South Africa to Introduce New Cannabis Laws – What You Need to Know
The South African Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has opened the proposed amendments to the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill for public comments. Interested stakeholders have been invited to write submissions on the proposed amendments by Friday, April 28, reported Business Tech.
The measure is one of the 51 bills that are currently advancing to Parliament for consideration. If passed, the legislation will allow for the cultivation of a prescribed quantity of cannabis plants, the possession of a certain amount of cannabis and the consumption of cannabis. It also seeks to provide for the expungement of criminal records of persons convicted of possessing or using cannabis or dealing in cannabis based on a presumption and for commercial activities related to cannabis.
Current laws allow both the use and cultivation of cannabis in private spaces. However, it’s not entirely clear what is considered under the term “private place.” The latest push to legalize cannabis stems from a high court ruling in 2017, in which several sections of the Drugs Act and Drug Trafficking Act were found unconstitutional.
Bahamas To Release Draft Legislation For Public Consultation On Medical Cannabis Industry
The Bahamas is pawing its way toward legalization of medical cannabis, now more than ever, with Attorney General Ryan Pinder revealing that a draft bill that seeks to set up a medical cannabis industry nationwide is expected to be released for consultation in roughly a month, reported The Tribune.
“I can let you know that all of the pieces of legislation have been drafted along with the regulations and the respective orders,” Pinder said last week during the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. “The legislation encompasses a number of amendments in a number of areas, such as the Pharmacy Act have to be amended because you deal with dispensary items and all of that, so we made all of those amendments in draft form.”
Czech Republic Takes A Step Toward Legalizing Cannabis Sales
Last week, the Czech Cabinet approved a national plan to address addiction problems. The plan, which will be in effect until 2025, includes the introduction of a regulated cannabis market and strategies for managing other addictions, including alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling.
To become law, the plan needs to get the green light from both houses of the Czech Parliament and get the president’s signature, reported Expats.cz.
National anti-drug policy coordinator Jindřich Vobořil stated that the plan has five priorities: the controlled cannabis market, a tax policy to generate up to CZK 15 billion a year, prevention and treatment measures, initiatives in the EU, and preparations for potential impacts.
Malta’s New Cannabis Rules Open Door for Greenhouses and Chain Store Clubs
Malta’s regulations for the sale of recreational cannabis could make way for large groups vying to control the market, potentially leading to the emergence of cannabis retailer ‘chains,’ reported Malta Today.
According to the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC), associations with no more than 500 members can open multiple distribution sites and grow cannabis in greenhouses in rural areas outside of the development zones.
ARUC chairperson Leonid McKay stated that they would ensure the size of the premises is appropriate for the level of operations and that the association must complete the entire process from seed to distribution.
Exploring The Potential Of Hemp And Cannabis Industry In Costa Rica
Costa Rica legalized medicinal marijuana over a year ago after former President Carlos Alvarado signed a law passed a day earlier by Congress. Under the new law, hemp cultivation and industrial production were also legalized.
Now, experts are advocating for the country to take further steps toward joining the world market. To that end, an event titled “International hemp and cannabis markets, challenges and opportunities for Costa Rica” will be held on May 2nd to evaluate the international markets and national regulations one year after the law was passed.
Participants will gain insight into the production, treatment, and export of plants and derived products and how large international markets operate to compete in the hemp and cannabis industry, reported The Tico Times. (Full Story)