Marijuana Goes Global: Key Trends in the United States, Philippines, Italy, Australia, and Spain

Measures against cannabis in the Philippines

Kalinga Governor James Edduba supports immediate approval of the medicinal cannabis measure pending in both houses of Congress.

This measure will help deter the spread of illegal hemp in Benguet and Kalinga. However, lawmakers "must ensure that the medical marijuana measure's provisions are farmer-friendly," Edduba said, the Manila Times reported.

In addition, former Manila House of Representatives Speaker and now Davao del Norte District's first representative, Pantaleon Alvarez, is seeking to "clear cannabis as a dangerous drug in the country. , noting that the substance should not be seen as a problem but part of the solution," Inquirer.Net reported

Alvarez, who sponsors the bill, noted that cannabis tax revenue can be used to build roads, bridges, classrooms and hospitals.< /p> Italy: Hemp is not a narcotic

The Regional Administrative Court of Lazio, Italy, "upheld a legal action brought by four cannabis associations, annulling a decree issued a year ago that classified hemp as a narcotic in violation of EU law," reported The Hemp Today.

The regional court "cancelled the decree and ordered the authorities to adapt it to align Italian legislation with that of the EU."

"Today we have definitive confirmation that without valid scientific evidence, it is not possible to impose limits on this agricultural sector," according to a statement from the groups. "THC-free hemp is not covered by international drug conventions and for this reason its market and industrial and medicinal applications cannot be limited."

Australia: Nurses will educate on medicinal cannabis

A newly formed group in Australia is seeking to provide education, advocacy and support on medical cannabis for nurses, according to Cannabis Culture.

The Australian Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) will be led by nurse practitioner and medical cannabis prescriber Simone O'Brien, and co-founders Deb Ranson and Jodie Davis.

Spain debates cannabis regulations

The Spanish plenary of the Congress of Deputies debates the Esquerra Republicana bill to regulate the therapeutic and recreational use of marijuana in the European country, ICBC reported .

The measure aims to "decriminalize" cannabis and make it an accessible prescription drug, ICBC International reported. If the legislation is enacted, users will be able to consume pot outdoors and on private property.

Furthermore, the measure would allow the cultivation of up to six plants in a mature residence, with a reported limit of "producing up to 480 grams per year". Some funds would go to "addiction resources" and to "raise awareness of the negative effects of cannabis".

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