By Samantha Wahl
Following important cannabis news articles every day can be a real burn-out, we know. That’s why the Emerald rolls up a chronicle of the headiest news hits, and passes them to you at the end of each week. We Bring You: The Digital Dime.
The Man With the Plan
Since the start of his campaign, 2020 presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders has promised to serve as a bright light against the darkness plaguing the country by the War on Drugs. Last week, he released his plans to both legalize cannabis, and expunge past cannabis-based convictions. Money made from the legalized industry would be put back into communities negatively impacted by the drug war. Sanders is the only current candidate to share a strong outline of legalization plans at this point in the race.
If You Can’t Vape ‘Em, Taste ‘Em
The vape crisis has dominated the front page of many news sources since the start of recorded illnesses earlier this year. Since then, edible consumption has been on the rise. MJBizDaily reports an increase in sales of at least 2% from California, Colorado, Nevada and Washington. Businesses have caught on as well, producing extra infused products and opening accounts with more retailers to prepare for sales spikes well in advance. Vape sale stats, however, remain inconsistent in the midst of the health crisis.
SXSW Brings Bud
Arts and information celebration, South by Southwest (SXSW), included 24 cannabis panels in the announcement of its 2020 lineup this week. The discussions will cover areas of science, the economy, politics and will delve into deeper industry opinions from experts. Some will feature guest speakers, and there will be opportunities to watch live podcast recordings. Marijuana Moment listed some of its most enticing stand-outs, like “Forbidden Territories: Women and Children First,” and “Can Social Equity Help Heal the War on Drugs?” The festival, scheduled between March 16th and 22nd, 2020, seems fun and informative, but the question on everyone’s mind still remains: Will there be free samples?
Europe Slowly Boarding the Bandwagon?
Pot-talk in Finland, France and Germany make headlines this week, as the countries move toward cannabis policy exploration. According to the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC), the government in Finland is reviewing a petition to decriminalize cannabis across the country. Meanwhile, France plays with a two-year medicinal cannabis “trial.” The trial covers non-smokable means of consumption for adults with qualifying illnesses, like epilepsy, cancer, etc. The ICBC also speculates that Germany could be the next European nation to legalize. Germany’s center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), made public statements outlining possible adult-use agendas, which is a huge step for any conservative political group.
Those covering the changes in Europe know it will be an uphill battle. Much like the U.S. in regards to hemp after the Farm Bill passed, making something legal does not mean everyone will immediately have access to it. The path from prohibition to normalization is a long and strenuous process.
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