TVV Magazine: October 2022

Stones and Flowers

From the highest rostrum of international politics Gustavo Petro, president of Colombia, declared that the war on drugs had failed

This happened just a few days ago, on September 20, 2022, in the newly elected Colombian president's first speech before the UN General Assembly

"I demand from here, from my wounded Latin America, to put an end to the irrational war on drugs Reducing drug consumption does not require wars, it requires that we all build a better society," he said forcefully before the eyes and ears of the whole world

A speech that comes almost half a century after the implementation of international prohibition policies; the blood legacy of the Nixon era that continues to shape the destiny of entire countries

Words that will remain stamped on the walls of history not so much for the speaker but rather for its message: the demand for justice of millions of human beings who have suffered the abuses brutality, inequality, and violence that the war on drugs has left in its wake throughout Latin America

"I propose as president of one of the most beautiful countries on earth and one of the most brutalized and bloodiest, to end the war on drugs and allow our people to live in peace" he said

Since August when he became president Colombia's new president has been taking on a discourse that represents the causes of various sectors, the same ones that since the 1960s have driven the struggles against prohibition throughout the continent

Today, from around the world, we observe a nation that seeks to transform its relationship with drugs A change of course where it plans to leave behind the confrontational strategy and propose an alternative that can benefit the national economy while contributing to social peace

A reconciliation with cannabis sativa, with the coca leaf and with the communities that produce them A social debt that must be repaired starting precisely with the peasant sectors, entire communities that have suffered marginalization and oppression caused by the absurd prohibition policies

In 2022, the eyes of the international cannabis community will be on Colombia to say in unison "the time is now!" The time to act, to change course and to demonstrate that peace is possible through legalization

Following this idea, in Tu Vida Verde we decided to dedicate our issue #09 to this region, where political and social struggles are aligning towards a better tomorrow An issue with the participation of activists, specialists and personalities that are part of the green revolution in this beloved land, hymn of faith (marijuana) and joy.

Good vibes

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WAITING FOR NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE COLOMBIAN MARKET

by MARÍA CLAUDIA GONZALEZ VILLOTA / legal representative Farmacann SAS

For more than 4 years I have been on the cannabis path, making a presence in congresses and symposiums with cosmetic products, representing several commercial houses such as flora grow, sahuka, farmacann, merquimia, dermahemp, eternity, and zilis

Happy and with a lot of enthusiasm developing and manufacturing several products with CBD We are dedicated to the good management of seeds and cuttings of different varieties throughout the Colombian country

Currently, with the new government, we are hoping for an urgent and definitive change to the resolution that regulates the exportation of dried flowers and the approval of the bill that establishes the regulatory framework for the use of cannabis for adult use

It is fair that all citizens who need the medicine can enjoy and have a 100% natural alternative with many benefits in several pathologies I do not understand how they are delayed in the approval of the INVIMA registry after a great majority of entrepreneurs have invested millions of dollars and with the support of many foreign investors who have applied for it and still have not been able to obtain the approval of the INVIMA registry and its legal commercialization

HOW IS CANNABIS GOING IN COLOMBIA?

by JOHNNY TORRES APARICIO / Colombian Cannabis Consultant

On August 7 in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, the new president took office, who will govern the threads of the nation in the next four years Gustavo Petro, president of the Colombians, has promised that he will completely overturn many regulations in the country, including cannabis and all support for the industry, which has generated great expectations throughout the production chain

Although in Colombia there has been progress in some laws and decrees, there are still some adjustments to be made so that the industry is fully liberated and to be able to unleash an entire market that ranges from the production of seeds, to the production of derivatives and textiles , going through all the pharmaceutical and recreational issues that we all know

But not everything is so easy, it should be clarified that all regulations, whether decrees or laws, must be processed by the two legislative chambers of Colombia: the House of Representatives and the Senate Then it goes to the approval of the president This paperwork and process will take between eight and twelve months, we are taking this time to reorganize ourselves, if you can say so, all those involved in the value chain

The challenges that now arise for medical cannabis are the prompt approval of banks for opening accounts and facilitating investment and transparency of national and international operations; another challenge is, a clear regulation for the export of dried flowers and live flowers, this regulation not only from Colombia, but from the countries of destination, since an international standardization of requirements must be sought, to facilitate the flower trade and its products derivatives

Another very important one is the industrialization of the processes related to cannabis, from the production of seeds, crops, oil extraction, manufacture of derivatives, textiles and biofuels derived from hemp, among others; The industrialization of the processes will have a direct impact on the price, which will make the Colombian product more competitive in international markets

Finally and the most important of all is the market Although medical cannabis, its benefits, its ancestry and relationship with history are talked about all over the planet, a clear market for consumption worldwide has not yet been established, because despite all the known benefits and all the contributions it can make this plant to the pharmaceutical industry, there is still no mass industrialization as such

That is why the biggest challenge now is the market Establish who will be the clients of the national industry and that the crops have the same international market proportions as all other crops The great Colombian advantage is that it has already advanced a lot in terms of regulations and legislation and that the adjustments that are needed are very few As for recreational cannabis, there is still a rougher road ahead, although two projects for the responsible consumption of recreational cannabis have already been filed in the Colombian Senate and House of Representatives These are still very young but they promise to have a happy ending, as it would be the regulation of consumption and take away from the micro trafficking groups or "mafias" the handling of cannabis in the streets and incidentally lower the rates of violence that it generates, since the monopoly would be taken by the state, as happens with alcohol and tobacco

For the industry, this step would be very important, since it would be part of this process and the market, because recreational cannabis crops will be in the hands of peasant and indigenous associations, marketing and distribution in the hands of licensed companies, as well as dispensaries or pharmacies that meet requirements established by the state, INVIMA, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice, and others, without neglecting the taxation that this generates, guaranteeing a quality product and minimizing the risks for those who use it they consume

This is how the panorama of cannabis is today in Colombia, with many positive expectations, but with a lot of work still to be done, the road is becoming clearer, but there is still a long way to go and that stretch is the most important and delicate , since it is the establishment of the market and the industry as such

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FUTURE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE CANNABIS MARKET IN MEXICO (PART 2)

by ANA LUCÍA GONZÁLEZ / Founder of Tetra Buró and Director of the Sustainable Development Commission of the Mexican Cannabis and Hemp Council

It is important to note that hemp is actually one of the fastest growing plants, taking only four months to reach maturity But it is also one of the highest yielding: a single plant produces 220% more fiber than a cotton plant With this type of maximization and optimization in the production of raw materials, it would be possible to replace certain fibers that generate high levels of environmental pollutants, whether they are non biodegradable materials or require large amounts of agrochemicals for their cultivation (returning to the cotton example: its worldwide production represents 16% of global emissions from the manufacture and application of pesticides)

Another type of magnitude that is important to note is that hemp cultivation requires approximately 2 700 liters of water per kilogram A kilogram of cotton on the other hand requires 22 500 liters almost nine times more than hemp And so while hemp produces twice as much fiber as cotton with much less water and pesticides it manages at the same time to improve the soil since up to 60% of its nutrients can be returned to the soil enriching the very substrate in which it is grown

Regarding Mexico's production capacity, it is important to consider favorable geographic and climatic factors, which allow for year round cultivation; and an abundant and cost competitive labor force, which allows access to easily implemented agricultural infrastructure for the processing and marketing of its by products

Even taking into account the controversial nature of the plant, it should be noted that as in the case of alcohol or tobacco the tax revenues that could be generated from a national cannabis industry would have a notable impact not only on the economy in general but also on public finances which needless to say would facilitate meeting many of the needs that exist in the country today

It is for this reason that the production distribution and commercialization of cannabis must be accompanied by legislation that supports an industry that favors precisely competitiveness and equity between producers and exporters

Today with an outlook that allows its cultivation and medicinal use but still prohibits industrial production Mexico is potentially considered the largest market for cannabis and industrial hemp with the potential to account for 15% of the total world market

Mexico is the second largest cannabis producer in the world with an estimated 16 500 productive hectares In 2021 New Frontier Data estimated that there are currently 2 3 million cannabis users in Mexico indicating a usage rate of 2 5% among the population which consumes in aggregate an estimated 14.7 million ounces of illegally produced and distributed flower It is estimated that once legislation includes adult recreational use Mexico could become the largest cannabis market in the world reaching 7 2 million consumers

It is difficult to estimate the current value of the illegal market but with an estimated business of between five and seven billion dollars a year in the black market it is expected that the legal market in Mexico will have an opening value of more than 3.2 billion pesos in the first year alone and that as a forecast for 2028 it could reach almost $80 billion pesos

That is why as of 2016 venture capital investment in the cannabis and hemp industry in Mexico has grown to concentrate 20% of total global investments in that industry Hence Mexico is also the Latin American country with the highest concentration of registered patents where it ranks 12th globally The potential for intellectual property development in this industry continues to grow as advances in medicine and other sciences support the multiple properties of the plant

Conclusion

Regulation, like everything else, can be improved But we must already have a starting point: begin to evaluate the possibilities and problems and test the development and performance of the sector, and make improvements as necessary as we go forward

The only thing that will allow for the growth of the Mexican cannabis industry is the creation of sufficient regulatory frameworks to fully understand and face the challenge we have against neighboring countries such as the United States, Canada, and Colombia which are already moving towards legalization and have their own cannabis industry It is crucial to work together and find coherent solutions as a region to ensure that each country is participating in the industry in the way it can best optimize competitiveness at a global level without neglecting the social justice measures required to repair the damage caused by the long period of prohibition

It is also necessary to pay attention to projections and future trends without falling into speculations that are not supported by the economic reality of the country

Organizations such as the Mexican Cannabis and Hemp Council seek to be interlocutors between the agricultural and business sector and state authorities seeking to establish best practices in order to witness a creative and inventive explosion both in technological issues as well as in products and consumer goods services schemes and commercial channels In a market where many will want to participate only those who are prepared advised and properly connected will achieve success

There are indeed many challenges to face and issues to discuss along the way but it is time to take action and not let opportunities pass us by Our work today is focused on supporting the creation of all the tools and models to start up this industry within a framework of effective legislation good business practices and sustainable development

We are in the right place at the right time to make Mexico a regional and global leader in this industry The controversies and potential problems are minimal compared to the benefit: economic and fiscal technological and scientific commercial and in public health that can be obtained if we act in the right way and with the right tools

M E D I C A L A P P L I C A T I O N S O F

C A N N A B I N O I D S

I would like to begin this text by introducing myself, since it is important to know why a person is going to give you a talk, especially since it is a relatively controversial topic nowadays I am Dr Mariana Hoyo, a general practitioner with a master's degree in Management and Administration of Health Institutions

Along with my university studies I have completed multiple national and international certifications on the subject of cannabis medicine, endocannabinoid medicine or medical cannabis, among many other names that have been attributed to this branch of science During my experience, I have offered lectures in Mexico and abroad regarding the use of cannabis in the area of health advice and consultancy to multiple companies of cannabis products, as well as carrying out my clinical practice with integrative medicine and using cannabis as a complementary treatment, to promote the dissemination of information and proper and responsible education on the subject

It is known that the plant cannabis sativa L has been used for millennia ago by different civilizations and cultures, expanding its use in multiple areas of the industry due to the versatility of the plant On this occasion the focus will be on the medical area in which advances have been growing in recent years, giving more certainty and security about its use in different ailments Among the highest level evidence the use in refractory epilepsy (epilepsy that does not respond to conventional treatment), management of nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy and spasticity in multiple sclerosis

Other very specific and other less specific, but that have been noticed for the potential it represents in many other medical conditions, such as chronic pain management (fibromyalgia, arthritis/osteoarthrosis, cancer, etc ), complementary treatment in anxiety and depression neurodegenerative diseases and even in aesthetic issues it is important to know the general concept of the plant so that all this can be known used and taken advantage of in a responsible and adequate way, taking into account its main compounds (cannabinoids and non cannabinoids) as well as where and how they are found, why and how it acts in the body (with the endocannabinoid system) which products can be consumed (quality verification, routes of administration, recommendations or indications), as well as the importance of having medical orientation or advice making this a personalized and integrative medicine, which includes lifestyle issues such as nutrition, physical activity, rest, wellness and mental health, to carry out a treatment scheme with successful and safe results

Meet Dr. Mariana and enjoy her full presentation on October 14th at Expoweed Mexico City. Tickets are on sale at Boletia or through the event website.

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Dra. Mariana Hoyo

Medical Specialist in cannabinoid medicine

The organizers estimate an attendance of 35,000 people for its 2022 edition.

The global marijuana industry has a new appointment scheduled in the city of Las Vegas: November 15, 2022, date announced for the 11th edition of MJBizCon, the world's largest cannabis convention

During 4 days, the event organizers expect an attendance of more than 35 thousand people, all gathered at the Convention Center of the city of lights A space of 320,000 square meters will host more than 1,400 exhibitors from all over the world

According to the Industry 420 report Chris Walsh, CEO of MJBiz will be in charge of kicking off the meeting with the conference "State of the Industry and Predictions for 2023" But of the more than 180 anticipated speakers this year Berner's panel, CEO and co founder of Cookies is expected to be one of the most attended this year because of the magnitude of the company and the popularity it has amassed this year

"MJBizCon is a great place to collectively support each other and the industry as we look toward brighter days ahead We will take advantage of emerging opportunities, learn from new powerhouse states like New York and New Jersey and build on the momentum emerging from the federal changes on the horizon," Walsh detailed via a statement

According to its website, MJBizCon is profiled as an event 100% for cannabis professionals An event focused on the business and entrepreneurial sector around the plant

CANNABIS TRADE LAWS

Although the initiatives are aligned with those of other states, there will be no changes until the plant is legalized at the federal level.

On September 18, California Governor Gavin Newsom presented a new package of reforms for the regulation of the cannabis industry, including a law that will allow for legal interstate commerce

This bill, known as Law 1326, aims to add a new chapter to the Business and Professions Code to grant the Executive the power to sign trade agreements with other states where the plant is already legal.

According to the analysis published on the Leafly network, between 10,000 and 13,000 metric tons of marijuana are consumed in the United States each year, of which 27% is supplied through legal channels. This is largely due to the fact that of the 14 states that are allowed to sell recreational merchandise, they can only maintain the trade within state boundaries.

For this reason, California (considered the nucleus of the cannabis industry worldwide) continues to pave the way for extending its influence to the rest of the country. However, several analysts point out that these changes will only come into effect until the national lock on cannabis is removed. Without federal legalization, these initiatives will remain stuck in the freezer.

"SB 1326 provides an outlet for the oversupply of cannabis, an opportunity to grow California's brand and market share, which supports job creation and gives the state a competitive advantage as federal policy develops," is part of the justification for the recent bill.

by Simona Rubio

The first thing to keep in mind is the following tip: cannabis is a plant with a strong and bitter taste, so you must know how to use it And for its part, as the hen is a tough bird, it is necessary to boil it in a pressure cooker with a liter of water, three tablespoons of vinegar and salt The hen is boiled until the pot boils twice

Then lower the heat to the pot and you will see that there is a thick layer of fat that the chicken has released Don't get rid of that fat! Just remove it with a spoon, because that is where the delicious cannabis flowers that grow in the Cauda Valley will be infused

Let them simmer for about five minutes until the cannabis takes on a dark green color. This will soften the flavor and lower the smell but not the effect All this while keeping the hen flavor present

Ingredients

1 Chicken preferably peasant

2 Green plantains (peeled and cut in pieces)

1 Yucca (peeled and cut in pieces)

4 Potatoes (peeled and cut in pieces

Chopped garlic

Long onion (finely chopped)

Red onion (finely chopped)

Finely chopped herbs (cilantro, cimarron, parsley)

2 ears of corn (peeled and cut into pieces)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 grams of 100% Colombian cannabis flower

Step by step

As the chicken is already quite soft, you will put it to cook in a normal pot with two liters of water Add the yucca the spices and the two types of onion Then add salt and pepper to taste and the rest of the herbs except the cilantro

When everything is well integrated, add the plantains, the corncobs the garlic and the potatoes

When everything is boiling and everything is very soft, five minutes before removing the pot, drain the oil or fat from the cannabis and add it to the preparation and let it boil for another five minutes

To serve, we recommend a deep dish Serve the Sancocho with the ingredients in big pieces and decorate at the end with the coriander (some will think it is marijuana) Serve the chicken uncut and accompany it with rice avocado and a good green salad

And this is your Sancocho de Gallinnabis Or as we like to call it here: sankusho

Enjoy it!

The natural fusion between cannabis culture and social transformation in Colombia has manifestations in the spheres of the urban phenomenon, where dance, protest and freedom of expression become one and the same.

by Gaby Arellano

A sound invades the nerve fibers It rises like smoke through the system and the muscles tense and contort endlessly The rhythm that is freedom the body that is autonomy

In the departments and regions; in transportation or public spaces, music is the permanent manifestation of the most authentic feeling of society And it is there, in the heart of the neighborhoods of the world where cannabis spreads its leaves to the same rhythm

The mixture is not new, but in countries where the awakening towards marijuana is an important part of the agendas of the new governments its importance becomes more than evident In Colombia cannabis is a movement

"I believe that cannabis and art have been closely related Historically and just like coffee, they are substances that always have an effect on the body," says Nicolás Navarrete, who for the past 10 years has been a professional dancer specializing in urban rhythms

For him the consumption of cannabis and succeeding in alternating it with this discipline has been a path marked by the discovery of various effects, persistent social stigmas but also the search for a better focus of energy as well as to adequately control physical performance

"Artistic expression seems to me to be an amazing thing As for cannabis use, in my mind it's like the window of my house: sometimes it's open sometimes it's closed During all these years it has been a process of self knowledge and understanding at what times it suits me and at what times it does not Whether it's because of my emotions or my moods," he shared in an interview with TVV Magazine

Nicolas, who has been trained in different styles of dance from classical to contemporary, decided to go urban for pleasure A path that has given him the opportunity to travel to some places like Los Angeles or New York to be able to live his discipline exercise it and analyze it from different social realities

From there, the artist has oriented his path and carved his own discourse One that is critical when required, but always attached to his convictions

"I have seen a revolution I feel that within the urban genre there is quite a strong content Some discourses that maybe I don't support (and that although I am part of the movement, I can't do anything to change it) I feel that sometimes there are very strong messages directly towards addictions and not necessarily talking about drugs but about women and money Honestly that's not something I share but for that same reason I try to go to the roots and look at the origins of urban," he commented

E N E R G Y A N D P R E J U D I C E

Change generates turbulence And when change breaks with pre established patterns prejudices jump to the dance floor This happens with cannabis in Colombia but also with those who come out of the green closet and take their consumption in an open and unabashed way

"Of course, there is a lot of prejudice, especially in Colombian society, which is quite macho and misogynistic It is a social construct of many years that is unlikely to fade In my case several people know that I am a cannabis consumer Within my work environment within art and my family I did have prejudices at the beginning There were people who told me, or didn't even say anything to me, but just by seeing me smoking they didn't want me to be in their group; they didn't want me to dance with them

At first maybe I saw that as an affectation but then I understood that we all have different paths and if those people were not vibrating like me it is because we are not in the same thing and that is not wrong it is not to generate a conflict from it ( ) I feel that this has been a revolution through my art and my essence I share with people so that they can have a safe approach to these experiences," he says

Nicolás recommends to always understand our body to know how it reacts to THC and CBD For while they can benefit and even enhance discipline they are not substances that make an athlete invulnerable to injury

"As a dancer, I remember initially using cannabis after training, purely after training After a while, we started doing it before warm up and then pre workout (laughs) So I could understand all these different effects it had on both the mind and the body How physical activity worked with cannabis and on the mind when we were past physical activity

"As a result of that, I generated a bad habit, which I'm going to state here so no one else commits it: don't stop stretching no matter how relaxed you feel no matter how much you feel that the body is already calm don't stop stretching That has been my mistake but it's the only thing I can perhaps complain about When you don't give your body the proper care to warm up, do the physical activity, and stretch, there can always be an injury It's a process of self knowledge and I've been able to identify certain points

To conclude Nicolás considers that beyond the lack of knowledge being able to be yourself and express through your discipline what you really are becomes the best way to show society that another reality is possible

"I try to break the stigma through love, honestly Through dancing, through showing people that I am what they see at that moment and that I don't have a double life That I am not interested in trafficking that I am not interested in selling; that the whole issue of illegality is something that has been imposed on us and that we can change it with the revolution we are having With self cultivation, with direct friendships and with healthy spaces to share for safe users"

The paths between the cultures of North and South America are honored in 2022 with a new agreement between Mexico and Colombia.

by Cynthia Olivieri

BridgesfromCaucato Tarahumara

Hector Manuel Benton (Haaco Guama Pericu), master of sacred medicines from Baja California Sur and Ricardo Omar Almanza Valencia, director and co founder of CBDBox 420 Latam Consultora SAPI de CV were responsible for signing the "Great Sacred Alliance", an agreement that aims to promote the use of cannabis, hemp, and kenaf, which has been present for thousands of years on our planet and that have been precisely the native peoples, who have preserved their use responsibly and always attached to their customs This is a sign of the full conservation of their culture their constitutional rights, and in accordance with international agreements and treaties

Through a press release Ricardo Almanza expressed that it is a great honor to be accepted by the grandparents of the Great Supreme Tarahumara Council, Council of Grandparents and Sages of Yenekamu "Through brother Haaco Guama Perico, who has become a teacher for all of us (guiding us with wisdom on the path of awareness and respect for the use and customs of the native peoples) we have a great commitment to bring the voice of our peoples to the national and international institutions and authorities " he said

For his part, Hector Benton expressed a message about this collaboration agreement with the sacred land of Colombia "I honor and venerate hearts for this moment of joining forces and collaborating so that as native peoples we can place ourselves in the political legal and social spotlight that we deserve Thus the Alliance that is being registered today is based on the trust and commitment that has been generated with brother Ricardo We trust in his knowledge and that of his team in the areas of legal management and perseverance that characterize them also represents an important strategic bridge due to the geographical distance"

Currently, both associations are working on the licensing of psychoactive and non psychoactive cannabis in Colombia, a country that has managed to regulate the use of the plant with greater openness than Mexico is demonstrating today

The signers of the Great Sacred Alliance made a joint commitment to report on the progress of the project focused on the neediest communities of both nations People who will be able to access this medicine and participate in the care of our mother earth The same that today claims her children to leave aside the overexploitation and seek the development of projects that help her to heal

Representatives of the Ancestral Nations AC of northern Mexico and CBDBox 420 in Colombia celebrated an agreement for the knowledge, education and respect towards the sacred medicines of humanity, as well as towards the diverse communities that are guardians of this knowledge throughout the continent

"We are part of the same natural collective consciousness that is called a planet and is directed by the Great Spirit of each tribe, coming from the same mother earth we walk with our hearts in our hands"

COLOMBIA COLOMBIA COLOMBIA

by Gaby Arellano

Colombia has been synonymous with organiz than 60 years A nation that, in the internation to generate a harmful perception while servin international drug prohibition policies

Today, this same nation that for decades has even morbidity) for its history rooted in the w different path A path where sustainable deve be possible only with a change of mindset

the national agreements to say "yes" to peace, d its destiny towards social reconciliation. Five first leftist government appeared with Gustavo ia Márquez, and along with them came a new nation's relationship with drug production

d cannabis sativa grown in Valle del Cauca began being the murderous and highly noxious weeds he war to being the sustainable alternatives for a new national industry One where medical ulus to the countryside and sustainable agendas in the next 10 years

bis has been part of the historical social our country And for a country that has had lties of all kinds, the plant is a resilience factor, a ding social relationships and of course an ee beyond the status quo," said Javier Francisco and defender of the rights of cannabis users in erview for Tu Vida Verde

e agreements, Colombia has embarked on an prominent legislative path With a regulatory ted in 2017; Decree 613 for the manufacture use ltivation of cannabis for medicinal and scientific in collaborative work with the National ties from the Ministries of Health and Justice to

Beyond isolated protests or marginalization cannabis users in this country are managing to form a real community with political weight and the ability to influence in decision making

Javier affirms that not only the arrival of Petro with his pro legalization discourse is evidence of this impact but also other milestones in local politics such as the arrival of Claudia López the first woman to become mayor of Bogotá

"We worked with her in that campaign and managed to get her to have a different vision of the cannabis user And not only that but also that she understood the need for public policies for a large and influential population group, such as the cannabis community nowadays

In this new administration and together with the District Health Department we received technical support to start building the first organization of cannabis users in Colombia For 18 months we have had a table where every Tuesday we meet a little more than 80 users We light up joints and marijuana cigarettes and at the same time we talk about our needs as a community" he says

According to Becerra, the Bogotá Cannabis District Table is extending to each of the 20 localities of this district so the work to educate will continue with the purpose of demonstrating that legalization is possible

"Colombia is a country that has a strong cannabis origin We have been linked for years as well as Mexico with this plant and I think that at least in every home there is a cannabis user ( ) Marijuana can change humanity Help not only against the disaster of climate change but also to increase values such as love and cordiality We have a way of thinking that, as former President Obama once said we are a community of peace and love with a discourse that can move and transform the world ”

i i i i

"At this particular moment, cannabis is an opportunity for Colombia We see the plant as an opportunity to build peace, harmony and the Colombian country we all want" said Javier

For the activist, the 15 year struggle for legalization is reaching new dimensions in 2022

Imagen: CortesíaFranciscoBecerra

Alegalpowerhouse

Cannabis and coca leaf production is not new to Colombia, but the transition to legality could turn the nation into an international powerhouse in terms of raw material production and derivatives of these plants According to ProColombia's recent analysis during 2021 Colombian exports of medical cannabis reached $4 8 million This is a sustained figure that could multiply if the domestic market is strengthened at the same time

For William Silva, a pharmaceutical chemist at the National University of Colombia, the opportunity to strengthen the nation in terms of cutting edge research and development of effective medicines will have a direct and positive impact on the quality of life of Colombians Something that is already beginning to be noticed due to the acceptance in different regions

"What we perceive is that the regions where there was an impact or a relationship with drug trafficking, marijuana is well accepted In these areas, forming a farmers' association or training in cultivation issues is well accepted and is not considered to be malicious But in other regions where the impact of drug trafficking with the issue of marijuana was null or very little (I am talking about the region where Bogotá is located) in those municipalities we first had to break with the negative perception they had

Particularly because at some point in Colombia, governments in the past had the idea of sending out propaganda that said "do not consume or plant the plant that kills" and that generated terrible damage because in reality it is the opposite So now the work is to tell the Colombian population in these regions that it is not the plant that kills but the plant that cures " he said

In addition to having a master's degree in the cosmetics industry and cannabis derived products from the University of Valencia William has a pharmaceutical project in Bogota which has grown to the point of becoming an integral business unit that currently advises 35 companies in the cannabis sector

"The projects are located in all the thermal floors of Colombia They are, for example, from 100 meters above sea level, in Turbaná near Cartagena to the highest project at 2 800 meters above sea level We have been able to grow thanks to the experience in the agricultural part but also the consulting group was growing This business unit within the laboratory is now called Agrowinds, in which we already have for example two agronomists, two pharmaceutical chemists and a surveyor, among other talent," he says in an interview for TVV Magazine

In May of this year Willam achieved certification by the National Narcotics Fund for the production of prescription drugs This prompted them to develop treatments for epilepsy as it was their first approach to the subject due to his wife's condition However, they are in the process of developing other drugs for trauma and pain, as well as to improve sleep and for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease

Imágenes:CortesíaWilliamSilva

ColombianHands

Cannabis and coca leaf cultivation in the Cauca mountains is a generational affair In these valleys Colombian growers have watched from afar the prohibition policies that kept them submerged in insecurity and oblivion for decades Today, these same communities are illuminated under the aura of a legalization that could enhance their quality of life

José Ubaner Díaz, a member of the Society of Medical Cannabis Growers in Colombia, knows the illegal market well It was the source of life and livelihood of his parents and grandparents But now in the face of political changes and transitions at the federal level, they hope that the game rules will change to benefit more and more people dedicated to the plant

"We are waiting for the new policies that the current government is implementing, because initially there was a licensing process and we were based on that to be able to do our trade but at this moment the National Government indicated that the crops should be for all people A new period has begun, in a calmer and more professional manner

For the cultivation specialist among the benefits of these new regulations are the access of people to better life opportunities through cannabis an integral chain of commerce, with good quality products and with growth schemes abroad

"If we dedicate ourselves to cultivate we will generate very good income and people will benefit a lot Colombia could be the number one country in exporting cannabis flower, then we would all benefit a lot from those who grow, those who are part of the chemical processes to become medicine So I think we have the potential to grow and export everything that is necessary", he said

And although the path now seems encouraging the last few years have been a constant battle for José Ubaner and for farmers like him who have the space but not the resources and tools to enhance their projects

"We have a lot of land that we have not been able to cultivate Sometimes because of the lack of economic resources and also because of the number of obstacles that the government has put in our way to be able to cultivate The ones who can cultivate freely and have everything are the big landowners and those who have a lot of money so they can cultivate as they please It has restricted us a lot that is why we need help or people who are determined to work with us and invest

We have the potential the land and the crops We are growing (here alone) an average of 2 000 plants which are the ones that fit in the greenhouse and those 2 000 plants yield an average of 150 to 350 kilos, which are sold at $120 per kilogram We have the best climate, abundant water and the best land We only need investors; people who want to invest so that the country becomes the number one producer in the world"

EXPOWEED 2022: A LEAP INTO THE METAVERSE

The most important cannabis convention in Mexico City celebrates its seventh anniversary with new digital experiences.

With more than 60 brands, a score of international speakers and new dynamics applied to the digital world, Expoweed will celebrate its seventh consecutive edition in Mexico City next October 14, 15 and 16

An event that despite regulatory bumps constant stigmas or even pandemic has managed to remain as the main meeting of the cannabis industry in Mexico City

"It has been a challenge because we have been waiting so many years for law reforms so we could have a regulation that would allow us to take advantage of cannabis in all its forms However society continues to advance education continues to advance and knowledge about the plant does not stop either " said Julio Zenil producer of the event in an interview for TVV

For this year he said that attendance of 7 thousand people is expected during the three day event which will be held at the ExpoReforma site International speakers such as Dan Herer, son of legendary activist Jack Herer and founder of Herer Group, will also be present

"We have approximately 60 brands or ventures from different parts of the world People are coming from Argentina Spain Australia and of course Mexico ( ) right now we are presenting Growland as the main sponsor which is from Metaverso A Mexican company that we have perfectly located ” said Zenil

Unlike last year when Juicy Fields sponsored the event for this year Julio Zenil affirms that there was no approach with this company due to the multiple accusations and active investigations about international case of fraud Something that remained an important lesson to reinforce their protocols of association with companies for the future

"We had a connection with Juicy Fields last year and they were our main sponsors They were a company that we had already seen in some other parts of the world and let's say that we saw them as fairly serious ( ) there is definitely a lesson learned from all this because this cannot happen again We cannot present again a company that represents a financial risk for someone We know that we are not the only people affected and there are many more in different parts of the world " he said

During the first two weeks of October, Expoweed will promote participation mechanisms in social networks to win free tickets or special discounts

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CONGRESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS JOIN NEW DRUG POLICY IN COLOMBIA

The work aligned with the National Government's discourse will have as its first objective the regulation of cannabis for adult use.

The winds of legalization are beginning to blow and the ancestral plants of Valle de Cauca feel it After President Gustavo Petro's powerful speech before the UN, the various sectors of society and political representation in Colombia began to revolve around one issue: the new national drug policy

In less than 24 hours, several representatives of the Chamber of Bogotá signed a request to work together with the National Government on the amendment of Article 49 of the Constitution to allow once and for all cannabis to be legal for adult use

Just on September 14, Congress voted 24 in favor and 6 against in the first debate on this project to free the plant at the federal level A week later the recently elected president of Colombia demanded for the second time in an international forum that the war on drugs come to an end

On September 21, several congressional representatives signed a letter addressed to the Colombian government to publicly endorse the project

"In this letter we invite your government to join the draft Legislative Act that will materialize the change in drug policy that you proposed yesterday to the whole world Prohibition did not save any life," Juan Carlos Losada, representative of the Liberal Party said in his Twitter account

Later the Colombian Association of Cannabis Industries (Asocolcanna) celebrated the initiative and joined the call to participate in the construction of a new drug policy One that prioritizes public health, and human and environmental rights in the face of what they describe as the "failure of the prohibitionist approach over the last six decades"

With a one-of-a-kind personality, a powerful vision, and the virtue of generating empathy and inspiration, the cannabis influencer and entrepreneur continues to break down the barriers of prejudice around the popular plant in Colombia.

by Gaby Arellano

“I feel that the world of cannabis culture goes beyond money," a phrase that by itself begins to draw the impact that the popular plant has had on his life

Beyond the creation of content; leaving aside performance metrics or hundreds of thousands of followers on social networks, Julián David Pérez Echeverry better known as Julián Pérez TV keeps the flame of authenticity burning A fire that does not go out and that encourages him in a simple but forceful work: to communicate

"Whoever wants to do this for business and only for business, for sure it won't work Here you have to put heart, body and soul into it, as the saying goes Here you have to work pretty hard " shared the Colombian influencer in an interview with Tu Vida Verde Magazine

Although his reputation as a digital celebrity began to be carved almost a decade ago Julian plunged into one of the darkest periods of his life in 2018 following the sudden loss of his mother Anxiety disorders, panic attacks and various physical problems would lead him to drug dependence and even consider taking his own life But it was on that same route that the communicator discovered the plant that would change his destiny

"By the grace of God I went to a smoke shop where they showed me CBD I said 'God, but all my life I thought the plant was just the smoking part' I thought it was just the psychotropic or recreational part but I never imagined it had so many cannabinoids I didn't know that I had an endocannabinoid system and that silver had a phytocannabinoid system Then I realized the pharmacological interests the government and why it couldn't be legalized Because for no one would it be a business to know that one can grow a complete pharmacy at home that is what cannabis generates " he says

On the path of personal discovery Julian Perez realized that cannabis was imprisoned under an important stigma A vision that associated the plant as happens in countries that have suffered the weight of prohibition with the most negative concepts in society For that reason the process of education and sharing open information on the subject has been an ongoing work

"First I educated myself I spent many nights studying and took many courses and diplomas I took on the task of self cultivating and started learning about genetics I thought that having prior knowledge or being able to speak with propriety I could transmit to my followers in a very responsible way these issues Trying to take care of those parameters because I know that many people who follow me like family friendly content So, the first thing I did was to ask: "What do you know about the plant what have you been told or what experiences have you had?" and I started to receive very positive responses the truth is that I have not had any bad comments", he said

CHANGE CAND HANGE AND DISRUPTION DISRUPTION

Today, Julian Perez TV is not only one of the main ambassadors of responsible consumption in Colombia but he is also the owner of the company Kaphacann, dedicated to the manufacture and distribution of CBD products

"We don't sell the dropper or the ointment, our business is education We don't sell customers, because that customer (who receives good information) sells himself He starts with his products and makes a recommendation because we focus precisely on that: on making people understand that it is something purely medicinal" .

At this historical point in which his country is beginning to turn towards legalization Julián explains that one of the first steps to take is resocialization One that consists of transforming the double standard and putting an end to the misinformation surrounding cannabis

"I have had the opportunity to give some senators and ministers their little dropper of CBD Some are happy, some don't say it and some more conservative ones prefer not to talk about it However, they see it differently ( ) I think many people are afraid of it because they say it is the gateway to all drugs, but for me, the gateway to drugs is called alcohol

For the popular content creator, cannabis in Colombia is an opportunity that means development and livelihood a responsibility to the audiences; but also, a demand for justice for the peasant sectors that for years have suffered the exploitation imposed by the transfer of the plant to the north of the continent

"Our project is really purely digital We like the physical point because we can educate people and they have more confidence in what we are doing because they can see it A very big dream we have is to be able to offer flowers to people well treated We want there to be national growers that generate income through the dispensaries and that there is nothing nicer than being able to say "I come with my medical prescription so that you can recommend a product" At this moment we are the only store in the country that has a cannabis tester There we can analyze the percentage of CBD or THC ( ) I hope that all the people who enter this guild do it with a purpose and that hopefully, they themselves can take advantage of this beautiful plant that God gave us"

Colombia!

by Diana Bonilla Translation: María Torres

Over the years, Colombia has expanded its tourist offer, not only to historically known places, but also to other territories such as the Eje Cafetero, the beaches of Valle del Cauca, Choco, the deserts of Tocorá, Guajira, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Nevados Park and Caño Cristales, among others. But in the last years and with the boom of medical cannabis in Colombia, a new interest has awakened and it is cannabis tourism.

Today there are many visitors coming to Colombia from different parts of the world, looking for the offer of medical cannabis and why not recreational, although this is not yet legalized in Colombia but the law 30 of 1986 (in the numerals i, j, ñ,) makes clear the use of medical cannabis for therapeutic purposes, the use and carrying of personal dose and plantations in homes that do not exceed twenty plants of cannabis or marijuana, although it is not allowed consumption in public places, but leaves some margin in the law.

In view of this tourist offer, we went to the streets of Cartagena de Indias to look for tourists who were willing to give us their experiences with the consumption of cannabis; although it was not an easy task, we met a British family formed by their mother and two daughters, who have traveled to Colombia for the third time and the second time looking for Cannabis. They are Rose and her daughters Caroline and Andrea, from Glasgow. Since a few years ago they decided to start visiting several countries and they emphasize that the three are happy traveling alone.

In their agenda they have already visited some Asian and European countries, islands in Oceania, North America and of course Mexico and Colombia, having visited Peru and Brazil. They decided to share their story with Tu Vida Verde.

TVV How many times have you traveled to Colombia?

Rose: This is our third visit, the first was in 2013, the second in 2019 and now we are taking advantage of the summer of 2022 to return again.

TVV What do you like the most about this country?

Rose: Many things, its different climates They have desert, sea, snow and crystalline rivers. What we lack is time and energy. With the price of the euro here, it is a very economical destination.

Caroline: Also, the people are very friendly, they have always treated us wonderfully and we have not had safety problems, we think it is more a problem of bad reputation.

Rose: The truth is that in 2019 we had the opportunity to get to know the whole issue of cannabis in Colombia. We went to a Grow bar, near the universities in downtown Bogota. I have had problems with anxiety and depression, which has affected me as well as my relationship with my daughters That day they showed us all kinds of mixtures or genetics, there are all kinds. They invited me to get to know a not so strong one (a mix of CBD with a not so strong psychoactive one), well that's what they told me.

Andrea: Since that day we noticed a noticeable change in my mother, she was calmer, less anxious, and less nervous. We liked her new attitude a lot and she was like that for three days. I imagine it was until the effect wore off (laughs).

TVV - Did you come for cannabis this time?

Rose: Yes, that was for sure. In England it's not easy and it's not legal. You can't get the mixtures you get here or the prices are very high. Sometimes we were given some flowers from the Netherlands, but they are too strong for me.

Andrea: The decision to come to Colombia was that, more than any other and this time, we found some vapes, so it was easier for us. We really wanted to come to Colombia and look for more options for my mother, too bad we can't take anything with us yet.

TVV Do you think this is the essence of cannabis tourism?

Rose: Of course, it is, that was our first criteria to look for Colombia as a tourist destination, and we have found many more options, the trip is much more enjoyable and we came to learn about the different genetics in order to look for a medical option in England.

Andrea: We will be in Colombia for three more days and then we will travel to Ecuador and Peru, but without a doubt, for now we will keep coming to Colombia for cannabis.

Caroline: We are also going to see Cali and we are going to learn to dance salsa (laughs).

TVV Do you know more people who do this kind of tourism?

Caroline: Many, it is already a trend in many countries in Europe. It is not a secret, and every day it grows more, there are always new people looking for new therapeutic alternatives and fun, plus every day the myth of marijuana is falling. Today we know that alcohol and tobacco do more harm, I personally have recommended it to many people.

Rose: The truth is that I had a lot of fears about cannabis. Here I learned a lot, especially the importance of it being organic, that it is not so strong and the whole issue of genetics. I want to learn more, and I have recommended to many friends in Europe who have problems with depression, Alzheimer's or family members with psychiatric problems to try medical and recreational cannabis, to come to Colombia, besides it is very economical and beautiful.

TVV- Would you like to add anything else?

Andrea: Nothing, long live Colombia (laughs).

Caroline: Long live Cannabis (laughs)