Marijuana Legality in Latin America: A Transformative Shift

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2024

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By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil

In recent years, Latin America has been shaken by a significant change: the legality of marijuana. This debate has triggered a series of events that have radically transformed the region. Join me on a journey through the different approaches and regulations of marijuana in different Latin American countries.

Uruguay: The Pioneer

A small country in the far south of South America was the pioneer. In 2013, it became the first country in the world to fully legalize the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana. The bold move was designed to undermine the black market and increase government control. Despite some initial criticism, the experiment has resulted in a decrease in drug-related crime and increased awareness of responsible consumption; the country allows cultivation, up to a maximum of six plants per person or household.

Mexico: The Giant Awakens

Mexico, a country with a long history of drug-related violence, made a major turnaround by legalizing marijuana in 2021. The new legislation allowed for home cultivation and personal consumption, overturning decades of drug war policies. This decision laid the groundwork for broader marijuana regulation, which is currently underway in the Mexican Congress. Legalization is seen as a way to weaken drug cartels and reduce drug-related violence. This measure is seen as a crucial step toward pacifying the country.

Colombia: The Andean Region on the Move

Colombia legalized medical marijuana in 2016. This decision made Colombia a major player in the production of cannabis for medical purposes. The regulation gave patients access to cannabinoid-based treatments and created a burgeoning industry in the country. Despite this, Colombia faces challenges in its industry, as there is no significant local production and no medicines based on Colombian cannabis have been developed. However, there is growing political debate about allowing the free production and marketing of Colombian cannabis, which would allow its full legalization for recreational and medical use.

Argentina: Progress on the horizon

Argentina, meanwhile, has been moving toward marijuana regulation. Although the debate is still ongoing, the South American country has taken significant steps toward legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. This process reflects the changing mentality and growing acceptance of marijuana in Argentine society.

Brazil: The Challenge of Legalization

Brazil, the largest nation in Latin America, faces significant challenges in legalizing marijuana. Although medical marijuana has advanced in some states, federal legislation remains restrictive. The debate regards regulation remains intense in a country with one of the largest populations of marijuana users in the region.

The legalization of marijuana in Latin America represents a momentous shift in the region’s politics and society. Each country has approached the issue in its own way, reflecting its own unique circumstances and challenges. Some countries have taken significant steps toward legalization, while others continue to fight drug trafficking and maintain strict anti-drug policies.

As a growing number of Latin American countries consider legalization, a dynamic landscape is emerging that promises to have a profound impact on the region’s politics, economy, and culture. As we watch this process unfold, it remains to be seen how the Latin American continent will address the challenges and opportunities that marijuana legalization presents for the future.

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alcohol

The Best Tariff Friendly Cocktails

Published

15 minutes ago

April 4, 2025

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The weekend is for fun, so here are some affordable cocktails to kick back and relax

There has been a buzz about tariffs and the global stock markets are quaking. But most don’t realize at the end of hte day, as people settle down, their favorite cocktails will be hit. Foreign alcohol is significantly impacted by tariffs imposed by the current adminstartion. These tariffs include a 25% levy on all beer imports, additional tariffs on aluminum used in beer cans, and varying tariffs on wines and spirits from different regions. Popular brands such as Guinness stout (produced by Diageo), Italian Campari liqueur, and imported beers like Corona and Heineken are directly affected. Tequila has been on the list, but currently has escaped. To help the wallet and the throat, here are the best tariff friendly cocktails.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Strawberry Bourbon Basil Smash

What better way to relax than with some good, old-fashioned bourbon. This cocktail combines the rich flavor of barrel aged bourbon with spring treats like strawberries and fresh basil.

Ingredients

¼ cup fresh strawberries, cut into chunks
5 leaves fresh basil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons simple syrup
3 fluid ops bourbon
1/2 cup ice, or as needed
3 fluid ozs sparkling water, or as needed

Create

Muddle strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant
Add bourbon and ice
Stir to combine
Top with sparkling water

Hard Ball

After a tough week or if you just want to start the evening off with a different note, consider this cocktail. The story of peanut butter whiskey, most notably Skrewball, begins with Steven Yeng, a Cambodian refugee who, after immigrating to the US, developed a love for peanut butter and later combined it with whiskey to create a popular cocktail at his bar, which eventually led to the creation of the brand in 2018. Skrewball is made in San Diego.

Ingredients

1½ ozs Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
4 ozs Berry flavored Hard Seltzer

Create

Combine ingredients in a highball glass
Add ice
Stir and enjoy

American Mule

Vodka’s history is rooted in Eastern Europe, with both Russia and Poland claiming its origins, though the word “vodka” itself is Russian, meaning “little water”. While the exact origins are debated, the earliest written records of vodka-like spirits appear in the 14th century, with the word “wódka” appearing in Polish documents in 1405. But why not put an American spin on it using Tito’s, which is made in Texas, and have a popular American Mule.

1 1/2 oz Tito’s Vodka
3 oz ginger beer
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 lime slice for garnish

Create

Combine ingredients in a chilled glass
Add ice and stir
Garnish with lime wedge

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Cucumber Gimlet

This cocktail feels like you are diving directly into summer, skipping spring. The cucumber brings a whole level of freshness. Crisp, cool and completely tariff free.

Ingredients

3 cucumber wheels, thickly sliced
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 ozs gin
3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
Cucumber wheel, sliced thinly for garnish

Create

Add the cucumber wheels and simple syrup into a shaker and muddle
Add the gin, the lime juice and ice and shake until well-chilled
Strain into a coupe glass
Garnish with a cucumber wheel

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Cannabis

Cannabis Consumers Are Being Hit By The Tariffs

Published

3 hours ago

April 4, 2025

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Tariffs are the word of the day – but marijuana consumers need to be ready to see a change also.

From apples to automobiles, hundreds of industries are trying to figure out the new tariffs. What is clear is prices are going up on a random amount of things. But, why is a surprise, is cannabis consumers are being hit by the tariffs also. Although cannabis itself cannot be imported or exported due to federal restrictions, the industry heavily relies on international suppliers for key components like vaporizer hardware, packaging, and cultivation equipment.

For instance, products sourced from China now face cumulative tariffs as high as 45%, including a 10% increase imposed in February 2025. Similarly, imports from Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs. These measures have particularly affected items like vape cartridges, batteries, and specialized packaging materials, which are difficult to source domestically at competitive prices. As a result, many cannabis companies are passing these increased costs down the supply chain to consumer

The financial burden of these tariffs is substantial. Analysts estimate that most cannabis businesses lack the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% cost increase. This has led to higher retail prices for products like pre-rolls and vaporizers, potentially pushing consumers toward cheaper, unregulated black-market alternatives. Such a shift raises concerns about product safety and could undermine the legal market’s growth.

Additionally, the tariffs have caused stock prices of major cannabis companies like Tilray Brands and Canopy Growth to decline by 5%-10%, reflecting investor concerns over profitability.Smaller businesses, already constrained by high taxes and limited banking access, are particularly vulnerable to these economic pressures.

Efforts to mitigate tariff-related expenses include exploring alternative manufacturing locations in countries like Malaysia or India. However, transitioning production is complex and time-consuming due to logistical hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements. Domestic production is another option but often comes with higher costs and limited capacity.

Packaging regulations in many states exacerbate the situation by requiring child-resistant designs, further limiting affordable domestic alternatives. Some companies are exploring sustainable packaging solutions as a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on volatile international markets.

The ongoing trade tensions show no signs of easing under Trump’s administration, leaving cannabis businesses with little choice but to adapt quickly. Strategies such as diversifying suppliers, investing in automation, and innovating with local materials may help companies weather the storm. However, without significant policy shifts or financial support mechanisms, the industry faces a challenging road ahead.

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clothes

The Best Tips To Update Your Wardrobe

Published

4 hours ago

April 3, 2025

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Spring is about renewal and beauty – so why not use this time to refresh your look and wardrobe?

Winter is behind us and temperatures rising. It is time to move from heavier winter clothing to lighter, warmer-weather pieces. And maybe adding some brighter colors and lighter fabrics. But what about a refresh of your look also? While it is hard to pinpoint an exact number, a significant portion of people according to retail research, feel they need new clothes and are actively updating their wardrobes. But do you need to have to look for you? Her are the best tips to update your wardrobe.

We asked Harmony Arnold, an image consultant and wardrobe stylist with over two decades of experience enhancing personal and professional image, what do when looking into your closet. With an extensive background in costume design for film, theatre, commercial advertising, and emerging mediums like VR, Harmony brings a nuanced understanding of how visual storytelling influences perception and leadership. Arnold works with executives, public figures, tech and creative professionals.

The Best Tips To Update Your Wardrobe - Harmony Arnold

Take a Hard Look at Your Go-To’s

We all have a uniform—did you know most people wear only 10% of their wardrobe on repeat? It’s time for a spring-clean refresh! Keep what makes you feel confident, retire the worn-out pieces, and swap in elevated essentials that work for you. For men, that might mean reassessing your favorite jeans and tees—are they still in great shape, or are they past their prime? Upgrade to well-fitting denim, fresh button-downs, and structured casualwear that feels effortlessly put together.

Make Sure It Fits Like a Dream

Even the best clothes fall flat if they don’t fit just right. Tailoring is your secret weapon, whether it’s hemming your trousers, wearing a blazer, or making sure your shirts skim—not cling to—your frame. A fitted (not tight) Oxford shirt, properly tapered chinos, and a blazer that defines your shoulders will instantly elevate your style and get you noticed.

Invest in Forever Pieces

Think of your wardrobe as a curated collection—fewer, better pieces make getting dressed effortless. For men, this means a great pair of dark denim, a versatile, well-tailored blazer, and crisp white or neutral button-ups with a proper hemline. A well-made leather sneaker or a classic loafer can seamlessly take you from casual outings to business casual settings.

Lighten Up & Layer Like a Pro

Say goodbye to heavy winter fabrics and hello to easy-breezy layers! Swap out your wool suits for lightweight cotton or linen versions. A lightweight jacket or an unstructured blazer is a great way to add polish without overheating. Looking to refresh your palette? Soft blues, sage greens, and light neutrals are easy ways to bring a seasonal update without straying too far from what you grab in the fall and winter seasons.

Accessorize Like You Mean It

Nothing transforms a look faster than the right accessories. Swap out your wintery dark leather belt and shoes for lighter tans or soft suedes. Consider a woven belt for a relaxed but polished feel. A statement watch, an upgraded pair of sunglasses, or even a well-chosen pocket square can bring personality to your look without going over the top. (Hint: Accessories are also the easiest way to dip into a new vibe without a complete wardrobe overhaul!).

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