikanya Tansakun, said those cultivating cannabis lawfully would be protected by law. “Operators and growers who comply with rules will have their businesses protected,” Sirikanya explained.
Iceland Proposes Pilot Project To Permit Medical Cannabis use
Iceland is looking to start a four-year pilot project allowing the use, cultivation, distribution and production of medical cannabis. Following last week’s parliamentary debate in Alþingi, Icelandic Parliament, officials proposed launching this program. The Ministry of Health will work with the Minister of Culture and Trade to create a bill allowing cannabis medicine companies to apply for licenses to produce and distribute their medicines. For now, Sativex is the only marijuana-based medicine allowed in Iceland.
Cannabis Stores In British Columbia Granted Transparent Windows
British Columbia’s cannabis retailers no longer need to shield their storefronts, as per a recent announcement by the British Columbia government’s Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch. This organization is responsible for granting cannabis store licenses in the province. The announcement cited risks to dealers, staff and customers, stating that the lack of transparency at some licensed or authorized cannabis stores poses risk to those involved.
Photo: Benzinga edit of image by Shutterstock
