Cannabis World Journals Editorial and Journalistic Team
Cannabis World Journals is a bi-weekly publication that discusses the latest trends in the medical cannabis industry.
Content Management:
Alibert Flores Anne Graham Escobar
Graphic Design and Conceptualization:
Katerin Osuna Robles Jannina Mejía Diaz
Research, Journalistic and Editorial Team: CannaGrow: Daniela Montaña and William González CannaCountry: Sandra Loaiza. CannaLaw: Anne Marie Graham, Alibert Flores and Caterina Lomoro CannaTrade: Jennifer Simbaña, Lorena Díaz, Verónica Hernández and Rosangel Andrades . CannaMed: Jennifer Salguero CannaGraphics: Alibert Flores Translation: English: Nicole Gómez, Verónica Hernández and Andrés Sawyer Arabic: Menna Ghazal and Oraib Albashiti. Portuguese: Marcia Lorenzen and Jennifer Salguero Italian: Caterina Lomoro and Karen Bermudez Contributors to this Edition Mujeres y Cannabis en Argentina Cannabis Network Colombia 2022 Paloma Sneh
Suscríbase en cannabisworldjournals.com Info@cannabisworldjournals.com
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EDITORIAL - Robin “Cannabis” Hood. Pg. 4
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OP-ED COLUMN - The Jews and Cannabis. Pg. 5
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CANNAGRAPHICS - Mujeres y Cannabis en Argentina (Women and Cannabis in Argentina). Pg. 6 - Cannabis Network Colombia 2022. Pg. 6
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CANNAGROW - Could Hemp Replace Certain Industries in the Future? Pg. 7
Our Magazines CannaMed and CannaLaw, each dedicated to the therapeutic area and the legal regulation areas of the cannabis industry, have decided to join forces and offer a new and more complete bi-weekly magazine: Cannabis World Journals. CannaMed and CannaLaw are now sections of Cannabis World Journals. Along with them, we have created two new sections to offer a global look at the plant's market: we are talking about CannaTrade and CannaGrow. CannaTrade's objective is to reveal the rhythm of the businesses established around cannabis. Lastly, CannaGrow is a section dedicated to the botany and cultivation of the cannabis plant. Cannabis World Journals is the most comprehensive cannabis magazine for discerning readers like you. Without further ado, we extend a warm welcome.
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IN THE EXPERT'S ROOM - Industria Cannabis. Pg. 11
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CANNACOUNTRY - Luxembourg Pg. 17
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CANNALAW - Cannabis Industry Boosts Canada's GDP. Pg. 21 - Decriminalization: When Will It Happen in Mexico? Pg. 21 PERSON OF THE MONTH - Interview with Jaleel White. Pg. 23
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CANNATRADE - Cannabis and Sustainable Economies. Pg. 30 - Three Ways Cannabis Improves the Economy. Pg. 31 - Is Africa the Next Cannabis Mecca? Pg. 33
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CANNAMED
- Insights into Cannabis-Based Medicines: A Market Overview of the Pharmaceutical Industry Pg. 36 - Beyond Cannabinoids: Cannabis Terpenes and Flavonoids, an Ever-growing Market. Pg. 39
EDITORIAL
Robin “Cannabis” Hood
C
annabis is probably the one medicinal plant that has contributed the most to improving the quality of life of millions of people. However, for many years, retrograde information has distorted reality. Despite this, it could be said that the plant is a true survivor.
For a long time, there have been numerous detractors and opponents. That is evident when issues concerning cannabis and its curative properties are raised in assemblies, regardless of the plant's regulations, cultivation control, sale, and uses. This dissent leads to a senseless struggle and a sterile verbal quarrel because it creates anarchy of didactic information and knowledge of the medicinal plant. The position they assume of not listening to reasoning that implies life and hope is sad. In these circumstances, cannabis could be called the Robin Hood of the industry. The plant that fights with all its might. The one launching arrows of health and well-being, so the helpless and unheard receive the treatment they need. At the cost of persecution and being labeled as evil, corrupt, or harmful to society. Cannabis defends the rights of the most vulnerable without expecting anything in return.
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It is necessary to break once, and for all, the antagonistic paradigms that prevent the cannabis revolution from moving forward so that the "Princes Johns", who do not want to see cannabis prosper, are defeated. Will the day ever be near when we will no longer see on the streets of so many countries the "Wanted" notices posted by the "Sheriff of Nottingham", eager to lock cannabis in a prison of ignorance? Will we see this cannabis Robin Hood roaming freely the streets, with no fear of being captured by the henchmen of the usurper of King Richard the Lionheart? I would like to think we will. Very soon, we will be waving flags with the phrase "We cannabis."
Alibert Flores Editorial Team Cannabis World Journals
OP-ED COLUMN
The Jews and Cannabis Since ancient times, and mentioned in the Old Testament and the Talmud, there has been a prolific and extensive relationship between cannabis and Judaism. The Polish etymologist Sula Benet, from the Institute of Anthropological Sciences in Warsaw, affirms that the word cannabis has its origin in the Semitic language. Among others, the mention of hemp (Kane-Bosm) appears when God orders Moses to prepare sacred oil that includes, among other spices, Kane Bosm, which in Hebrew and other ancient languages means "aromatic reed." According to the historian, God speaks to Moses in the cloud of smoke produced by the incense burner with this oil. Throughout the ages, the two words "kaneh" and "bosm" were united into a single word, "kannabos" or "kannabus", an expression found in the Mishna, the Holy Book of the laws of traditional Judaism. The word bears an unmistakable similarity to the Scythian "cannabis." There are other theories about cannabis in the Old Testament. Such is the case of V. Rubin, who affirms that its consumption was a sacred ritual, and part of the religious liturgy. The British researcher and physician C. Creighton concluded in his work "The Indications of Hashish Consumption in the Old Testament" that the Jews undoubtedly used cannabis. Still, the allusions are always secret, subtle, symbolic, and metaphorical.
On the other hand, Professor Stanley Moore from the University of Wisconsin-Olatteville, mentions biblical references to "aromatic herbs" and "smokes" as psychoactive drugs used for rituals. He claims that the use of drugs is as old as religion. It is striking: Western Jews and Christians who shy away from psychoactive drugs in their faith practices are exceptions, not the norm. In this regard, there are several passages in the Old Testament which secretly reference hashish. Creighton also suggests that Saul’s madness, Jonathan’s and Samson’s strength, and Ezekiel’s visions (592 B.C.) were caused by cannabis. Undoubtedly, we could continue mentioning references to the Jewish people. That connection is as old as the world, and today there are many Jews involved in the cannabis world. Throughout universal history, Jews have used cannabis for scientific, medicinal, recreational, and religious purposes. In Israel, there is a significant openness in regulations regarding medical cannabis and worldwide changes in law, and Israel’s undeniable international recognition as a benchmark for developing technologies in the sector. Meanwhile, a high percentage of the population consumes cannabis for adult use. Paloma Sneh
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CannaGraphics
Mujeres y Cannabis en Argentina
(Women and Cannabis in Argentina) Women and Cannabis in Argentina is a political space of femininity and cannabis dissidence. It is an organization with colleagues in different territories at the national level. It challenges and mobilizes activism for the rights and freedom of cannabis users, growers, and psychoactive substances. The organization addresses the problems linked to the oppressions of prohibition and the consequences it generates, and what they experience as non-hegemonic femininities and identities in the heteropatriarchy. Both prohibition and discrimination, gender violence, and diversity are part of a capitalist system that oppresses and subjugates them economically, politically, and culturally.
Cannabis Network Colombia 2022 Cannabis Network Colombia 2022 is an initiative that seeks to create a space that provides tools to help strengthen companies and enterprises in the cannabis sector. They do it through the accompaniment of renowned international specialists who will address educational and social responsibility issues, the creation of business alliances, and the global regulation of the cannabis industry. It will be held on May 20 and 21, 2022, in Chamorro City Hall - Carmel Club Bogotá. At this meeting, participants will be able to promote their products and services, consolidate contracts and agreements with other companies in the sector, and enhance their business potential. In addition, entrepreneurs and attendees will be able to take advantage of the competitive advantages of the cannabis industry in Colombia, recognizing the country as a forerunner in the field. They will also be able to receive training from experts on topics related to business strategy, productivity and innovation, and professional training. 6 | EDITION Nº 24 | CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS
CannaGrow
Hemp
Could Replace Certain Industries in the Future? CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS | EDITION Nº 24 |
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CannaGrow
The hemp plant has high versatility, a condition used to produce biodiesel, which is a more viable and safer substitute than petroleum diesel.
The hemp industry worldwide is currently experiencing a boom as a raw material in various sectors such as medicine, food, paper production, fabric, and building materials. However, according to current trends, it has particular relevance in the health area (medicine). In short, the use of hemp is setting the direction in crucial aspects of the world’s economy. Therefore, if we have a versatile plant that we can use widely in various industries and meets the standards of industrial profitability and environmental conservation, why not use it for strategic commercial purposes? The magic phrase of the future will be "environmental conservation" Due to its history of illegality, there is little research and studies on hemp and its wide business use as a raw material for various industries. However, thanks to current interpretations of the law regarding its legalization in many countries, it is generating excellent business value, as its cultivation is very environmentally friendly
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When thinking about the future, we cannot avoid dealing with an urgent issue, "environmental conservation." Currently, every natural phenomenon caused by the implementation of the old industrial era represents a discouraging scenario. The big problem is that industrial derivatives of chemical origin produce substances with molecular structures alien to the natural environment. As a result, they cannot decompose naturally, or they take many years to do it, entering our ecosystem without degradation and contaminating biodiversity. One of the main objectives of industrial hemp cultivation is to address this significant problem.
Hemp as Possible Replacement in Some Industries.
CannaGrow
Hemp as a raw material in the manufacture of medicines For many years, we have assumed that a drug has the same effect on all human beings (patients), and most use it in the same dosage. That argument is increasingly fading away.
In CBD (cannabidiol, a component of hemp) drug therapies, the focus is shifting towards treating the individual needs of the patient and their physical, psychological, social, and cultural uniqueness. These factors play a highly significant role in the activity and the context of a disability or disease. It has become a trend, and more patients with complex conditions are consulting alternative hemp-based treatments.
Hemps as a Fuel Source The hemp plant has high versatility, a condition used to produce biodiesel, which is a more viable and safer substitute than petroleum diesel. That's when a big question arises: why don't we use hemp if it represents a viable alternative? In short, it means competition in the market for large petrochemical industries. However, modern times may warrant implementing concrete measures to curb climate change. It is a little known historical fact, but entrepreneurs like Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, and Rudolf Diesel, the creator of the diesel engine, never intended to run cars on today's fuel. Perhaps they suspected that hemp would be the future.
Hemp in the Textile Industry Most of our clothing is made of cotton, polyester, or other synthetic fibers. The great advantage of hemp over traditional fibers such as cotton is that we can obtain three times more hemp fibers in the same cultivated area. Furthermore, it is fastgrowing. You can grow approximately 4 meters in 120 days, requiring few agricultural inputs. Another benefit is that it helps decontaminate soils since the plant purifies heavy metals. This textile industry also provides important production sources such as biopolymers, geotextiles, footwear, jewelry, and other industrial and artisanal products.
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CannaGrow
Cosmetic Industry Nowadays, and with more and more projection, products such as creams, soaps, oils, and essences are gaining more credibility among cannabis users for health purposes.
Paper Industry The paper industry uses hemp as a competitive environmental advantage over the timber industry, which is costly and is increasingly expanding the agricultural frontier, putting biodiversity at risk.
Tobacco Consumer Migration Medicinal hemp is usually vaporized, a form of administration that is quite innovative and could position pharmaceutical products on the market to control diseases caused by smoking.
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Construction Industry One of hemp’s best-known applications is "Hempcrete." The name derives from the words "Hemp" and "concrete." It is a paste made from hemp fibers, limestone powder, sand, and water. Over time, the mixture petrifies, resulting in a solid yet lightweight structure. Thanks to hemp's versatility, it is possible to manufacture automotive parts from mixed materials resulting in resistant components for this industry. It is vital that traditional agricultural companies execute actions aimed at environmental conservation for the future of the planet. There is a way to do this: betting on hemp.
Industria Cannabis is an Argentine media born in November 2020. They dedicate themselves to being at the forefront of information and opinions about the industry and the economic market of cannabis. They seek to present the industry's progress through editorial, image, and audiovisual materials, in its different aspects, in Argentina and the world. On this occasion, Cannabis World Journals was able to talk to Leandro Ayala, founder of this media and cannabis entrepreneur. He spoke to us about Industria Cannabis, its mission, vision, and plans. CWJ: Tell us a little bit, what is Industria Cannabis? Leandro Ayala - Industria Cannabis: Industria Cannabis is a media that seeks specifically to highlight the cannabis industry. We realized that this was not being discussed. No specialized media addresses the subject with a business and entrepreneurial profile. In Argentina, a very established media has talked about cannabis for years, but not from a business and corporative perspective. So we saw that void, and we tried to make sense of our work because that is precisely what we have been doing for 20 years.
In the
Expert’s Room: Interview with
Leandro Ayala Industria Cannabis
This year we are celebrating 20 years of work, and it was necessary to provide business people and politicians with a good quality information service. Because if they do not know what is happening in our sector, it is challenging to carry out public policies for a productive framework, according to the peculiarity of Argentinian entrepreneurship. In pursuit of that, we created this media. It is the reflection and work of many colleagues who have been working on this for a long time, from grow shops to small growers. It is a tiny space. Our public is very select, not because we want it, but because the industry is still a developing industry. It is a niche, let's say.
CWJ: Of course! It is an industry growing little by little, but it is getting noticed. We should always emphasize that. Leandro Ayala - IC: That's right. Within the field of cannabis entrepreneurship, Argentina is a fairly robust economy, despite having carried out this activity in an almost illegal framework. I say "almost" because it is not illegal to open the doors of a store, raise the shutters, and provide a good information service or sell growing supplies In Argentina, we estimate that we have 1500 grow shops in the sector, growing stores specializing in giving advice and providing the necessary supplies. CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS | EDITION Nº 24 |
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That means that Argentina is a vast country, and the fact that there are 1500grow shops is no small thing. So this is reflected in work, jobs, and genuine work for this sector. All this, in addition to the social ascent that the industry has had. Many entrepreneurs who started a long time ago, and many small ones who just started, automatically climb up the social ladder, which is very good. It is very gratifying that an unemployed kid, or one who chose to become a free entrepreneur and leave a job relationship, a job of dependence, starts an entrepreneurial venture. Even though we have historically had economic problems in Argentina, like all Latin American countries, there is a robust internal consumption economy. The Argentinean is a consumerist, so it is effortless to rise. Despite all the obstacles that we entrepreneurs have in terms of taxes or the bureaucracy when setting up a business, Argentine businessmen are used to dealing with all those contingencies sometimes imposed on us by foreign policies. There are always conditions that prevent the country from taking off economically. Still, the truth is that Argentina has so much potential that we always hit rock bottom, but we have never collapsed. We always come out ahead. The people and the cannabis culture, the entrepreneurship, do not escape from that; it is a true reflection of it. We are constantly juggling to carry policies forward. That also makes us a little different from other economies, such as Spain or the United States, which have specific economic stability and can project differently. But well, it is what we have to do, and we are building those solid foundations to take this industry forward. CWJ: Yes! To build and grow in the best way for cannabis to be completely globalized is the goal of all the media involved in this sector. What do you consider to be the objectives and mission of Industria Cannabis as a media outlet? 12 | EDITION Nº 24 | CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS
Leandro Ayala - IC: Well, the truth is that we as a media militate for this. The first objective we are working on is strengthening public policies to guarantee a fair law for all. We support this government because they were the only ones so far that gave, or are giving, a legal and regulatory framework to develop this industry. To hold an expo in November, where 100,000 people attended in a northern province of the country is a political reality. Argentina's northern provinces have always been the most neglected and lagging in economic and social matters. So, to have taken an event of this magnitude, more than a thousand kilometers away from Buenos Aires, to the poorest provinces and still have a successful attendance of 100,000 people in the city of Resistencia, Chaco, indicates that this is the right way to go.
When I began my inaugural speech, I asked a big question: How do we retain our best sons and daughters? How do we prevent them from leaving the province of Chaco to go to Buenos Aires or Córdoba or abroad to look for professional or job opportunities because the province does not offer anything to keep them there? So, with that logic and notion, we moved forward, achieving an agreement with the politicians. For example, selling seeds is still illegal in Argentina. We presented something very simple to them: if we cannot sell seeds and the producers, the Breeders, cannot sell their products or promote their enterprise, there will never be a strong and thriving national industry. Because without seeds there is no industry, that is where everything starts. They understood it very well. In Argentina, it was the first expo that sold seeds. Successful European brands, such as Dutch Passion, Bush Brothers Seeds, and BSF Seeds, came to Chaco. We are very proud of that. Industria Cannabis promotes just this, the culture of work, cannabis entrepreneurship, building bridges between producers, companies, and end consumers, and being part of that ecosystem to develop the industry. That is our vision. CWJ: I love it! It's wonderful, truly. As a media outlet, you guys do an extraordinary job. Now, who is your target audience?
Leandro Ayala - IC: We are intended for investors, businessmen, public officials who make decisions, and people who want to enter the cannabis industry. Small producers, and entrepreneurs, it is targeted at them. To the economy, to the business, to the industry. That is our market. That is our niche. Varied but very select. At Industria Cannabis we don't talk about other drugs. We talk about the cannabis industry. That's our niche. Industria Cannabis is a medium with a lot of valuable information about what is happening in the sector, to help people know how to invest, to develop. The information we handle is valuable for those already in the industry and those who want to enter it. It is great reference material. CWJ: I find that very interesting, especially for people who want to get into the industry. What would you say is the best thing about reporting on the cannabis industry? Leandro Ayala - IC: You've got me thinking, what's the best thing? What a nice question to ask because it is so simple but at the same time so profound. The best thing is to inform, give knowledge, and share information. It is not about keeping it to make a better personal decision. My life vision and philosophy, or my objective was, is, and will be to position Argentina as a strong player in the sector internationally. For me, this seems to be the most valuable thing: sharing information, exchanging contacts, gaining knowledge about the different realities happening in the world in the cannabis field, and for the reader to value this. The reader knows what is happening all over the world. The big hegemonic media do not address this issue. For example, in Chile, with President Boric's government, 12 cannabis legislators entered the scene of big politics. This is dismissed by mainstream media. So, sharing this information, inside and outside Chile, is fabulous for us, it is of tremendous added value. CWJ: Unfortunately, many people still don't grasp the joy of knowing this industry well.
But the fact of sharing something that you know, something that you manage, and that you know will be beneficial to others, I see that as something incredible. It is gratifying, personally and as a communication professional, because you are bringing awareness to those who do not yet know. You, as a media, play a fundamental role in the intellectual growth of many people. That is very admirable. I say this as one media to another. Leandro Ayala - IC: If we want the region to be a strong player, we have to think like there is no competition. And if there is competition, it is healthy; because, in the face of rivalry, one can surpass oneself. There has to be wholesome competitiveness between countries because that will move the Latin American region forward. In terms of production or added value, there are products made with excellence. Why? Because in healthy competition we evolve. At least I, inside Argentina, want to achieve that. For me, competition does not exist, because if we all improve ourselves day by day, we rise socially and position Argentina with more and more professionalism. That is the true conception that will strengthen the region as a whole and not separately. CWJ: Yes, especially that. I believe that if we manage to unite all of us as brotherly countries in this region, we will achieve great things. Leandro Ayala - IC: Without a doubt! CWJ: That would be a dream come true. Let us change the subject a bit. In terms of information gathering and writing, when you want to publish the information, what is that process like? Leandro Ayala - IC: We have the editorial line. As I told you, it is very much about the industry, the business, and the industry's development. We have our chief editor, Murga, and a small team. Industria Cannabis is always looking for
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the support of brands that can accompany us because it is very uphill economically. We have to pay salaries, the photographer, the editor. It is a very high-cost production. Structurally speaking, we are honored to count on Gabriel Murga, Alejandro Paladino, and Christian Maidana, all very prestigious and valuable people in charge of giving structure to the articles. There is an editorial line, and we give visibility to all projects. What we see that we have to encourage, we make a note to give it visibility, to impose it in the market. We have an advantage as a media: we are event organizers. With this activity, we can introduce any brand into the sector, and give it visibility with our media. We also have one of the most historical distributors in Argentina, Distributor 1422, which provides the marketing channels for all products: event organization, media, and marketing channels. Three key pillars for anyone who wants to develop or get into the industry. We provide that to local brands and also to foreign brands.
CWJ: What challenges have you faced along the way in your trajectory as a media outlet? Leandro Ayala - IC: Well, something that happens to us, for example, being such a small media, is the difficulty to get sponsors to sell them advertising spaces. It is a challenge we have. Because being a niche segment, some companies tell me: "Leandro, but if I pay for a Google ad, I reach much more people when it comes to making my brand visible," that is a reality. Imagine that we started this media in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. Today on our social media we have only 5000 people, but they are 5000 valuable people who search for this information. It is very select. However, selling advertising campaigns is a bit difficult for us. That is a great challenge we have, to be able to improve that a little bit. While in a meeting with the Secretariat of Communication and 14 | EDITION Nº 24 | CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS
Press of the Casa Rosada, when expressing our interest and the political relevance of holding a fair in Tecnópolis, they offered us a possible official advertising campaign. My reaction was: "Oh, how nice, this is good because gives us a breath of fresh air as a communication medium." CWJ: Yes, of course. When you have a media outlet, you should always prepare for things that come up along the way and try to deal with them in the best way possible so that later they become an anecdote. Now, do you think that there should be more media supporting cannabis? Leandro Ayala - IC: Undoubtedly. We would like the big established media to have opinion columns on different aspects of cannabis. Newspapers like La Nación, like Clarín in Argentina, are the newspapers that have a monopoly on information. There is room to continue talking and for many more media to emerge. But yes, it is important that the big established media, or media groups, television, radio and media, graphic portals, do it. It is no use if there is a relevant news item every three months. No, it must be day by day. I believe that we will be the participants in this because we are the ones who generate the content. If we manage to persuade certain businessmen in the media sector, this will be very healthy for the industry. CWJ: Yes, of course. And we will have prosperity as well, that would be a wonderful thing. Leandro Ayala - IC: It is all to be done. So whoever sees (who is not from the sector) the opportunity, there is no doubt that it will be successful. I am not only talking about the economic aspect because generating content is an art, we are necessary participants in that construction as media, as men of action, and as entrepreneurs. We generate the contents ourselves, it is always good to make visible what our partners are doing. There is a very established media here, a magazine that does not have that profile; it is also valid, but it has a more conservative vision. For example, we did that event
in Chaco and they have not made it visible. It is the industry's reference media, and they have not made it visible. I don't know why but that should not happen to us. We have to work together because the sun rises for everyone and that is where our worldview comes in as an ideological vision if you will. We are a progressive media, the opposite of being conservative, right? And we give visibility to all those people who need and deserve visibility, even if they are competitors. If we want Argentina to grow, we have to work together. If we set ourselves the goal of positioning the country on the world scene, nobody can oppose that, unless they are unpatriotic. CWJ: I would say that this would be a much better way to work if there were more fellowship and more support. Because that is what we are all for. The idea is to support each other, shake hands, and help each other grow; I think we would have greater prosperity in all our projects. So, I agree with you. Well, Leandro, what are your following projects for this year? Leandro Ayala - IC: Well, what I told you, Tecnópolis. After we did the Chaco Expo, we got calls from other provinces of Argentina; La Rioja, for example. We are in contact with the Government of Paraguay, which also wants to hold an expo, and is trying to reach Teresa Cristina, who is the Minister of Agriculture of Bolsonaro, in Brazil, who also wants to carry out a development. Argentina has to be prepared. I say Argentina because I do not want to be arrogant, but we can bring the knowledge of a model, how-to organize an expo, how to take the great brands of the world scene to the provinces, to Paraguay or Brazil. We would be exporting expertise on how to organize. We are in a good position to achieve that this year, to organize the cannabis sector in Argentina, and if we can collaborate with the organization at the Latin American level, we will do it with pleasure, we are working for that. Undoubtedly, to be a strong
and participating actor in the production value chain and not only in the primary chain of cultivation, but the whole chain; in the distribution, in giving added value. That, basically, and we will achieve it successfully, I don't have any doubt. Once we can do so, we can pass all this on. Those are our projects, to solve whoever we can solve with knowledge. CWJ: I think it's fabulous. Now, to close this interview, what tips would you give to those who want to start a business or a media outlet based on the cannabis industry? Leandro Ayala - IC: Understand and analyze the newspapers. Comprehend the realities of the countries they are working in. Understand and read a lot. Be informed. As a business leader in the sector, I recommend that. Do you want to be a businessman? Well, you have to read the newspapers. You have to know what is happening with the dollar, you have to know what is happening with the economy of your country. You have to be informed to make better decisions. To contextualize a country opening to imports when you are a national producer, you need to understand your reality, your place within it, and your country, to make any decisions. Because otherwise, you will not be able to lead your employees to be productive, you will burn out. So, understanding the reality of the economy and society in your country is key for me. It is fundamental to be informed. That's what it is, to read the newspapers a lot. It seems to me that this is an added value and that cannabis entrepreneurship does not have the habit of being informed. Not all of them, of course, but a sector does. It seems to me that this is extremely key. And then surround yourself with people who have the expertise and, like everything else, try to surround yourself with good people. I like to surround myself with people who are superior to what I am, who teach me, nurture me, and listen. These are the keys to success for me.
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CWJ: Without a doubt. The best thing is to surround yourself with people who know more than you do, so you can learn and implement what you are learning to have a better performance in what you do. Leandro Ayala - IC: Absolutely. Then the other thing: one's word is the most valuable thing we have. Keeping your word brings people closer to you. If people say "well, Leandro Ayala, Any, and Cintia are reliable people, you have to support them" that is a structure that lasts in time. To me, it seems that if you have a longterm view, you are not going to deceive people with lies because you have a clear objective. So be a man or a woman of your word. What you promise, you have to deliver. If you cannot do it, you have to tell the truth; if you can, you have to make it happen. Those are the basic principles of my humble worldview, what I have learned in these few years. CWJ: I think is great. It was a very genuine, sincere response, and I agree. Always honesty first and always the best attitude. Leandro Ayala - IC: Totally. Thank you very much for this space. The truth is that you brought out the best in me. You have brought out statements that I never open up like that, I congratulate you for that because you have asked questions that have sensitized me and motivated me to answer. I'm so grateful. CWJ: We are grateful to you. On behalf of my team, Cannabis World Journals, we thank you for your time, and for giving us this small space. Leandro Ayala - IC: That's why we are here, to articulate, to build bridges. Kiss to the heart, and a hug to the soul for all.
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CannaCountry
LUXEMBOURG According to the new legislation, people over 18 years old in the European country will be able to consume cannabis and cultivate up to four plants per household for personal use Luxembourg is one of the European countries that has decided to be at the forefront of cannabis legalization issues in the old continent. For some years, this small European country has been working on a Bill that will open up new market opportunities. Below, we tell you a little more about the current situation in this country:
LEGALIZATION
The possession and consumption of cannabis were decriminalized in 2001 by reclassifying it as a category B substance.
Currently, if any person possesses cannabis for personal use, they do not run the risk of being imprisoned. But, they can be fined between 250 and 2500 euros (US$ 291 to US$ 2,910 Approx).
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CannaCountry
CULTIVATION According to the new legislation, people over 18 years of age in the European country will be able to consume cannabis and cultivate up to four plants per household for personal use.
CURRENT EVENTS AND PROJECTIONS
2018 became a decisive year, by its end, Luxembourg's coalition government announced that it would fully legalize cannabis adult use, aiming to pass the law in 2023. The policy change is an attempt by the government to crackdown on drug-related crime and the black market drug trade. Ministers will now be able to regulate the currently illegal cannabis market. Likewise, the seed trade would also be allowed with no limit on the number of levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis.
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CannaLaw
Cannabis Industry Boosts Canada's GDP In October 2018, the Government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau legalized cannabis, making Canada the second country in the Americas, after Uruguay, to legalize everything related to the plant
I
n the last decade, the cannabis industry has been growing by leaps
and bounds, generating jobs and boosting the economies of countries where its use and sale are legal. All this growth is reflected in an increase in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). That is the case in Canada, a country where cannabis is legal, both for medicinal and adult-use purposes, following the conditions stipulated in the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) of the Canadian Ministry of Health (Health Canada).
In October 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau government’s legalized cannabis, making Canada the second country in the Americas, after Uruguay, to legalize everything related to the plant. Now, the government established the Cannabis Act to safeguard the health of its citizens, allowing them to have legal and safe access to the plant. The law itself controls the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis throughout the country. The law states the following:
✔ To purchase, possess or consume cannabis and cannabis products, one must be of legal age (at least 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory).
✔ The Cannabis Act includes strict penalties for selling or supplying cannabis and cannabis products to underage youth. ✔ Up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis, or an equivalent amount in a nondried form, may be possessed in the public space. ✔ It is allowed to grow, from authorized seeds or seedlings, up to 4 cannabis plants per residence for personal use. ✔Cannabis products, such as food and beverages, may be made at home. ✔ Legal cannabis products with more than 0.3% THC have a tax stamp in the form of a label that certifies the composition of that product.
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CannaLaw
“
To purchase, possess or consume cannabis and cannabis products, one must be of legal age (at least 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory)
”
Once we analyze the Cannabis Act, it becomes clear that the purpose of legalization was to keep cannabis out of young people's hands and keep the profits out of criminals and organized crime, thus decreasing the black market. Since its legalization, the cannabis industry has become very important in the Canadian economy. It has contributed to
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its GDP by approximately 43.5 billion Canadian dollars (about 34.3 billion U.S. dollars). A report developed by the firm Deloitte revealed these numbers.
According to the report results, legalization has created about 151,000 jobs in the last three years, translating into about 25.2 billion Canadian dollars (19.86 billion U.S. dollars) for the GDP. One of the cities that has benefited the most from legalization is Ontario since it has generated some 48,000 jobs there. That is because it is
one of the most densely populated cities and, therefore, the country's economic engine.
For Canada, legalizing cannabis has not only allowed them to regulate the industry and offered their population safe access to the plant. It has also been a driving force for their economy due to all the benefits it has provided, which are directly reflected in their GDP growth.
CannaLaw
DECRIMINALIZATION
When Will It Happen in Mexico? The great block imposed by the Mexican Senate on the Bill jeopardizes the possibility of legalizing the adult use of the plant and other areas of the industry as well
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CannaLaw
“
While the discussion has been postponed several times by the Legislature due to constant examinations of the law, we could say that, for the moment, it is in a limbo.
M
any eyes are looking to Mexico, the discussion regarding legalizing cannabis for adult use has been going on for almost a year. The issue is still up in the air. No permits for personal consumption have been granted, nor has Congress legislated on the matter, despite the activists' constant petitions, who claim this as their right. After the Chamber of Deputies vote on March 11th, 2021, the Federal Law for the Regulation of Cannabis is at a standstill in the Mexican Senate. Legislators have not expressed any intention indicating that they will discuss the issue before the end of the current session. So, everyone keeps waiting. "Fundamentally, the PAN (National Action Party) bench, which is somewhat conservative, is the one that has the most resistance on very specific issues. For example, its members insist that 21 years old must be the age for responsible cannabis use." As expressed by Alfredo Nateras Domínguez, Master in Anthropological Sciences, also alleges that the legislation on this matter is at a deadlock due to different positions.
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”
The great block imposed by the Mexican Senate on the Bill jeopardizes the possibility of legalizing the adult use of the plant and other areas of the industry. The law could strengthen the local market by taking a 180-degree turn, boosting the country's economy. There is still a long way to go for the law to be passed without obstacles.
Unfortunately, in Mexico, it is still unclear what the prognosis is for what may happen to cannabis planting and harvesting permits. Added to this is the lack of rules for industrial uses of the plant and agronomic research around it. Since the Legislature has postponed the discussion several times, due to the constant examinations of the law, for the time being, the bill continues in limbo. Only with time or pressure from procannabis activists and organizations, could bring about a significant change this year for legalizing the plants for adult use and the benefits it would represent.
Person of the Month
Person of the Month Interview with
Jaleel White
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Person of the Month
CWJ: We know that you recently started with this cannabis entrepreneurship. How was the process? How did you start working with this company? JALEEL WHITE: Well, you know, I've actually been wanting to get into this space for a long time. I think a lot of people are aware of the strain of Purple Urkle. And so for like 15 years, people have been texting me pictures from dispensaries, “Hey, man, do you have anything to do with this?” And I'm like, “No, I don't. I have nothing to do with it.” I actually didn't even have my first smoke until I was probably in my early thirties. I was on a ski trip with some really, really good friends and they brought some cannabis and we had a private chef and it was like eight guys. It was just an amazing experience because they brought some really high-quality stuff and it wasn't like the stuff you just smell around teenagers. This was dope. This was hydro-grown. And I started learning and I kept watching the industry just become more and more legal, and the more legal it became more people would send me snapshots of Purple Urkle from dispensaries and whatnot. Even Bobby Moynihan sent me one. He was my co-star on a CBS series I did for a season, and when Bobby sent it to me, I said, “Okay, look, I got to do something about this.” And I got lucky. One day I was literally just on a plane flying up to speak at Pixar, believe it or not. And I was seated next to a guy who was the founder of 710 Labs. Brad and I just kind of hit it off. I didn't really know how much 710 Labs meant in the space of cannabis, but he gave me some samples and I shared them with my partner, a guy who keeps me on the straight and narrow of what's quality and what's not. And 24 | EDITION Nº 24 | CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS
Jaleel White is an American actor, producer, and screenwriter. He reached stardom with the character of Steve Urkel, in the television series Family Matters, between 1989 to 1998. Currently, Jaleel White is part of the cannabis industry through his association with 710 Labs. He created a line of cannabis products called "ItsPurpl", featuring variants of the popular "Purple Urkle" strain.
he was like “Hey, you met Brad.” He just freaked out. So Brad and I kind of forged a friendship from there, and it was a very slow process, to be quite honest. We couldn't find a business model that made sense for his existing company, but we just enjoyed kicking. We just enjoyed being around each other. When the worst of COVID hit and everybody was quarantined, Brad pulled up on me with this sweatshirt and a whole bunch of more swag. And he said, “Man, what do you say if we put the seeds in the ground and
Person of the Month
we do a Pheno Hunt.” And I go back to my partner, “What’s a Pheno Hunt, man?” I'm learning as I'm going along. The seeds are in the ground now and we fly up to Oakland together, and I remember going up and down the aisle smelling the different plants, and I'm at plant number six, I can't smell anything. At this point, I'm thinking my nose doesn't really work. Then finally I got to one, “this has a nice fragrance around.” Brad was like, “Cool.” We write that one down, I do this with 30 plants, and now I have about three of them, I'm like, “okay, this is what a Pheno Hunt really means.” So, it's a fascinating process because I had to trust my nose the way I trust my tongue and my taste. I had never done that before. We really did get some really special stuff with the Purple Urkle that we put in the ground. We also put a Zkittlez in the ground and that came out badass.
The name of my company is “ItsPurpl” and it's kind of a play on words. People, when they see me out in the streets, they'll be like, “Hey, it's Urkel!” They think I can't see that, and I'm like, “you kind of obvious, dog.” I always wanted something in the cannabis space that really kind of took back the power of that. It's like, “no, ItsPurpl.” We want to be the best of purple genetics on a legal side across the whole spectrum. I'm here for the best purple genetics. That's how the whole collaboration got started. Now it's time to scale and grow, and it's been completely overwhelming because I'm still technically an actor and a writer at heart, but I deal with a lot of operations stuff now that just has me feeling like, “okay, there's a lot of people calling me in one day!”
is growing and growing, as you say, and it's really great. JALEEL WHITE: I mean, right now, we make this amazing noodle joint. I'm really, really proud of it. It's insane. People think that it's pre-roll, but it's not. It's actually a hand roll and it's got a beautiful rotini pasta filter. And people are like, What is that? Is that a real noodle? Yeah, that is a real piece of noodle. And the coil just does a great job of cooling the smoke. And it's just nice on the lips. At any time I whip out the noodle for people who haven't experienced it, they're like, “wow, they're blown away by the quality.” Then, we also make a live resin pot. This is what I like to call my soccer mom product. Almost looks like a Tesla key fob. It's so sexy! This one really needs to get promoted more and I plan on doing that. It's got no buttons. That was something that I really wanted. I couldn't stand that press it twice, press it three times. I just don't like that. Anybody just wants to have it and pull. You can buy a new battery. You can buy a new pod. We're working on making sure that you can buy them separately. Right now, unfortunately, you can only buy them together, but we want to make sure that the customer can buy them separately. This is the Zkittlez. They just came out. The quality is just absolutely amazing. CWJ: It's really beautiful. JALEEL WHITE: You charge it just like anything else in your house. And then we also have our eights and they go fast. The peers of the cannabis community still like to touch it. They like seeing the crystals and getting sticky fingers. And, so the eights, they fly. I want to get into edibles. I want to also do some more lifestyle things, to be quite honest. I love linking cannabis and food culture.
CWJ: But, the good news is that everything CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS | EDITION Nº 24 |
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Person of the Month Often I think that there are two kinds of meal experiences. I think you can have the cannabisinfused meal and I think you can have the cannabis pairing meal. I really see that experience CWJ: Would you ever like to get into beverages becoming something that will be more popular in or into other cannabis-infused foods? Like, the future. what do you think about that option? CWJ: Food is a communal experience usually. JALEEL WHITE: Yeah, I'm open to a lot of It's familiar, it's a bonding experience also. different things that we can do. I just want to make How do you see cannabis valuing that unity in sure that any time I develop something for the relation to the food and how do you see that market -I've got a pretty high standard myself with expanding throughout the community itself? things that I'll consume. And once I meet that JALEEL WHITE: It's a great icebreaker. I know standard myself, I'm pretty confident that other West Hollywood, for one, issued like three people might just be blown away. So, we're not in consumption lounge licenses. I'm actually friends a hurry to just slap our name on anything. If I do with two of the guys that have two of those put out a gummy, I'm like, “why is our gummy licenses. So, I would love to see ItsPurpl products special?” That's just my mindset when I develop in there. I can't wait to see the menu that they anything, “what makes us different?” And, you ultimately curate. It's going to become the same as know, we've got a lot of interesting plays. I'm definitely not one to talk about our R&D. When it's going out to a bar, except you're going to go to a ready, it's ready. And I just hope you guys will give place where cannabis is sold in a lounge-like environment and best believe those lounge-like me a bit when it comes out. environments are going to be required to have CWJ: We got you! One of the things that some food and people are going to eat that food as interested us, when we were researching you, harshly as they do any food anywhere. So the was that you said that you're a foodie. How do culinary world meeting like that, it's happening. you see the scene with cannabis-infused food West Hollywood is on its way to becoming a mini and chefs that are coming out doing catering Amsterdam. I don't know if they're going to have and food trucks and that kind of stuff? As the the grills in the windows, but I'm just saying, as it industry grows and as the legalization is pertains to cannabis, I see West Hollywood broader, where do you see that going? becoming a mini Amsterdam a lot quicker than you realize. JALEEL WHITE: You know, I think high on cannabis, I would like to see it become as CWJ: What do you think about the federal laws synonymous with a great meal, as a wonderful and the development of legalization in the glass of wine. As soon as you see a bottle of wine. United States? At this moment, cannabis is We've been programmed to think, “Oh, what meal legal in some states, but not under federal law. can I have? Would I have this with a fish? Would I Do you think that is going to change in the have this with tacos? Would I have this with a future? That at some point, maybe the federal steak?” And I really see that happening with government is going to say, “okay, this is cannabis as well. I'm actually really good friends great. It looks like this is something that's good with Chef Nikki. She's Dave Chapelle's personal for the people.” Do you think that's going to chef and a whole lot of other amazing people's happen soon? personal celebrity chef. She does a lot of JALEEL WHITE: The federal government is cannabis-infused stuff. Chef Nikki made me a already taking notice. I think there are people who cannabis-infused lobster mac and cheese for the want to make sure that certain people get credit for last 420. And I kind of forgot the next day that it certain advancements and other people don't and was cannabis free. We want to make sure that really that's what it's all about. But the march is on. doesn't happen to people, though. I would be surprised if we even got to 2028 and I'm a big, big foodie. Music, traveling, comedy. I think those are the things that we touch on the “ItsPurpl” spectrum as far as lifestyle and goals.
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Person of the Month cannabis wasn't federally legal. I would really, really be surprised. It seems like another state falls in line with what the future is for cannabis. Every month it really feels like that at this point, and I'm encouraged by it. I want to always make sure people understand that I'm aware of this messaging when it comes to cannabis. There are so many generations of people who have suffered criminal charges, had their homes and their families negatively impacted by charges brought against them in association with this plant and I think that was one of the reasons why it was just that stigmatized. It wasn't until I was in a legal state like Colorado, and I'm sitting here with a private chef and white guys, and I'm enjoying this legally. We've got to do something to atone for that as a country and make sure that as this legalization happens, these people who were the pioneers are not just swept aside and forgotten and big business will do that. Real quick. So I want to always be socially conscious about what cannabis was, what cannabis is, and what cannabis can be. And just let people always know that I'm aware of that. And most of those who have been criminalized for the most part have been people of color. There are some amazing stories for people who are not of color, but for the most part, it's been people of color that have been incredibly affected by cannabis laws. So I want to think positively. I just know it's going federal. I wish I could say something with greater insight, but it's like every three months I meet more influential people in the space and I learn just as fast as you ladies are learning, maybe a little faster. And I just see a very bright future for cannabis in this country and in the world. CWJ: Hopefully, in a couple of years, we're going to see cannabis for medical purposes, or even for recreational purposes for adults, legalized in all the states and federally. Unfortunately, in the United States, minorities have been the most affected by laws regarding this plant. They think that because you're part of a minority, you are using the plant for something bad instead of good.
What do you think about that preconception or do you think that we can change that mindset? JALEEL WHITE: I think one of the things that you can do is to create content that creates a new narrative around the plant. Nothing moves a needle faster than influential people. Notice I didn't say influencer. I said influential. Entertainment pushes the cause for anything and not in a heavy-handed way, just like, “Hey, man, this is normal.” I'll give you a good example. Seth Rogen and Conan O'Brien on set, last episode, they smoked on air. Nobody's ever done that before on a live cable program. When people see a guy as influential and as beloved as Seth and Conan especially partaking in that, it's not hurting them. It's not harming them. They are laughing, their jokes are funnier and everything is more joyful around them because of this. That was a monumental step forward. We're conditioned to think that it's okay in any scene for everybody to be at a bar having drinks. Right? And why? Why should it be any different? So it's all about the individuals who have different faces that are not the cliche faces associated with cannabis. Those individuals will ultimately be the ones to move the social needle faster.
CWJ: Recently we had the opportunity to talk to Kevin Smith about his experience. And to Shavo, the bassist of System of a Down. Those kinds of people are respected and recognized worldwide. I think that is a good way to teach people to be more conscious of the plant’s benefits. What kind of recommendations could you give to our readers who are trying to start in the cannabis industry? JALEEL WHITE: Starting in the industry, I would encourage anybody to get their licenses. Work with people who are licensed. As that's going to help more than anything when people do great things on the legal side. And, when you connect with a brand or with a product, celebrate it. It almost feels like some people want to just kind of stay in the dark about their enjoyment of cannabis. It's acceptance, man. Just acceptance, maturation, and acceptance. I like to pair cannabis with the everyday experience, whether I'm hiking, skiing, or just normalizing where and when it's appropriate.
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Person of the Month CWJ: To give it a positive spin, because it's been in the dark for so long. Right now people like you, like Shavo, Steve D'Angelo, all these celebrities and influential people are being more open about it, and that gives a bigger chance to other more anonymous people that want to partake in the industry, and now are more excited about it because they see an opportunity there. JALEEL WHITE: We're all here to inspire each other, we can inspire each other negatively or we can inspire each other positively.
And it was like the press unfortunately is ahead of the legalization. So, that's where I have to be patient. But this is a worldwide play. Definitely. CWJ: In the beginning, you said your first encounter with cannabis was with people that were always sending you pictures and selfies with the strain related to your character. Do you think that maybe if you wouldn't have gotten those pictures, you would have still gotten into cannabis?
JALEEL WHITE: No, I wouldn't have. Every time somebody sent me a photo of myself on a t-shirt or CWJ: Exactly! And it's better to look at it a rolling tray or just the name on the jar, you know, positively. You're doing a great job for the it just continued to reinforce that this was getting cannabis industry. It's amazing. bigger and so, I took my cue. It was almost like God poking me like: “Hey, hey, I'm doing this. I'm doing JALEEL WHITE: Thank you. You're the only one this. You want to pay attention now, I'm doing this.” who hasn't asked a question. How do you say your And I'm just happy I got the message. I mean, it's name? probably been one of the coolest things that I've done in my adulthood at this stage, to be quite CWJ: My name is Alibert. I would like to ask you honest, the response has been literally like 99.9% as well, about your brand. Where do you see it positive. I remember when people would even send in the next couple of years? me the photos, people would be like: “Aren't you going to sue these people for using your image?” JALEEL WHITE: I hope that we're in New York, But, I was never inclined to sue anybody, I just Florida, Michigan, and Illinois. I'd like to be in never did. I was like, “Nah. I know they're using anywhere from 5 to 10 states, at least. Nevada, some images that they shouldn't be using, but Arizona. I can just think about the states that I want they're using it in a way where they're celebrating to be in that have reached out to me. A lot of people my legacy as an actor and as a performer.” How from these states have reached out to me. I'd like many people can even say that they have a strain for us to be more recognized as a lifestyle brand named after them that everybody knows? Right? So across the board, not just for cannabis, but also for I just chose to be flattered about it until the cool items and everything from sneakers to legalization let me know this was going to be a snowboards. It's a cultural thing that I'm trying to bigger issue than just me being flattered about it. create. We released a waffle iron with the brand, But I'm gonna be responsible for it. But I feel like it not kidding. It was a waffle iron with my face. It was was a higher power. Just tapped me for it and said: hilarious. And we sold out quickly. We completely “That's something for you if you just pay attention.” underestimated the demand. We've got so many other fun ideas like that, just for a good time. I can't CWJ: As we're talking about your perspective wait to release all these products, but I just want to on the future and all that. How has your be in more states. personal life been impacted since you entered CWJ: And do you think that at some point you can go worldwide?
this industry? How do you personally feel?
JALEEL WHITE: It's done nothing but enhance my life. I think one of the coolest things I was able to do JALEEL WHITE: Oh, yeah. I mean, that's the joy of during quarantine. I had a lot of comedian friends it. We got so much press for it. We got press in that were going out to visit Dave Chappelle at his Spain, in Australia and all these different places.
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Person of the Month summer camp in Yellow Springs, Ohio. All these celebrities were descending upon this town and nobody was working at the time. And I show up and everybody just fell in love with the noodle. I was already cool with everybody, it just took our relations to a whole other level. It was a different way to be known in a room. That's what it has done for me socially and personally. There's something about this plant that when you're sharing high quality with other people, you make an instant connection that you never forget. It also seems more meaningful, to be quite honest, than sharing alcohol. If somebody shows up with a six-pack of beer, it's like, “Oh, great, put it over there.” But if somebody showed up with some bomb, it's a whole different respect level. That's how it's affected me. It's giving me a different greeting.
CWJ: That's awesome. I would like to thank you for allowing us to talk to you today. We are really happy to know that more people are getting involved in this industry. Our readers are going to enjoy this interview a lot. It was a pleasure to talk to you today. JALEEL WHITE: Thank you. Thank you for showing love. CWJ: Thank you. Awesome interview.
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CannaTrade
How can cannabis help develop these sustainable economies? The plant's biomass is a versatile raw material that we can use to produce medicines, food, materials, and fuels.
The current model of global production and consumption is unsustainable. We have witnessed environmental deterioration, land exploitation, and the devastation this has caused to the most vulnerable populations. Little has been done to reverse this unsustainable process, while population growth increases. For this reason, it has become essential to seek circular economy alternatives that can benefit not only the environment but also the rural sector responsible for producing food and raw materials for materials we use in large cities.
How can cannabis help develop these sustainable economies? The plant's biomass is a versatile raw material that we can use to produce medicines, food, materials, and fuels. Cannabis cultivation can also rehabilitate eroded soils and absorb heavy metals, making them available for the cultivation of other plants. To move towards more sustainable development, the cannabis industry has to provide work for various economic sectors that do not necessarily perform assignments directly related to cultivation. The establishment of a crop in a rural town can offer jobs in the textile, food, surveillance, and other ancillary businesses. 30 | EDITION Nº 24 | CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS
The circular economy model in these rural sectors will only work if, in the communities dedicated to cultivating the plant, part of the production is aimed at supplying the community's needs and not only for sale to large companies or export. Under this concept, the community will be producing its own food, medicine, and biomaterials. Building more sustainable production models is our responsibility if we want to ensure a future in which we can properly use our natural resources and minimize all the adverse environmental effects of overexploitation of water and land. Cannabis can help us achieve these sustainable development goals, and it is imperative to consider it as the industry continues to grow.
CannaTrade
3 The market has room for everyone: farmers, analysts, teachers, advertisers, health professionals, lawyers, accountants, and even new trends such as budtending.
With cannabis being such a versatile product that can adapt to different markets, audiences, and uses, people expect the potential for its legalization and subsequent expansion to benefit the global economy. Here are some ways cannabis can boost the economy of regions that choose to adopt a cannabis regulatory stance.
accountants, and even new trends such as budtending. According to a report published by Leafly, almost half a million Americans were employed in cannabis-related sectors; to be exact, 428,059 people were working for the industry in 2021, an increase compared to the previous year, which resulted in about 320,000. In addition, 107,059 new jobs were created due to the market.
JOBS One of the primary and immediate benefits of the cannabis industry is jobs, as it is a product that we can work with from multiple areas. The market has room for everyone: farmers, analysts, teachers, advertisers, health professionals, lawyers,
INVESTMENTS The legalization and regulation of cannabis represents (and has presented) an opening for investment opportunities, whether private or public.
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CannaTrade
The number of cannabis companies of all kinds listed on international markets has been gradually increasing, boosting production in this industry. Indeed, the approval of laws has benefited those companies that have decided to take the next step of entering the stock exchanges. In addition, it gives investors greater confidence and security to invest long-term in these companies, resulting in a benefit for those who decide to invest their money in cannabis companies, which is an essential boost for these institutions and the plant. It is no secret that investments can help the economy of a region or country. In the case of being effective, it would improve its productive capacity, and, in this context, it would increase the overall demand, generating, roughly speaking, economic growth.
TAXES
The legalization and regulation of cannabis represents (and has presented) an opening for investment opportunities, whether private or public.
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The installation of new businesses coupled with the increase in consumption of cannabis products, as a result of the legalization of the plant's use, could help the economy recover during this transition process caused by COVID-19. According to an analysis by the company New Frontier, in the US, the federal legalization of cannabis could generate an additional 105.6 billion dollars in federal tax revenues by 2025.
CannaTrade
Is Africa
The Next Cannabis
Mecca?
The worldwide expansion of the cannabis industry has given the African continent an incredible opportunity to contribute to cannabis innovations. CANNABIS WORLD JOURNALS | EDITION Nº 24 |
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CannaTrade The cannabis industry has experienced exponential growth in a short time, which is evident in the United States, Canada, and Europe. However, there are regions, like Latin America and Africa, barely catching up to the game. There are great expectations regarding legalization and cultivation for medical and export purposes in Latin American countries. There is still a negative stigma present against the plant, which tends to slow down the industry's expansion within these territories. So, big money is starting to look somewhere else: Africa.
A recent publication by Prohibition Partners, a research and consulting firm focused on the legal cannabis industry, predicts that Africa’s legal marijuana industry could be worth as much as $7.1 billion by next year, and the countries that will have a direct impact on this outcome are: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Nigeria, Morocco, Malawi, Ghana, Eswatini, and Zambia. Lesotho was the first country to grant licenses to cultivate cannabis for medicinal and scientific reasons back in 2017. Quickly, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana copied the move.
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South Africa's take on the industry came late but it is one of the territories better prepared to become a key player in the cannabis industry. With the continent’s most-industrialized economy as its foundation, the South African authorities made public a national plan for the industrialization and commercialization of Hemp and Cannabis. At its core, the plant will support economic growth, create jobs, and even tackle poverty. The main goal: make the country competitive in the sector. Many African countries already have experience with cash crops, more specifically tobacco. Yet, demand for this crop is decreasing, and with economies that depend heavily on this type of revenue, they are beginning to look elsewhere to diversify. For example, tobacco accounts for more than 10% of Malawi’s GDP and 60% of its exports, and the annual value of its yield has been cut in half to just $210 million. The country is struggling to maintain the value of its currency, the kwacha. Then, its president Lazarus Chakwera began to urge the nation’s farmers to abandon tobacco in favor of main cannabis. The country recently altered its laws to allow investment in cannabis cultivation and issued licenses to 35 companies to grow the plant.
CannaTrade
The African continent brings to the table four key elements: affordable land, low-cost labor, experienced agricultural workforce, and strategic location.
The continent’s warm weather, rich soil, and abundant sunshine signal a competitive position against established cannabis powerhouses. The plant likes warm and sunny weather, and certain cannabis strains can thrive in extreme heat. Using growing techniques such as dry farming allows growing the crop using rainfall with minimal additional watering. Drip irrigation is also a cheap and efficient way to water cannabis crops in Africa. Finally, Africa's proximity to Europe caters to the growing European market for medical cannabis.
The worldwide expansion of the cannabis industry has given the African continent an incredible opportunity to contribute to cannabis innovations in medicine and other sectors such as paper production, ecobricks, and plastics.
According to Chris Duvall, a geography and environmental science professor at the University of New Mexico: “Right now, it is a new global industry, and Africans are in a place to set the tone and rules and address the problem of uneven trade. They should look hard at how to make it an equitable industry.”
The African continent is not oblivious to what the cannabis industry could mean to its economic and social development. However, there is a long way to go to fully harness the opportunities offered by both medical and adult-use cannabis. Mainly, there is a need for the right regulatory frameworks to be put in place.
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CannaMed
INSIGHTS INTO CANNABIS-BASED MEDICINES: A Market Overview of the Pharmaceutical Industry
Thanks to various investigations and previous studies on the plant, scientists were able to identify its role as an antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anxiolytic.
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CannaMed The Cannabis sativa species has been used for recreational, therapeutic, and industrial purposes since the beginning of humanity. However, it was not until the end of the 20th century that scientists evaluated its effects. It was thanks to the study of the endocannabinoid system, starting the chemical characterization of its main compounds. Today, they have discovered more than 100 cannabinoids. The most studied ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) for their medicinal benefits and ability to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body. Thanks to various investigations and previous studies on the plant, scientists were able to identify its role as an antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anxiolytic. Thus, allowing the production of drugs with phytocannabinoids or synthetic cannabinoids, especially for pathologies in which specialized therapies are limited, such as multiple sclerosis, refractory epilepsy, neuropathic pain, management of nausea caused by chemotherapy, wasting syndrome associated with HIV, among others. Still, there have been some limitations in the approval of these products due to stigmatization and regulatory restrictions at a global level, preventing the standard production, commercialization, and consumption of these cannabis derivatives.
Despite this limitation, some cannabisbased products are available for therapeutic use, and their quality is certified according to good manufacturing practices. For example, the derivative Sativex® is an oral spray with a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD, authorized to control multiple sclerosis in 29 countries. On the other hand, Epidiolex® is an oral CBD solution certified to manage infantile convulsions in syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet. In addition, there are synthetic cannabinoidbased products such as
dronabinol and nabilone, which mimic the medicinal effects of THC. Dronabinol has the same molecular structure as THC. In contrast, nabilone has a similar system and is more potent than dronabinol, so doctors recommend lower doses to achieve efficacy without side effects. So far, they are authorized in some countries to reduce weight loss in HIV patients and relieve nausea and vomiting in people receiving chemotherapy who have not responded adequately to traditional drugs.
Cannabinoid-based Drugs Source: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1141
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In general, researchers consider that these types of drugs, which use purified chemicals derived from cannabis, are more promising from a therapeutic point of view than the use of crude extracts from the plant. Although the development of these drugs offers numerous challenges, as these derivatives can contain hundreds of active and unknown chemicals, it can be challenging to produce a product with correct and stable doses. For this reason, it is essential to support the development and conduct of clinical trials to establish an appropriate formulation with the highest quality standards and provide reliability among consumers.
However, recent studies report that cannabis-based drugs have been replacing the consumption of prescription drugs such as opioids, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Thus, reducing the percentage of overdoses and the possible contraindications of their progressive use since administering cannabinoids and traditional drugs allows a decrease in the dose without losing the efficacy of the conventional product. In fact, most people who replace conventional drugs with cannabis derivatives report that this type of change is more effective in treating diseases than prescription drugs, as it reduces the annoying side effects.
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At present, there are some cannabisbased products available for therapeutic use, and their quality is certified according to good manufacturing practices
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The projected sales of cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products alone in the United States are expected to increase to 25 billion dollars by 2025 and reach 50 billion dollars by 2029. It is an important market to boost the world economy and help to improve the quality of life of hundreds of people with various pathologies.
Sources: 1. 2.
Kvamme, S., Perdersen, M., Thomsen, K., Thylstrup, B. (2021). Exploring the use of cannabis as a substitute for prescription drugs in a convenience sample. Harm reduction journal, 72, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-021-00520-5. Freeman, T., Hindocha, C., Green, S., Bloomfield, M. (2019). Medicinal use of cannabis based products and cannabinoids. Clinical Update, BMJ, 365. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1141+
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Beyond Cannabinoids: Cannabis Terpenes and Flavonoids, an Ever-Growing Market Terpenes and flavonoids are metabolites produced by many plants, including cannabis plants
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annabis has managed to position itself in the market and has demonstrated its potential at a medicinal and industrial level. Much is said about the compounds produced by this plant, especially cannabinoids, the best known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG), among other phytocannabinoids isolated from this millenary species. But, is Cannabis sativa only made up of these compounds? About 560 compounds have been isolated from cannabis, 120 of which are phytocannabinoids. Although Cannabis sativa synthesizes a wide range of phytochemicals, much attention has been paid mainly to two phytocannabinoids, Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), because of their
distinctive activities in humans. These bioactivities can be further enhanced by the interaction of THC and CBD with other phytocannabinoids or nonphytocannabinoid chemicals, such as terpenes and flavonoids, a phenomenon referred to as the entourage effect.
Thanks to their incredible therapeutic properties, terpenes and flavonoids have aroused the interest of the scientific community to explore their benefits in the treatment of different diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, heart problems, respiratory problems, etc.
Source: https://merryjanescannabis.ca/what-are-terpenes-and-what-do-they-do/
Terpenes and flavonoids are metabolites produced by many plants, including cannabis plants. Studies suggest that combined treatment based on the synergy between plant
metabolites has the potential to work much better than a single compound.
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Source: https://elevateholistics.com/blog/c annabis-flavonoidswhat-are-those/
It has also been shown that compounds present in cannabis may act better than isolated and purified CBD. The synergism mode of action (several compounds, when administered together, produce a more significant effect than the sum of each one when administered separately) may involve the interaction of terpenes and flavonoids with cannabinoid receptors or other receptors. As small metabolites, these compounds may also help phytocannabinoids cross the dermal barrier and be absorbed orally or across the blood-brain border.
Thanks to their remarkable therapeutic properties, terpenes and flavonoids have awakened the scientific community's interest in exploring their benefits in treating different diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiac and respiratory problems, and infections
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caused by various microorganisms, antiinflammatory properties, antioxidants, among others. Additionally, many products developed from these compounds generate a lot of interest in the market due to characteristics such as color and aroma, which are pretty attractive to the public. Therefore, the cannabis plant provides us with a wide variety of compounds with great pharmaceutical and industrial potential, generating economic benefits with significant returns for those who wish to invest in the terpenes and flavonoids market.
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Disclaimer: Cannabis World Journals from its position as a purely educational journal is not responsible for the issuance of personal opinions for informational purposes. For the proper, responsible, and safe use and handling of cannabis, consult the laws of your country and/or your family doctor or specialist.