Push for Higher THC Limits in Edibles Gains Momentum

Canada’s cannabis advocacy organization, NORML Canada, has launched a petition urging the government to elevate the THC limit in edibles from 10 mg to 100 mg per package. This move aims to address consumer demands, reduce reliance on the black market, and curb wasteful packaging, marking a critical shift in cannabis regulation, reports StratCann.

The Breakdown

• NORML Canada advocates increasing THC limits in edibles from 10 mg to 100 mg per package.
• It’s being argued that legal edibles struggle against illicit markets due to lower THC limits, leading consumers to illegal sources or requiring multiple legal purchases.
• Petition surpasses 500 signatures, aiming for 5,000 before submission to the House of Commons by March 7, 2024.
• Liberal MP Patrick Weiler supports the petition, highlighting the importance of regulated markets for safer cannabis access.

Our Perspective

Raising THC limits in cannabis edibles in Canada presents a critical opportunity to align regulations with consumer demands. We agree that the current constraints push consumers toward illegal markets, prompting multiple legal purchases to achieve desired effects. Furthermore, it has hampered the potential growth of the legal edibles market and leads to environmental concerns associated with excessive packaging The petition’s progress signifies a growing recognition of the need for regulatory adjustments to foster a more competitive and controlled cannabis market.

Colombian Senate Committee Approves Marijuana Legalization Bill, Nears Presidential Consideration

In a significant stride toward legislative reform, a Colombian Senate committee approved a bill to legalize cannabis, propelling it closer to potential enactment by the full chamber, reports Marijuana Moment.

The Breakdown

• A Colombian Senate committee approved a bill to legalize marijuana, moving it forward for consideration by the full chamber.
• The legislation previously progressed through committee and the Chamber of Representatives, marking the third of eight debates before potential presidential consideration.
• Despite previous progress, earlier attempts stalled in the Senate during the final stage, necessitating a restart of the two-year legislative process.
• Lawmakers, including Rep. Juan Carlos Losada and Sen. María José Pizarro, reintroduced the legislation, emphasizing the failure of the war on drugs and advocating for a shift toward regulation and public health focus.

Our Perspective

Colombia’s strides toward marijuana legalization reflect a critical reassessment of the ineffective war on drugs. The acknowledgement by lawmakers like Sen. Pizarro of the failure of the existing strategy is a significant realization. Their emphasis on a regulatory framework with a public health focus aligns with a global trend acknowledging the limitations of prohibition. It’s encouraging to witness Colombia’s dedication to transitioning away from punitive measures and toward a model that prioritizes public health and economic opportunities. This move not only reflects a local understanding of the issue but also contributes to the global conversation on drug policy reform, advocating for a more effective, health-centered approach.

South Africa Advances Adult Cannabis Possession and Cultivation Bill

In a significant move, South African lawmakers approved a bill allowing adults to possess and cultivate cannabis, marking a pivotal step in legislative reform, reports Marijuana Moment.

The Breakdown

• The National Assembly passed the legislation, paving the way for potential concurrence by the bicameral Parliament’s
• Years after a Constitutional Court ruling in 2018 deemed the prohibition on possession and cultivation unlawful, legislative action has been delayed despite inclusion of cannabis in economic expansion plans.
• The bill, lacking specific possession or cultivation limits, awaits supplementary regulations by Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamo.
• Emphasizing private use, the legislation permits adults to grow their own cannabis for personal consumption while excluding lawful sales.

Our Perspective

South Africa’s decision to advance legislation allowing adult possession and cultivation of cannabis acknowledges the failure of past prohibitive measures and aligns with global trends recognizing the need for change in drug policy. The emphasis on private use rather than commercialization reflects a cautious yet progressive approach, emphasizing individual cultivation for personal consumption. This move, although delayed, represents a significant step toward aligning laws with constitutional directives and recognizes the societal shift toward a more rational and individual-oriented approach to cannabis use. It’s promising to witness South Africa’s acknowledgment of the need for reform, and while this bill primarily focuses on decriminalization, it sets a foundation for future, more comprehensive regulatory measures.