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

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 the Untied Kingdom, Scotland, Sweden, and Portugal.

United Kingdom: Release Launches Initiative To Protect Medical Marijuana Patients Rights

Release, the national center of expertise on drugs and drugs law in the United Kingdom, is launching #ReleaseOurMeds campaign to protect the rights of patients to access their medicine.

There has been an increase in reports of patients having negative encounters with the police due to their possession of prescribed cannabis medication.

Last year, The Guardian reported that as many as 24 medical cannabis users responded to its call, opening up about their experience with the police regarding public medical marijuana use. The lucky ones encountered understanding police officers. The unfortunate ones had their medicine seized, were arrested and brought to court.

Release is looking to here from prescribed medical marijuana patients that had a concerning interaction with the police about it. This campaign is exploring what changes could stop the problems some patients have had with the police when found with medical cannabis.

Release operates a national helpline to advise on drugs and laws about drugs.

Scotland: Nearly 25% Of 15-Year-Old Boys In Scotland Admit Smoking Weed

New survey from the World Health Organization (WHO) that questioned 280,000 children aged 11, 13 and 15 from 44 countries revealed that Scotland 15-year old boys smoke most weed, writes BBC.

According to the report, as many as 23% of Scottish boys aged 15 and 16% of girls the same age said they had tried cannabis at some point. Marijuana consumption in the last 30 days was confirmed by 13% of boys and 6% of girls.

The results also indicate that the United Kingdom has a higher rated with under-age vaping than many other countries.

Sweden: 1.4 Tons Of Cocaine Seized In One Of The Largest Drug Busts

Last week, Swedish customs seized 1.4 tons of cocaine in a port near Stockholm reported the Associated Press.

"If it is as big as we think, it is one of the biggest seizures ever made," Stefan Granath of Swedish customs told broadcaster SVT, adding they were still waiting for official confirmation on the amount figure.

Cocaine was found in a container in the Nynashamn port, south of Stockholm and six men have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in its transport.

Portugal: Only 17kg Of Cannabis Sold In Country, Versus 11 Tons Exported

Last year, Portugal exported 11 tons of marijuana, but only 17 kilogram were sold in the country, writes Euronews Health.

Even though medical marijuana is legal it can only prescribed to patients suffering from seven specific conditions for which other traditional treatment failed. To make things more complicated the only medical marijuana product currently sold in Portugal is 18% THC cannabis flower from Canadian marijuana giant Tilray TLRY. A box of 15g costs 150 euros ($161), which is much higher than in the illegal market, and is not covered by health insurance.

Related Links:

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