Cannabis News Around The World: Colombia Set To Legalize, Will Other Countries Follow Suit?

Colombia Moving To Legalize Marijuana

A measure that would legalize recreational cannabis in Colombia is advancing through the legislature, with members of the First Committee of the Chamber being the latest to approve it on Tuesday in a 26-6 vote, reported Marijuana Moment.

The bill was previously approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. After making a few minor changes, the Chamber and Senate reconciled their versions of the measure.

The legislation is now headed to the floor. If passed, it will return to the Senate for final consideration.

Survey Reveals Transition from Illicit To Legal Cannabis Use In Australia

In Australia, new research has revealed that the number of medical marijuana (MMJ) patients accessing prescription cannabis products has spiked lately, even though a substantial number still medicate with illegal cannabis.

Building on previous surveys, the third Cannabis as Medicine Survey (CAMS20) asked 1600 participants who reported using cannabis between September 2020 and January 2021.

Published in Harm Reduction Journal, the results showed that 37% of those asked were legally prescribed MMJ compared to only 2.5% of those reporting the same as part of a prior survey conducted in 2018.

"The data suggests we have seen a transition from illicit to the legal use of medical cannabis," said lead researcher Professor Nicholas Lintzeris from the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.

Malaysian Medical Professionals Voice Support For Medical Cannabis

A separate survey underway in Malaysia found that the majority of medical practitioners who took part said that cannabis is a viable alternative treatment, reported CodeBlue.

So far, the poll has asked 1,722 participants, including 200 doctors and the general public. The results showed that 74% of surveyed medical professionals support the use of medical marijuana, while 81% of the general public said the same.

The study is conducted by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and is scheduled to conclude next month.

Denmark Cannabis Sales Steady In 2022

New data from the Danish Health and Medicines Authority showed that medical cannabis sales remained steady in 2022 after several consecutive years of growth, reported Marijuana Business Daily.

After more than doubling over the period of five years to 64.3 million Danish kroner $9.34 million in 2021, in 2022, cannabis sales slightly dropped to 62.5 million kroner.

Smuggled Cannabis Cookies: A Warning For Parents In Thailand

Meanwhile, in Thailand the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urged parents nationwide of instances where children in the south ended up in hospital after eating cannabis-infused cookies with high THC levels that were smuggled, reported Bangkok Post.

Withid Sariddeechaikool, the agency's deputy secretary-general said the product's packages were labeled "Twix Chocolate sand THC 600 MG PER BAG PER 2 Cookies."

 He added that the FDA did not approve the chocolate cookies.

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