Cannabis News
A Threat to the Legal European Cannabis Market?
International Cannabis Update: Cannabis in Africa
Africa’s legal cannabis manufacturing landscape has changed significantly in recent years, with countries like Zimbabwe and Morocco becoming major players. Morocco has undertaken attempts to legalize cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, changing the lives of thousands of farmers and gradually decreasing the criminal trade. Morocco is known as the world’s largest producer of cannabis resin. Concurrently, Zimbabwe has emerged as a significant participant in the international cannabis industry, depending on its temperate environment and progressive legislation to cultivate premium cannabis for export. This article examines the expanding legal cannabis markets in Zimbabwe and Morocco, highlighting their impact on regional economies and the global market.
Why is this big news, especially if you are interested in the European cannabis market. While Europe may turn out to be one of the largest and most lucrative legal markets on the earth, it will also create one of the largest black or illicit markets in the world due to the fact so many nations bordering Europe are so poor and there are so many avenues to enter Europe and smuggle cannabis. The Eastern Block countries are all very poor and will be incentivized to grow black market cannabis, and the countries of North Africa will be in the right climate zone and proximity to Europe to grow a ton of illegal weed and get it into Europe.
Morocco’s Legal Cannabis Industry Expands, Reducing Illicit Sales
Just two years ago, Abdesselam Ichou began legally cultivating cannabis, following Morocco’s legalization of the plant for medicinal and industrial purposes in a poverty-stricken region of the country. Today, he is among thousands of legal farmers whose cultivation has expanded significantly, cutting into Morocco’s still-dominant illegal cannabis trade. According to the United Nations, Morocco is the world’s largest producer of cannabis resin.
Morocco enacted a law in 2021 that allows cannabis to be grown for medical and industrial purposes in the Rif, a mountainous region infamous for illicit hashish manufacturing, much of which is trafficked into Europe. “I never imagined that one day I would be able to grow cannabis without fear of being arrested, robbed, or unable to sell my harvest,” said Ichou, 48, proudly displaying his lush crops in Mansoura, a commune in the Chefchaouen district southeast of Tangiers.
Morocco’s partial legalization of cannabis seeks to curb drug trafficking and improve farmers’ lives, benefiting up to 120,000 households in the area where cannabis has been grown for generations. Morocco’s cannabis regulatory body, ANRAC, said that the nation produced 296 tons of low-potency cannabis in its first legal crop last year.
For Ichou, it was “a record harvest of almost eight tonnes on one hectare (2.5 acres)” that provided him with a more stable income than illegal cultivation. He sold his crop at 80 dirhams ($8) per kilogram, earning $64,000. The Moroccan company that purchased it has since invested in two more hectares for the next harvest.
In Chefchaouen, Hoceima, and Taounate—the Rif provinces where non-recreational cannabis cultivation is legal—the number of farmers increased from 430 to 3,000 in just one year, according to ANRAC. The area dedicated to legal cannabis crops grew nearly tenfold, from 286 hectares in 2023 to 2,700 hectares in 2024. However, this still pales in comparison to the 55,000 hectares reportedly grown illegally in 2019.
Said El Gueddar, 47, another legal cannabis grower, initially had reservations but now sees legalization as the right path. He belongs to a cooperative and has “a lot of hope because it can only be better than living in the precariousness of illegality.”
After relying on imported seeds for legal cultivation, beldia, a local drought-resistant variety of the plant, will be harvested for the first time in August. With Morocco enduring a six-year drought, “Beldia is a major asset for us,” said Ichou, who has formed a cooperative with dozens of other farmers to grow the local variety on more than 200 hectares.
For industrial cannabis use, ANRAC has issued over 200 permits, including about 60 for cannabis processing, 20 for seed importation, and around 30 for cannabis export. Aziz Makhlouf seized the opportunity by establishing Biocannat, a cannabis processing factory employing 24 people in Bab Berred, southeast of Chefchaouen. Since the start of the year, his factory has processed around 30 tonnes of cannabis into various products, including CBD resin, oil, flour, creams, candies, and food supplements.
While cannabis regulation is helping to “slowly build a reliable and resilient economy,” it remains challenging to “absorb the illegal sector” because it still has its market, said Mohamed El Guerroudj, the head of ANRAC. However, official studies suggest that legal growers could eventually achieve a 12-per cent turnover compared to just four percent on the illegal market.
For now, the kingdom’s priority is to improve the lives of those who rely on cannabis cultivation for their livelihoods. Treating “cannabis production as a normal agricultural sector,” Guerroudj said, will help bring these farmers “out of the shadows… and into the light.”
Zimbabwe Targets Global Cannabis Market Growth
Zimbabwe is already a major participant in the global cannabis business thanks to its advantageous environment, sensible laws, and strong marketing initiatives. Due to the perfect growing environment in the nation, premium cannabis can be grown for medical and recreational purposes that are up to par with international standards. This creates significant export prospects and draws in investment. By utilizing these benefits, Zimbabwe may gain from more income, the development of jobs, and general economic expansion.
Zimbabwe became one of the first African countries to authorize the cultivation of medical cannabis. With the worldwide cannabis sector expected to be worth $272 billion by 2028, Zimbabwe hopes to grab at least $1 billion of that market. By 2022, over 60 businesses had been permitted to produce medicinal cannabis, and the country was generating cannabidiol (CBD) supplementary medications. The Zimbabwe Medications Control Authority (MCAZ) has approved the production of these medications and urged drug manufacturers to apply for licenses, while the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) is confidence in local farmers’ capacity to support the business.
A delegation including Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister Sheillah Chikomo, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana, and ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru recently toured Thathokuhle Farm in Douglasdale, near Bulawayo. The 44-hectare farm grows cannabis and other crops for export, employing around 85 people, mostly women, with the workforce increasing to 150 during harvest season. The farm’s “organically grown” cannabis is cultivated in greenhouses using a mechanized drip irrigation and lighting system, showcasing the entrepreneurial talent in Zimbabwe and the potential for cannabis to become a major foreign currency earner.
Farm owner Mike Querl highlighted that Zimbabwe has the potential to reap significant benefits from cannabis production by leveraging its favorable climate to lead the industry. Export markets for their products include the United States, Portugal, and South Africa. Querl believes Zimbabwe can produce superior cannabis compared to many other countries and can cultivate the crop year-round due to its ideal weather conditions. ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru expressed satisfaction with Thathokuhle Farm’s production scale and market diversification, emphasizing that exploring non-traditional markets such as Australia, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman is beneficial for the country. Plans include more value addition and aggressive participation in the global medicinal cannabis space.
Bottom Line
Morocco and Zimbabwe’s legal cannabis industry are making significant gains toward altering their economies and diminishing the dominance of illegal sales. Morocco’s partial legalization has provided farmers with steady earnings and better living, whilst Zimbabwe’s good growing circumstances and forward-thinking laws have established the country as a major participant in the worldwide market. Despite hurdles, both nations are paving the path for a more regulated and profitable African cannabis market, with promised economic rewards and a brighter future for cultivators.
AFRICA GOES GREEN, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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