In 2024, several countries implemented significant changes to their cannabis regulations, reflecting a global shift towards legalization and regulation.
United States
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated a policy review to potentially reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, marking a significant policy shift. This change could alleviate challenges related to federal illegality, taxation, and research restrictions. Additionally, various states continued to expand legal access to cannabis, with some legalizing recreational use and others approving medical marijuana programs.
Canada
Health Canada proposed over 30 changes to cannabis regulations, including adjustments to licensing, security measures, production, packaging, and reporting requirements. These proposals aim to streamline processes and enhance the regulatory framework governing cannabis production and distribution.
Germany
Germany legalized adult-use cannabis, allowing individuals aged 18 and over to possess up to 25 grams in public and up to 50 grams at home. Adults can also cultivate up to three plants privately. Additionally, non-profit cannabis social clubs with a maximum of 500 members became legal, enabling members to collectively grow and distribute cannabis. Consumption near schools, kindergartens, public playgrounds, sports facilities, and certain pedestrian zones during specified hours is prohibited.
Spain
The Spanish Ministry of Health presented a draft Royal Decree to regulate the therapeutic use of cannabis for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. The regulation would permit the prescription, preparation, dispensing, and use of standardized cannabis preparations for specific medical conditions, offering an alternative treatment when other authorized medications are ineffective.
Australia
In Victoria, the Penington Institute launched a campaign advocating for the legal regulation of cannabis for adult use with a health-focused approach. A bill is under consideration to decriminalize personal use, allowing adults to possess up to 50 grams and cultivate up to six plants. The campaign emphasizes regulated packaging, potency limits, and advertising prohibitions to ensure safer products compared to the black market.
Thailand
In May 2024, the government of Thailand announced plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic by the end of the year, limiting its use strictly to medical and research purposes. This marked a reversal from the 2022 decriminalization, which had led to a rapid expansion of cannabis-related businesses and increased recreational use, and branding Thailand as the only legal cannabis destination in Asia.
As of December 2024, the Thai government has implemented stricter regulations on cannabis use, focusing on medical applications and enforcing penalties for recreational use. However, enforcement doesn’t appear to be applied, and cannabis infused edibles are openly available.
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