Belgian Scientists Use Hemp To Clean PFAS Chemicals From Soil, 21 Of 27 EU Countries Have Legal Medical Marijuana, Germany Kills 'Intoxication Clause'

Over the last several years, Europe has become more open-minded about medical and recreational marijuana. Here are some of the latest cannabis developments from Germany, Belgium, and a short overview of cannabis laws across the continent. 

Germany: Lawmakers Kill Hemp ‘Intoxication Clause,' Propose Changes To Cannabis Law 

Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) Minister Cem Özdemir recently confirmed lawmakers removed the controversial "intoxication clause" that states it is theoretically possible that an individual could get high by consuming large amounts of industrial hemp. 

"In conjunction with other bureaucratic hurdles, this has hindered the use and processing of industrial hemp in Germany. This unnecessary competitive disadvantage is now finally being abolished. The cannabis industry association has campaigned intensively for this in recent years." the Cannabis Industry Association (BvCW) stated.

BvCW managing director Jürgen Neumeyer, commented, "Imagine if dealers and producers of non-alcoholic beer were raided and punished because they could distill a schnapps from the remaining alcohol. In practice, such a complex extraction does not take place with industrial hemp. This senseless noise clause has increasingly led to economic damage and bankruptcies in recent years." 

Some six weeks after cannabis in Germany became legal, the Bundestag held a hearing on the proposal to amend the Consumer Cannabis Act and the Medical Cannabis Act and amendments to the Road Traffic Act, reported Business of Cannabis. The Bundestag is set to vote on this draft law on June 6th, after the Health Committee, and the Transport Committee provide their recommendations for decisions on each. 

Proposed amendments to the traffic law include a new legal THC limit of 3.5 nanograms per milliliter in the blood, exceeding the limit for the first time risks a fine of 500 euros and a one-month driving ban and there would be a THC ban for a new drivers. THC limit would not apply to medical marijuana patients. 

 See Also: Cannabis Shops Could Launch This Year In Germany For ‘Scientific Purposes,’ Here’s Why UK’s Medical Marijuana Sales Are Soaring

As more countries around the globe embrace legal cannabis, the opportunities in the space expand. To learn all about the future of the cannabis industry, join us at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference this October in Chicago. Hear directly from key industry players and policymakers. Get your tickets now by following this link. 

Belgium: Scientists To Use Hemp Plant To Clean Soil Contaminated With PFAS 

University scientists are working on a pilot project using hemp plants to naturally purify soils contaminated with polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the port village of Lillo, a part of Antwerp. 

PFAS of "forever chemicals" are a group of synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain and have been commonly used in consumer products since the 1950s. While helping make cookware for which the food doesn't stick, PFAS are not easily degradable in the environment and have been known to have various negative impacts on human health. 

The village of Lillo has been contaminated by PFAS from firefighting foam, and the village plans to eventually build a new fire station there but would prefer to clean the place beforehand. This innovative project will use industrial hemp, not marijuana plants, and is a collaboration between the University of Ghent, Phytolutions, and the fire station, writes The Brussels Times. 

“The plant is not only good for our circular economy but also has the potential to extract PFAS from contaminated soils. Therefore, research in this area deserves our full support,” said Antwerp's mayor and head of emergency services, Bart De Wever.

Hemp plants are apparently able to extract notable amounts of PFAS from the ground, storing the pollutants in their leaves which will be destroyed upon the harvest. According to the outlet, similar projects have been done in Zwijndrecht. Results from this initiative are expected by autumn, and if the project turns successful it could be deployed nationwide across the country. 

See Also: Belgium: Only 35% Of Country's Residents Back Marijuana Legalization

Overview Of Cannabis Laws Across Europe: 21 Of 27 EU Member Countries Legalized Medical Marijuana 

Australia-based vertically-integrated B2B company, Biortica Agrimed, recently provided a short overview of cannabis laws across Europe revealing that 21 out of 27 European Union (EU) member countries have legalized medical marijuana. 

"The EU situation with respect to legalization can best be described as fluid, but evolving positively, "stated Tom Varga, CEO of Biortica. "Whilst EU law prohibits the commercial sale of cannabis, many countries are taking a more mature approach, & legalizing, initially medicinal, and ultimately personal use, with Germany in the lead. 21 out of the 27 EU member states have legalized the use of medicinal cannabis," he said, " and 13 countries have either legalized or decriminalized its personal use."

Image from Biortica Agrimed

Those 21 countries with legal medical marijuana include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. 

"The EU comprises world class nations, and Australia should take any learnings that we can from the EU." Varga continued. " We have the benefit, and indeed the privilege, to view how legislative frameworks have been built over-seas, what's worked and working, and what the Australian industry and legislators should avoid. Australia really can do better."

See Also: 1.4 Tons Of Cocaine Seized In Sweden’s Largest Drug Bust, Portugal Exports 11 Tons Of Marijuana, But Sells Only 17kg Within & More

Photo: Courtesy of r.classen via Shutterstock