Cannabis
Global Executions for Drug Crimes Up In 2022
The death penalty for drugs always existed in some countries; but as some places loosen restrictions, others have gotten harsher. This is seen in a rise in global executions for drug crimes in 2022. Check out what the numbers are of these executions, related to cannabis and other drugs.
Executions for drugs 2022
Harm Reduction International (self-reported NGO which has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and which works in the general space of harm reduction) put out the Death Penalty for Drug Offenses: Global Overview 2022. The report goes over how many executions took place over drugs in the world. A reality to such reporting, is that many countries with death penalty policies, aren’t always the best at reporting to international bodies. However, this compilation of drug death info, does give us a look at the international landscape concerning such deaths.
According to the report, there are 35 countries that use the death penalty for drug infractions; though many do draw lines between crimes. Getting caught with a small amount of some kinds of drugs might be met with lighter punishments in some places; while the larger crimes like selling, producing, and trafficking might incur an execution. It also depends on the drug in question.
For 2022, the report doesn’t have a specific number, but gives the statistic that 285+ people lost their lives to such executions. It also says that along with the active executions, that 303+ people were sentenced to death in 2022 from 18 different countries, which is a 28% increase from the previous year. Globally, the report states that there are currently 3,700+ people on death row globally for drug offenses.
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Apart from confirmed executions (that make up 285), there are six countries, according to the report, where it’s expected that executions took place, but with no official documentation. Meaning the 285 is a base number, and likely just a part of the real number. Countries where there isn’t precise certainty include: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, China, North Korea, and Vietnam.
How does this compare to last year?
2021 was interesting, and might be a showing of how Corona slowed down everything; including executions. That year, less countries were cited for drug death penalties, making a decade-low in confirmed countries. For example, in 2021, Saudi Arabia stopped executions temporarily for drugs. Despite this, plenty of drug-related executions still happened in that year.
According to 2021 data on global executions for drug issues, 131 took place; done by only some of the 35 countries that allow executions for these crimes. The Penalty For Drug Offences: Global Overview 2021 report states that in 2021, at least 237 people were sentenced to death for drug crimes, from at least 16 nations. The report estimated that 1/10 of drug death sentences were given to foreign nationals.
Though the numbers are never exact, (given how many countries don’t report incidences), the 2022 numbers are 118% higher than 2021 numbers, showing a growth in these deaths from 2021 to 2022. To show a more unsettling trajectory, the 2022 numbers are 850% higher than 2020 drug death penalty numbers.
That year, The Death Penalty for Drug Offences: Global Overview 2020 states the number of countries with death penalty policies for drugs was 35 (same as now). According to the report there were 30+ deaths, from only three countries that had confirmed kills in this way. Also that year, 213+ people were sentenced to death for drugs; though a total of around 3,000+ were on death row for such crimes.
Why the increase?
The exact workings of some of these countries are unknown, so why they do what they do can’t be answered. But there are a few places where the uptick makes sense based on what we do know about the countries. For example, Saudi Arabia might have had a short moratorium on these executions in 2021, but it was expected to resume this behavior, and it did. In fact, the country went on to have its biggest mass execution in its own history, which took place in March of 2022.
Likewise, Singapore actually made waves in defending its drug execution policies, a topic that came up in 2021. It highlighted this idea in February of 2022, sentencing multiple drug traffickers to death. And though the initial ones from February were stayed due to intervention by families and civil society; the country simply went on to sentence more people to death for drugs soon after.
Iran is another country warned about by civil society groups, as a risk for increased executions. Meaning increased use of the death penalty for drugs, wasn’t unforeseen. Iran changed its policy in 2017 to raise the amount of drugs necessary to incur an execution, from 5kg to 50kg. At the time of the legal change, its thought approximately 5,000 people went from sure death, to something less intense. Clearly the country doesn’t currently have an intention to formally stop the behavior.
If Corona had an influence; then it also makes sense that as regular industry and life go back to normal, so do the punishment of crimes. Corona might have slowed down global executions for drug crimes, in the same way that many things were slowed down by everyone staying home. However, with the pandemic behind us, it could be that its not just about getting back to norms, but making up for lost time as well.
How cool is this in the societies where it happens?
I think it’s safe to say that the majority of normal residents are never happy with the existence of a death penalty for drug crimes. But it hasn’t always been easy for the public to do much about it, or even say anything about it. However, with the increase in global executions for drug crimes, so has come an increase in a voice against them.
Singapore is a good example, where protests began in reaction to these actions. This kind of protest activity is not common to the country, which imposes huge limitations on the public in terms of gatherings of this nature, often using extreme intimidation of participants. However, this time around, the public wasn’t stopped, both in person, or online. Transformative Justice Collective started giving the public more information on those sentenced with execution, to humanize them to the public. The group also orchestrates the ‘Stop the Killings’ campaign.
Roads like this are expected to be bumpy, and the government didn’t exactly welcome it. Human rights activists in Singapore were interrogated as potential offenders under the Public Order Act 2009. Even lawyers for death row victims often faced disciplinary actions or were ordered to pay large sums for failed cases. The government didn’t hide its intentions to kill drug offenders, and publicly responded to critics like civil society groups, and a UN Special Procedure worker.
People in Iran (mainly family members of those sentenced to execution) resorted to peaceful protests in light of increasing executions. Many were arrested and detained in the process. The Bangladesh government was similarly unkind to those promoting human rights in the country; and actually cancelled Odhikar’s NGO license, which took away the ability of the only group which was monitoring and reporting on the use of capital punishment in Bangladesh.
Right now, as some countries drop the use of death penalties for drugs specifically, the number of global executions for drug crimes somehow only increases. And all this despite a UN General Assembly Resolution which pushes for a moratorium on death penalties (though not a complete abolition apparently). As of 2022, 125 countries have signed onto this moratorium, yet even so, global executions for drug crimes account for 30%+ of all worldwide executions.
Conclusion
We are not all on the same playing field in this world. We’re born into different places, with wildly different policies, that create different living experiences. What a person in one place faces for one action, might be a complete turnaround from what a comparable person in a different place, faces. Right now, if you’re living in the wrong place, you’ll want to be very careful about your involvement with drugs. Know the laws, know your danger level. And please be careful out there.
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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.
The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays. With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star. As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself. We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.
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Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry. New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.
One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.
Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.
Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.
Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.
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Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.
Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.
If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.
Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.
In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.
One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.
Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:
- Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
- Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
- Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.
The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019
These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.
As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.
Roughly 25% of people are planning to give cannabis as a holiday gift….here are some practical suggestions to make it a success.
Last year was a watershed year for Santa with 1 in 4 planning to add cannabis into their gift giving, the trend is only going up in 2024. Since the plant has become mainstream (except for a few in DC), it is to be found under the tree, next to the menorah and during festive gatherings. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend with 78% (vs. 56% of Gen X and Boomers) in planning to include cannabis in their holiday plans. But you you want to do it right, here are the best tips if you are giving marijuana as a gift.
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While giving alcohol is a long tradition, giving cannabis is does have some variances. To start, so far most can’t grab it out of personal stock or fish it out of Christmas gifts already given for the year. While Costco, groceries stores and Total Wine are the booze top sellers, it can be also purchased in bodegas, gas stations and other locations. Cannabis still has to be purchased at specialized dispensaries.
First, plan ahead when you shop. The good news is most dispensaries keep hours similar to a grocery store – open by 9 am and closing around or after 10 pm. This makes dashing in for a last minute gift or squeezing it in during the day easy. Remember to bring cash, have a plan and chill out.
The good news isyou can’t seem to be “cheap” giving weed. Most edibles are in a small price range, whereas wine bought at a grocery stores can go for $6-$100. And the quality of the wine can vary greatly. Most edibles, including gummies, are within the same price point and potency while caring on quality. Wana Brands, one of the nation’s leading gummy makers, hits the mid spot on price. Also, unless you are doing a hefty gift basket, you are can give one or two items as a trail.
Never overestimate someone’s usage. Think about the recipient’s experience level and preferences when selecting cannabis gifts. For most, consider starting with low-dose or CBD-dominant products. Gummies, vapes, oil, or gift cards are all popular choices. Also, ask the budtender what the best sellers for mid level consumers.
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If you are in the less than 50% of the population where legal cannabis is available, consider hemp beverages. It can provide a quick, similar high but is legal. In Texas, they are huge sellers and can be found in some Total Wines, local convenience stores and other locations.
Lastly, have a hint of discretion, it might not be the best public secret Santa gift, but gummies can be a fun White Elephant!
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