The world has had a long and complicated relationship with hemp.

It wasn’t until the twentieth century that hemp fell out of favor as one of the most important crops in the history of mankind. In 2016, however, anything is possible it seems.

So, it could be very soon where a variety of applications using hemp become economical, and hemp grows into a boon for society.

What was once a widespread plant became a taboo within decades. Its history shows it is useful for tens of thousands of applications and counting. 

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.

While at least one study has suggested that cannabinoid therapy could help treat symptoms of Huntington's Disease, the first-ever clinical trial investigating the efficacy of cannabis extracts in treating the disease was less than positive. 

Barcelona’s first-ever female mayor has just accomplished another first: proposing to keep the city’s famous Cannabis Social Clubs in business by implementing workable official regulations.

Last summer, Ada Colau became mayor in the historic Catalan capital. This week, she granted amnesty to existing clubs, allowing more than a hundred that were slated for permanent closure to remain open and continue shared cannabis cultivation and distribution.

But it’s an open question as to whether Mayor Colau’s move will allow the city to keep the title of Europe’s New Amsterdam, as the rules seem to change with each new municipal government.

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

It all starts with a furtive joint in the schoolyard handed round among nervous giggles and coughs. Later, when these teenagers have become frequent users, they will tell you: “Cigarettes are much worse for you than marijuana. It’s straight from a plant so it’s more natural.”

The debate over legalising marijuana fired back up in France on Tuesday after a minister said cannabis should be decriminalised.

Here are places where marijuana is already allowed for recreational or medical reasons. 

- Uruguay -

The South American nation became in 2013 the first country in the world to legalise marijuana, with a plan to distribute it through pharmacies for $1.40 (1.20 euros) a gram.

Under Uruguayan law, citizens and residents can buy up to 40 grams (1.4 ounces) of pot a month from the pharmacies, grow it themselves at home, or join cannabis clubs where members jointly tend to the plants.

The government has licensed two private companies to produce and distribute marijuana.

On today's episode of Daily VICE, we meet American marijuana consultant Russ Hudson, who uses Spain's loose marijuana restrictions to explore and review different types of weed. We join Hudson at one of Barcelona's cannabis clubs to check out his method for evaluating new strains of pot. Watch Daily VICE in the VICE channel on go90. Head to go90.com to learn more and download the app.

On today's episode of Daily VICE, we meet American marijuana consultant Russ Hudson, who uses Spain's loose marijuana restrictions to explore and review different types of weed. We join Hudson at one of Barcelona's cannabis clubs to check out his method for evaluating new strains of pot.

Supreme Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the "Company" or "Supreme") (CSE:SL) (OTC PINK:SPRWF) is pleased to announce it has established a strategic alliance (the "Strategic Alliance") with top international cannabis seed developer Dinafem Seeds ("Dinafem") based in San Sebastian, Spain. Since 2002, Dinafem has been a global leader in the innovation and standardization of cannabis genetics including pioneering many feminized and auto-flowering varieties.