UK / EU Cannabis Compliance

ICBC: Malta Home Affairs Ministry Is Reportedly ‘In Talks With A Main Bank’

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2023

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A unique cannabis public policy and industry experiment is ramping up in Malta where non-profit adult-use cannabis clubs are expected in the near future. Starting next week, Malta’s government will begin accepting applications for non-profit adult-use cannabis clubs. The European nation became just the third country on earth to pass a national adult-use legalization measure in late 2021, with only Uruguay (2013) and Canada (2018) proceeding Malta. Non-profit cannabis clubs will serve as the backbone of Malta’s adult-use industry, and this week the nation’s Home Affairs Ministry reportedly entered into discussions with an unnamed ‘main bank’ that will be needed to help Malta’s emerging industry reach its full potential.

Access to the global banking system has proven to be difficult for certain entities in the public and private sector regarding cannabis commerce, although there are certainly examples of entities being able to successfully navigate the financial regulatory labyrinth in some instances. Still, getting consistent banking solutions pinned down is something that is a top priority for any emerging cannabis market, and Malta is no exception, so reports that there is progress on that front is encouraging.

A SOMEWHAT UNIQUE MODEL

Cannabis clubs are not a new phenomenon, so from afar, what is going on in Malta may not seem significant. After all, Uruguay and Canada both already permit cannabis clubs to operate in some fashion in certain jurisdictions. For that matter, Barcelona is home to hundreds of private cannabis clubs, albeit operating in a semi-grey area of the law. Yet, Malta is unique compared to those markets in that its entire cannabis commerce model will be based on licensed non-profit cannabis clubs. Home cultivation will be permitted, but the only way to legally purchase cannabis in Malta once clubs are implemented is via non-profit clubs.

It may seem nuanced, but as anyone that has paid attention to the ongoing cannabis banking saga will recognize this is a bit of a new wrinkle. Uruguay has experienced banking issues despite permitting non-profit cannabis clubs, but it also permits sales in pharmacies. That last component was the root of banking issues in Uruguay back in 2017. Major banks in Canada are the subject of a recent lawsuit due to alleged discrimination against cannabis companies. It will be interesting to see if Malta ever experiences the same hurdles given the fact that its legalization model is much more limited compared to Uruguay and Canada.

UK / EU Cannabis Compliance

63rd German Traffic Court Conference 2025: Cannabis in road traffic to take place Jan 30/31

Published

1 week ago

January 16, 2025

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The German Cannabis Business Association

63rd German Traffic Court Conference 2025: Cannabis in road traffic

The 63rd German Traffic Court Conference will take place on January 30 and 31, 2025. Working group 1 will deal with the topic of cannabis abuse in road traffic. The effects of the (partial) legalization of cannabis on various areas will be discussed:

Adjustments to the driving aptitude test and driving license law
Changes and challenges in police control measures
The legal treatment of cannabis “old cases” in driving license law

The working group will be chaired by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Daldrup, an expert in forensic toxicology. André Gorgs, Chief Police Commissioner in North Rhine-Westphalia, lawyer Gerhard Hillebrand, Harald Hofstetter from the Munich District Office and traffic psychologist Dr. Thomas Wagner will provide expert input. The aim is to develop practical recommendations for the adaptation of laws and control procedures in the context of cannabis legalization.

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UK / EU Cannabis Compliance

Denmark Announces Plans for Cannabis Permanent Legal Framework

Published

2 months ago

November 27, 2024

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Business of Cannabis

Denmark’s six-year medical cannabis pilot scheme could soon be expanded into a fully legalised market, following a surprise announcement from the government last week.

The Danish pilot scheme has been running since 2018, and has continued to expand in both scope and patient numbers over the past six years, with four different access schemes now operating.

Following the publication of a comprehensive analysis of these programmes, Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde last week met with the parties behind the trial scheme to discuss plans to ‘make the scheme permanent’.

Danish medical cannabis oil producer Stenocare tells Business of Cannabis that while the structure of the new framework is not yet clear, it’s likely to see a significant expansion in the market.

“It is going to grow the market. Medicinal products are primarily prescribed by specialists, while the pilot programme allows medical cannabis to be prescribed by GPs, so their’s a larger pool of prescribers out there… I think we’ll see an increase in treatment,” its CEO Thomas Skovlund Schnegelsberg said.

Read the full report

https://businessofcannabis.com/new-era-for-medical-cannabis-in-denmark-as-government-announces-plans-for-permanent-legal-framework/?utm_content=330050794&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-42296127

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UK / EU Cannabis Compliance

UK: Celeb Big Narstie To Open Medical Cannabis Office In Essex

Published

4 months ago

September 21, 2024

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High & Polite write

Big Narstie to medical cannabis office in Essex

Hold onto your spliffs, folks—because Big Narstie is making serious moves in the medical cannabis game!

The grime legend, comedian, and all-around UK icon is turning an old Barclay’s bank in South Woodham Ferrers into his very own medical cannabis office.

Yep, you read that right—Big Narstie Medical is officially open for business, ready to deliver “high-quality medicinal cannabis” to UK patients in need.

Now, we know what some of you might be thinking—“Big Narstie? Medical cannabis?”

But let’s be real, who better to bridge the gap between everyday people and the life-changing potential of medicinal cannabis?

Since the UK legalised medical cannabis in 2018, patients suffering from severe epilepsy, chemo-induced nausea, and MS have found relief through legal weed.

Narstie’s move isn’t just about the clout (though let’s be honest, a medical cannabis office is pretty cool).

He’s shining a much-needed spotlight on the benefits of medical cannabis, especially for those who don’ realise it can be legally prescribed.

So, whether you’re a fan or not, this is one groundbreaking move worth keeping an eye on.