Cannabis World Roundup: Portugal To South Africa, Hemp Farming To Highway Testing

The global cannabis industry is in flux.

Portugal's Medical Cannabis Exports Surge, Face Competition From Canada 

Portugal's medical cannabis exports reached 5,438 kilograms (approximately 12,000 pounds) in H1 2023, showing potential to surpass previous records, though growth has slowed. Key destinations include Germany, Poland, and Australia, while Canada remains a dominant exporter with a 50% increase in exports during the 2022-23 fiscal year, reported MJBizDaily.

Canada Explores Cannabis Tourism As License Revocations Hit Record High

A pilot project in British Columbia aims to create a cannabis tourism trail, leveraging historical ties to cannabis and 30 legal businesses in the region. According to the Vancouver Sun, the project aligns with economic diversification and tourism development and is seen as a catalyst for post-COVID-19 recovery.

Simultaneously, Canada faces a record number of federal cannabis licenses revoked, with 42 in the first six months of this fiscal year. Increasing license expirations are influenced by a competitive recreational industry and declining medical patient registrations,  reported MJBizDaily.

Australia Pioneers Trial On Medicinal Cannabis And Driving: A Roadmap For Future Laws?

A bill in Victoria supports a trial assessing the impact of medicinal cannabis on driving behavior. It aims to balance patient needs with road safety concerns and may inform future legislative changes, per the Parliament of Victoria.

Testing Hurdles for Guam's Cannabis Retailers 

Cannabis retailers in Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States, face challenges due to the absence of a testing laboratory. According to Kuam News, an 'abatement clause' is being considered to waive testing requirements in cases where it's not possible, ensuring transparency for consumers.

South Africa Supports Cannabis Sector

South Africa's KZN Cannabis Expo issued hemp permits to 664 farmers, with government support for local businesses providing services to permit recipients. Plans for research, investment, and capacity building aim to unlock the cannabis sector's potential, reported Farmer’s Weekly.

These developments highlight the dynamic evolution of the global cannabis industry, with each region contributing its unique chapter to the ongoing narrative.

Read Next: $69B Tobacco Giant Supports Cannabis With $91M Investment In Toronto Weed Producer

Image by Clint Adair On Unsplash