Give a F*ck Friday - Weekly Cannabis News Round Up
What's been happening around the world in cannabis?
As part of our newly scheduled weekly segment we want to discuss current events, issues, and wins in the cannabis community and industry. We are calling it "Give a F'ck Fridays" Great isn't it? This week we will recap some major events that have taken place on a global scale.
For months now, news of Mexican legalization have been swirling. A decision that was supposed to be implemented earlier this year has been pushed again from mid- December to February. The Mexican government wants to secure a regulatory framework for what is projected to be the next mega market for the industry. In an effort to prevent huge corporate monopolies, for the first five years, they must grant 40% of licenses to indigenous, low-income or historically marginalized communities. Hopefully this helps their economy after the injuries of the global pandemic. (Pictured above is the not so great flower in Mexico. Legalization would increase competition, innovation, and improve the quality of their products)
On Wednesday December 2nd, The UN moved to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug. The WHO recommended to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It has been previously listed in the same category as heroin. While this doesn't directly effect any country's legislation, it is a big win, because my government entities look to the UN for guidance.
This win is hopeful in increasing scientific research across the globe.
Lastly, in big news is the passing of the MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019) by the U.S. House of Representatives. This would legalize cannabis by removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and creating a shared federal-state control of cannabis programs -- although it does not force states to legalize.
As most of us know the Republican majority Senate is very unlikely to pass the bills and it will die. This projection is a bit dreary but it is still historic that one branch of government passed it .
Some say this is a gesture to the Biden administration to fulfill promises he made during his campaign, but little was mentioned about cannabis and social equity in this initial transition paperwork.
That's all for this Give a F*ck Friday! See ya'll next week!
#LetsWinTogether #GiveaFckFriday