Cannabis Liberation Rick Simpson, the godfather of cannabis oil, was one of the main guest speakers during the 8th annual Cannabis Liberation Day in Amsterdam. The Canadian cannabis oil producer is responsible for putting the medicinal value of cannabis oil on the worldwide map. Check out this Cannabis News Network report.

Liberal drug policies have spread across Europe. But some early adopters are slipping behind.

On a cobbled street lined with tourist shops in central Prague, a darkened storefront advertises cannabis-flavoured beer and absinthe ice cream. Inside, chocolate bars featuring Bob Marley’s face are for sale alongside “mushroom cookies” and glass bongs. Nothing stronger is on offer. But in a country where the possession of drugs is mostly tolerated, it is not hard to find the real stuff elsewhere: dealers loiter in the city’s main square, and barmen sell cannabis under the counter.

A report by Radboud University researchers which says legalising cannabis production would have benefits for public health and human rights, will not have an impact on government policy, justice minister Ard van der Steur has told MPs.

The report’s findings are no reason to change policy on cannabis cafes, known as coffee shops, the minister said in answer to questions from the Socialists and D66.

The study found that illegal cannabis production was linked to criminal violence, fires, environmental and noise pollution and the spread of legionella bacteria, the Volkskrant reported last month.

The global conversation on marijuana legalization has reached its highest volume yet. Already, some countries, the United States included, have pioneered past decriminalization and into some form of legalization. Few have fully legalized marijuana — and have yet to transform into total hellscapes from it. 

The cannabis industry has shown tremendous growth over the past few years and new markets are appearing right in front of our eyes. With all of the publicity and legalization in various states, cannabis is becoming less taboo and turning into big business, and many enthusiasts are looking for ways to work in this budding industry. 

Just like the food, wine, and spirits industries have their specialized experts, connoisseurs, and sommeliers, it’s time for the Cannabis industry to employ true quality searchers and finders.

Tasting

Legalising cannabis production would have benefits for public health and human rights, according to a study commissioned by Dutch local authorities.

The 27 municipalities are among a group campaigning for a change in the law that would allow them to regulate the growing and wholesale of weed plants. The government has rejected such calls for years, arguing that it would breach international treaties designed to restrict the illegal drug trade.

According to a recent report by a joint EU watchdog, published on May 24, 2016; Europeans spend a colossal 24 billion euros ($26.8 billion) on illicit substances which, according to the report, fund crime syndicates and terrorism and“are one of the key threats to the security of the EU”.

The largest proportion of this expenditure goes to cannabis, which makes up 38% of the illegal drug market in Europe. That amounts to 9.3 billion euros ($10.4 billion). The majority of this cannabis is grown within European borders.

As a European, it’s been exhilarating to watch how the cannabis industry is sweeping across the U.S. The new brands, technology, science, culture, and great products are awe-inspiring. As much as I would love things to follow the same path here in Europe, I just can’t help but feel that things are not going to.

A Winding Road

AXIM’s CBG Clinical Trials Led by World-Renowned Dermatologist and Specialist on Psoriasis and Eczema, Dr. Meinardi, at The Maurits Clinics in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Since 1996, two dozen states have approved medical marijuana laws in the U.S. The most recent was Pennsylvania, which passed medical marijuana legislation just last month. We've also witnessed four states legalize the sale of recreational marijuana.

For medical marijuana patients, approval of the drug at the state level means possible new pathways to treatment. Though each state typically differs on what diseases and disorders qualify, glaucoma, epilepsy, and most terminal cancers are ailments that commonly fit the bill. For the states themselves, legalization is primarily motivated by the additional revenue-generating potential. Since marijuana is taxed, medical marijuana provides a way for states to funnel extra money to schools or law enforcement.