Marijuana And Hemp Around The Globe: Spanish Scientists' THC Detection Method, New Zealand's Medical Marijuana Exports, Thailand Update & More

Thailand: Cannabis Network Urges Prime Minister To Sign Cannabis Act

The Network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis recently sent a letter to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisinurging urging him to sign the Cannabis Act as soon as possible, writes The Pattaya News.

About two weeks ago Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai (BJT) party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, confirmed that Thavisin had agreed that proper regulation is a better solution than previously proposed reclassification. It’s still not clear how both medical and recreational cannabis use will be regulated, but the announcement suggests a step back from proposed recriminalization.

According to Shaping the Future, at least three versions of the cannabis bill regulating the industry have passed the House and await the PM's signature.

Spanish Scientists Develop Quicker Technique For Detecting THC

Researchers from the Affordable and Sustainable Sample Preparation group at the University of Cordoba (UCO) and the GICAPC group at the University of Valencia (UV) managed to simplify the sample processing in cannabis detection technology, writes NewWeed, according to translation.

The main advantages of this new technique are the speed through the reduction of necessary steps for analysis from five to two and the minimal saliva sample. The new method is said to allow for precise THC detection in just a few minutes.

According to Jaime Millán Santiago, a researcher at UCO, the process "involves adding a material capable of extracting analytes in the sample (in this case, tetrahydrocannabinol in saliva) that has magnetic properties."

The study was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

New Zealand Lawmakers Simplify Medical Marijuana Exports

New Zealand lawmakers approved proposed rule changes aiming to simplify the export of medical marijuana products. The adopted changes allow for exports to meet only "the standards of the importing jurisdiction," not the quality standard set by New Zealand law, reported MjBizDaily, citing broadcaster TVNZ.

Auckland-based medical marijuana operator Helius Therapeutics noted other changes, such as streamlining the licensing process, and updating testing and laboratory requirements.

"The export potential of the medicinal cannabis industry is huge – it could rival the wine industry in a few years," Bruce Wallace, Helius' chief quality officer, told the broadcasting company.

Tasmania’s Lower House Approves Bill To Ease Hemp Regulations

Tasmania's House of Assembly voted in favor of a bill aiming to ease regulations for hemp producers. The Industrial Hemp Amendment Bill 2024 would streamline regulations related to licensing, research, and expanded usage for hemp crops, reported Hemp Today.

"Industrial hemp has the potential to be an important crop for the state and is making a valuable contribution to achieving our target to grow the farm gate value of Tasmanian agriculture to $10 billion by 2050," said Jane Howlett, the state's Minister for Primary Industries and Water, who has backed the bill.

The proposed changes include:

Changes to managing cases of hemp crops testing above the 1% THC limit when the crop has been "grown in good faith" by a licensed grower who "has otherwise complied with the license conditions."
Authorizing police officers "to possess and supply industrial hemp."
Allowing hemp straw to be used as a mulch in the horticultural industries.
Renaming of a "special license" to a "special research license" for permits that allow research into hemp varieties that have more than 1% THC.

"We want to ensure growers can get maximum value for their crops by using more of the plant, not just the seed, for value-added products including textiles, paper, fuel and food," Howlett added.

Moldova Considers Legalizing Cultivation Of Industrial Hemp

Moldova is considering legalization of the cultivation of industrial hemp, and hemp stakeholders highlighted key issues that should be resolved in pending legislation, reported Hemp Today.

At a recent press conference, various organizations stressed the need for a clear definition of industrial hemp, licensing simplification, and a limit to hemp varieties included in the European catalog of agricultural crops.

Under the current law in Moldova, hemp is not distinguished between cannabis and hemp, which means that hemp farming must be allowed by the Permanent Drug Control Committee, which is a rather complex process.

In June, Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and the Food Industry said a project to regulate legal hemp was green-lighted by the National Anti-Corruption Center and awaits final government approval before being submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

"Farmers are requesting permission to grow this crop because it's resistant to drought. We need to understand factors like yield per hectare, weather conditions, and potential seed buyers to ensure Moldovan farmers make informed decisions, not gambles," Bolea said.

Read Next: