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Cruise Passengers Arrested for Over 100 Bags of Marijuana

Published

4 months ago

January 30, 2024

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Summary: Two passengers on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, were arrested after law enforcement found 112 bags of marijuana in their luggage. The discovery occurred on the Norwegian Joy cruise ship, which was set to travel from Miami to the UK. Both passengers have pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges related to drug trafficking.

Norwegian Cruise Line Passengers Arrested for Marijuana Trafficking

The incident unfolded on January 11 when Department of Homeland Security officers boarded the Norwegian Joy. They found Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami in a cabin with multiple pieces of luggage. Initially, Minami was allowed to leave as she claimed to have just met Quesenberry at the ship’s bar. However, a drug-sniffing dog later signaled a positive alert for Quesenberry’s luggage, leading to the discovery of 56 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana. Subsequently, Minami was located at the ship’s bar and escorted to her room, where officers found an additional 56 bags in her luggage. The total weight of the seized marijuana was approximately 71.9 kilograms (158 pounds).

A Department of Homeland Security special agent noted in the affidavit that drug traffickers are increasingly exporting marijuana from the United States to England due to higher prices in England. Quesenberry and Minami have been released on bonds of $250,000 and $150,000, respectively, after pleading not guilty to the charges. They also surrendered their passports. If convicted on all counts, they could face up to 80 years in prison or $4 million in fines.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line emphasized the importance of guest safety and security, stating that the company reserves the right to confiscate prohibited items and notify authorities when necessary.

Why It Matters: This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating international drug trafficking and the innovative methods used by traffickers. The involvement of cruise passengers in such activities raises concerns about the use of commercial travel for illegal drug transportation.

Potential Implications: The arrest of these passengers could lead to stricter security measures and surveillance on cruise ships, potentially impacting the travel experience for other passengers. It also underscores the need for international cooperation in addressing drug trafficking.

Source: Business Insider

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Marijuana rescheduling leaves regulators and sellers cautiously optimistic

Published

6 days ago

May 14, 2024

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A move by the Biden Administration to change how marijuana is treated by federal authorities was met with cautious approval by Massachusetts state regulators, cannabis sellers, and national marijuana advocates alike.

The Drug Enforcement Agency will drop marijuana from the list of banned substances found under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, where it currently sits alongside heroin and LSD. It will instead move it to Schedule III, among the likes of Tylenol with codeine and anabolic steroids. This follows the recommendation of the Department of Health and Human Services

“Rescheduling cannabis is a monumental step forward for the federal government, one that can open new avenues to research, medical use, and banking for the regulated industries states like Massachusetts have built across the country,” said Ava Callender Concepcion, the acting chair of the Bay State’s Cannabis Control Commission.

Read the rest of this story on BostonHerald.com.

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Thailand Considers Relisting Cannabis as a Narcotic

Published

2 weeks ago

May 9, 2024

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The Thai government is contemplating the relisting of cannabis as a narcotic due to concerns over its recreational use and potential societal harms. This reconsideration comes after cannabis was decriminalized in June 2022, which led to a surge in its availability and use.

Cannabis Conundrum: Thailand Reconsiders Legal Status Amidst Rising Concerns

The recent decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand has ignited a complex debate over its legal status and societal impact. While the policy aimed to boost the medical marijuana industry and provide economic opportunities, the unintended rise in recreational use has sparked discussions about a potential reclassification.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a key advocate for the decriminalization, emphasized that the policy was intended to promote medical use, not recreational. However, the current legal framework lacks clear regulations governing recreational use, leading to widespread availability and potential misuse.

The Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin, initially pushed for the delisting of cannabis to benefit the medical industry and provide economic opportunities for Thai citizens. However, the subsequent surge in recreational use, particularly among youths, has raised concerns about potential health and social consequences.

Opposition parties have criticized the government for inadequate regulations and are advocating for cannabis to be relisted as a narcotic under the Narcotics Act. They argue that the current situation exposes young people to potential harm and lacks sufficient safeguards.

A recent poll revealed that a majority of Thais support stricter regulations on cannabis use. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on public health, particularly regarding mental health issues and addiction, especially among youths. Additionally, there are worries about the potential for increased crime and social disorder.

The government now faces the challenge of balancing the economic benefits of a burgeoning cannabis industry with the need to protect public health and safety. Finding a solution that addresses the concerns of both advocates and critics will be crucial in determining the future of cannabis in Thailand

Why It Matters

Thailand’s shift in cannabis policy has garnered international attention, serving as a case study for the complexities of drug policy reform. The potential reclassification of cannabis underscores the challenges of balancing economic opportunities with public health and safety considerations. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for Thailand’s legal landscape, public health policies, and the future of its cannabis industry.

Potential Implications of Relisting Cannabis as a Narcotic

If cannabis is relisted as a narcotic, it could lead to stricter regulations on its cultivation, distribution, and use. This may impact the growth of the medical marijuana industry and limit access for patients who rely on cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, it could result in increased criminal penalties for possession and use, potentially leading to a rise in incarceration rates.

Alternatively, if the government opts to maintain the decriminalized status, it will need to implement robust regulations and public health campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with recreational use. This includes age restrictions, educational initiatives, and support systems for individuals struggling with cannabis dependence.

The Bigger Picture

The debate surrounding cannabis legalization and regulation is a global phenomenon, with countries around the world grappling with similar challenges. The Thai government’s decision regarding cannabis will likely be influenced by international trends and best practices in drug policy reform. It is crucial to consider the experiences of other nations that have legalized or decriminalized cannabis, examining both the successes and challenges they have encountered.

Source: Thai PBS World

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“A big deal”: What the feds’ move to reclassify marijuana means for Colorado cannabis

Published

3 weeks ago

May 1, 2024

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Cannabis advocates in Colorado cheered the Biden Administration’s reported move to reclassify marijuana and said the decision likely would reduce businesses’ tax burden significantly.

Industry leaders cautioned that such a move — if finalized — would not resolve some major challenges facing the industry, such as limited access to banking. But they pointed to the symbolic importance of preparations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to downgrade the substance’s drug classification.

A man pours cannabis into rolling papers as he prepares to roll a joint the Mile High 420 Festival in Civic Center Park in Denver, April 20, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt/Special to The Denver Post)

Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

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