High Tide CEO Foresees Profit Spike, Illegal Seizures In Canada Rise More Than 900%, Press Freedom Stifled In Nigeria

Journalists Jailed In Nigeria

• Nigerian journalists Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi — known for exposing cannabis use at a business linked to a politician — were put in prison after being convicted of conspiracy and defamation.
• The Committee to Protect Journalists and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre condemned the convictions, calling it an attempt to muzzle press freedom and investigative journalism. Olufemi exposed crimes allegedly committed by Boko Haram, reported High Times.

Costa Rica's Hemp Industry Struggles

• Despite the passage of cannabis law in March 2022, the hemp industry in Costa Rica has been slow to develop.
• Stakeholders say more changes are needed to promote hemp's potential among investors and farmers. Licensing is now available for growing and processing hemp. The THC limit is set at a full 1.0%.

Philippine Doctors Urge Government to Legalize Medical Cannabis

• The Philippine Society of Cannabis Medicine has shown support for legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes, as there are seven cannabis-related bills pending in the House of Representatives and Senate.
• The group is hopeful that the Senate will certify the bill as urgent, and that the Food and Drug Administration has approved active imported Cannabinoid ingredients.

High Tide CEO Expects Lucrative Opportunities In Canada's New Cannabis Market

• Mississauga, the sixth-largest city in Canada, has reversed its previous stance and voted to allow legal cannabis retail stores within the city, which is expected to create significant retail opportunities in the area.
• High Tide Inc. HITI, the largest non-franchised retailer in Canada with 151 locations across the country, expects the new opportunities to present a "lucrative revenue and growth opportunity." The move could also inspire other municipalities in Ontario to rethink their prohibitions on legal and regulated cannabis sales.

Canada's Weed Goes South: US Cannabis Seizures Increase By 929%

• According to a federal report, the amount of illegal cannabis seized by the U.S. from Canada increased by at least 929% since legalization in Canada.
• The report identifies this surge in cross-border bootlegging as a “potential harm to Canada's international reputation,” stating that experts estimate the overall increase of illegal cannabis exportation from Canada worldwide could be as high as 2,000%.

Photo: James Wheeler On Pixabay.