Jason Ambrosino’s Post

History books tell us that there has been documented use of cannabis and hemp in the US as far back as George Washington. Political leaders reportedly chose hemp paper to write the Constitution of the United States upon, and the plant was also used to manufacture the first paper money. Hemp could be used to pay taxes and, at times, was a requirement to have agricultural property and public stipends. As for hemp and the textile applications, these were lobbied against and inevitably overthrown by the biggest businesses running the nation at the time. Those businesses happened to be associated with oil, cotton, corn and, yes, alcohol. Cannabis (not species defined) was first prohibited in 1937 under the Marijuana Tax Act. The law aimed to control cannabis’ growing popularity, as society had become more accepting of its use, thanks in large to the popular jazz scene. Unfortunately, lawmakers seemed to forget about America’s self-reliance on the cordage created by the plant. Read full article below

Revolutionary UK Ruling - Key Takeaways 1) The UK Court of Appeal rules hemp flower with THC content below 0.2% is not considered a narcotic drug. 2) The verdict potentially reduces the risk of criminal prosecution for businesses. 3) The successful argument rests on EU law, which overrides UK legislation and regards hemp flower as an agricultural commodity, not a narcotic. 4) The Misuse of Drugs Act, which treats hemp flower as a controlled substance, is found to be a restricting factor on hemp movement. 5) Businesses involved in trading CBD flower prior to the UK’s official exit from the EU (January 31, 2020) can now leverage the new judgment to defend their actions

Are there any clues the Canadian authorities can derive from the news reported from LA, California, involving individuals from China, some having ties to the Communist party of China, caught with illegal marijuana plantation? Some aspects of the news can be directly related to what is already happening in Canada given the legalization of the pot business, yet with little to no enforcement mechanism to identify the real threat actors behind these operations, it can become a serious concern of national security soon, if not maternalized already. There is already a great deal of news of Asian gangs tied to criminal gangs from China and Iran creating havoc by peddling illegal drugs like fentanyl, causing death and destruction in many communities across Canada. When cross-border criminal gangs can use this legal marijuana as a facade to conduct other serious criminal acts, like money laundering, it becomes even more challenging for law enforcement, who are already stretched in their investigations of crimes of this nature.

Germany's recent decriminalization of cannabis possession and cultivation for personal use has sparked debate. While some celebrate a "win-win" for quality control and the agricultural industry, others worry about a "chaos phase" for law enforcement. 🔞 Potential benefits for agriculture: 💚 New market: Licensed cannabis cultivation creates opportunities for farmers. Reduced black market: Legal cannabis could weaken black market sales, benefiting legitimate businesses. "Gardening clubs": The "cannabis social club" concept allows for community-based production. Challenges and concerns: 🖤 Limited scope: Personal cultivation (up to 3 plants) might not meet demand, potentially aiding the black market. Enforcement complexities: Distinguishing users from dealers with the 25g possession limit could be difficult. Health risks: Potential for increased cannabis use, particularly among youth, is a concern. Overall, the new law presents a complex situation for Germany. While it offers a potential economic boost for agriculture, its effectiveness in curbing the black market and protecting public health remains to be seen. What do you think? ✔ or ✖ #cannabis #germany #agriculture #decriminalization #farmlife

Great news about #cbdflower 👍

Cannabis has been partially decriminalized in Germany, but the decision is likely to have a ripple effect on neighboring countries like Denmark. With its close proximity to Germany and membership in the European single market, Denmark may see an increase in drug-related crime, including consumption and smuggling. According to the Danish Money Laundering Secretariat, hash and cocaine are the largest contributors to illegal proceeds from criminal organizations in Denmark. Proceeds from drug-related crime are typically used to finance other criminal activities. Drug-related crime is one of the darkest forms of crime, as neither buyers nor sellers want to be detected. The cash-based nature of drug transactions makes them attractive to criminals, as cash is difficult to trace and can be used for other criminal activities like remuneration of undeclared work or converting cash into high-value goods. The partial decriminalization of cannabis in Germany may also lead to a mismatch between supply and demand in the short-term, resulting in higher costs for the entire supply chain. While home growers and growers associations may eventually be able to meet demand, it will take time for them to start operating. In the meantime, a black market is likely to be fueled by this factor.

In a critical development for the hemp industry, Franny's Farmacy, along with other hemp businesses, has filed a lawsuit in Virginia federal court challenging the state's new restrictions on low-THC, hemp-derived products. This lawsuit not only highlights the hardships faced by businesses but also underscores the complex issues at the intersection of federal and state regulations. This federal-state conflict introduces uncertainty and legal challenges, hampering industry growth and innovation. Franny's Farmacy continues to advocate for federal hemp and cannabis legalization, seeking consistent rules, clarity, and safety for businesses and consumers. Federal legalization addresses issues arising from varying state regulations, fostering a more equitable industry. Stay informed and engaged as we navigate these complexities. Your support is vital as we work towards a future where hemp-derived products and all cannabinoids are accessible, safe, and legal for all. 🌿 📰 Read the Article Here: https://lnkd.in/es-8_ctp

🚨 Urgent Industry News: Potential Impact of Florida's New Hemp Regulations 🚨 Florida's hemp industry is on edge as Gov. Ron DeSantis deliberates over SB 1698, a bill that could significantly alter the landscape for hemp products in the state. The proposed legislation, which bans Delta-8 and restricts Delta-9 cannabinoids, threatens to upend a thriving market. David Charles, Mood's co-founder, highlighted the severity of the situation: "The caps they're putting in place would effectively ban 98% of the products on the Florida market. It's akin to banning most liquor on the market." The $10 billion hemp industry in Florida stands to lose thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue if the bill is signed into law. Hemp companies are already considering drastic measures, such as moving operations out of state, to navigate the looming restrictions. Governor DeSantis's decision is expected soon, with the potential for sweeping changes to take effect in October. The stakes are high, and the industry is watching closely. Stay tuned for updates and join us in urging for a veto to protect Florida's hemp industry. 🌿 #Mood #HempIndustry #FloridaHemp #SB1698 #CannabisNews #SaveTheHempIndustry

The hemp community in Florida experienced mixed feelings following Governor Ron DeSantis's veto of SB 1698, a bill that would have imposed stringent regulations on hemp-derived products, including setting limits on THC levels and banning delta-8 THC. The bill had been viewed as a potential existential threat to the livelihoods of those in the industry, with potential to significantly disrupt small businesses involved in retail and manufacturing of hemp products. Governor DeSantis, in his veto letter, expressed concerns about the bill's impact on small businesses and its likelihood of failing to achieve its regulatory goals. Despite the relief from the veto, the governor’s letter suggested more comprehensive regulations could be considered in the future, raising concerns among industry members about upcoming legislative sessions. The bill's sponsor, Senator Colleen Burton, and other supporters viewed the bill as well-measured and necessary to address issues in the hemp industry. In contrast, industry advocates like Vinnie Seudath of Kushy Pies and Carlos Hermida, who owns smoke shops, argue that the bill would have been detrimental, potentially driving businesses out of state or causing them to fail. This event occurs as Florida approaches a vote on a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis, which Governor DeSantis opposes. There is speculation that by vetoing the bill, DeSantis may be seeking support from the hemp industry to oppose the cannabis legalization amendment. https://lnkd.in/gVKWNtyx