Government
The List of Countries That Will Legalize Marijuana Before the US Gets Longer and Longer
Many people would agree that the United States federal policy is far behind the American mindset and, perhaps, even the global psyche as regards cannabis acceptance and legalization. Policies that govern cannabis in the United States have been quite trendy in mainstream media. But most often than not, the lack of concrete actions on the part of the U.S. federal government on cannabis legalization is making the headlines.
Be it the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act facing oblivion or a powerful open letter to President Joe Biden from his closest associates calling for the revision of federal cannabis laws; it is evident that the U.S. Federal policy on cannabis is not visionary.
Meanwhile, other nations and states are taking bold steps regarding cannabis legalization and have achieved significant results in the last decade. Therefore, as things stand, it won’t be out of place to affirm that America’s federal policy is lagging behind the global cannabis stance as the country continues to take a timid approach to cannabis. Canada, the neighbor to the North, made cannabis legal at the Federal level years ago and has a full-fledged recreational and medicinal marijuana market.
While the U.S. government is taking a slow and timid approach regarding cannabis legalization, other countries seem to be addressing the issue head-on. Therefore it begs the question: what reasons have other nations and their individual states found to decriminalize and legalize cannabis? In contrast, the U.S.U.S. has been unable to establish a concrete rationale. Even strong US ally, Germany, has moved to legalize recreational and medicinal cannabis in the past 12 months causing a stir of legality issues in the European block.
Mexico
Mexico, one of the closest neighbours of the United States, bordering America to the south, decriminalized and legalized cannabis at the federal level in 2021. Without diving deep into why the Mexican government legalized cannabis, the public response has been that cannabis legalization is in the hopes of reducing violent crimes.
In a wide margin vote of 8 – 3, the Supreme Court of Mexico decriminalized cannabis in 2021. As a result, cannabis is now legalized for cultivation and use only for medical purposes. According to CNN, the country decided after cannabis proponents pushed for decriminalizing cannabis to reduce violent crimes.
Even though drug-driven violence was not the primary and only reason for the decision reached by the high court, it is a reason worth considering, given justification for policy change can stem from all kinds of places.
Thailand
While the United States continues to debate cannabis, Thailand has taken the giant step in becoming the first Asian country to legalize medical use of cannabis. The Asian government has clearly stated that public use of cannabis is still very much prohibited, but it has legalized cannabis use for medical purposes.
While Thailand only legalized cannabis for medical use, the Asian country can still position itself and rightly use its present stance on cannabis to promote tourism in the country. According to National Public Radio, Thailand’s primary aim is to make a dent in the industry for medical cannabis. The article also explains that even though only a few neighboring countries have legalized marijuana, Thailand has positioned itself to make the best of the present opportunities. This is especially true since Thailand already has a well-established tourism industry, and its natural tropical climate is more than ideal for cultivating cannabis.
In addition, Thailand will also be pardoning and freeing inmates currently serving non-violent cannabis-related crimes. While this seems relatively easy for Thailand to achieve, U.S. lawmakers are still pushing for the cannabis decriminalization bill.
Malta
Thailand isn’t the only country that has made international headlines as regards cannabis legalization. Similar to Thailand, Malta also took the bold step to legalize marijuana in 2021, making it the first European country to do so. Even though Malta has not inaugurated any cannabis dispensaries or lounges, the country has legalized cannabis cultivation and use within its territories.
The reason for Malta’s cannabis legalization is quite similar to that of Mexico. According to the New York Times, the Maltese government explained that the new statute aims to combat illegal and criminal drug trafficking while also ending criminalizing Maltese for using cannabis.
Looking at the trend in Mexico and now Malta, it seems that regulating and legalizing cannabis instead of waging war on the illegal criminal market is a driving factor in many countries that have decriminalized and legalized cannabis before the United States.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the countries that just recently legalized the medical use of cannabis after lifting its ban on cannabis as of August 2022. This latest development by the Swiss government also allows for the export of medical marijuana products. One of the primary reasons for the legalization of medical cannabis in Switzerland is the exponential growth in medical cannabis popularity. Another important reason is the heightened administrative ramble that developed due to the increase in medical cannabis popularity.
According to Forbes, the Federal Council duly justified the county’s latest stance on medical cannabis legalization. The Federal council affirmed that there’d been an increase in the demand for authorizations in the last years. This includes a slowed-down medical treatment and a significant administrative burden. Only in 2019, the ministry of health issued roughly 3,000 special permissions.
Conclusion
Many factors are responsible for why other countries are making significant progress regarding cannabis legalization while the United States slowly follows far behind. The justifications among these countries vary from hoping to reduce drug-related crimes and violence to boost medical tourism in their countries.
While the United States presents lots of struggles to pick from to push cannabis legalization at the federal level, a single strong-enough cause has not been chosen. Without this, it will be difficult for the United States to transition into a cannabis post-prohibition era.
However, as things stand, the move for cannabis legalization has gained massive support in states like Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina — but while the idea of cannabis legalization is popular, it seems not to be a significant priority to many voters. Notwithstanding, as the cannabis industry continues to develop, pressure is bound to mount on lawmakers to end federal cannabis prohibition.
Corruption
Vigilance Arrests Officials After Bribery Complaints at Supply Office
HARIDWAR, Uttarakhand — Officials from the Dehradun-based Vigilance Department have arrested Haridwar District Supply Officer Shyam Arya and two other employees on charges of accepting a bribe of ₹50,000, authorities confirmed. The arrests took place during a planned operation after investigators laid a trap at the District Supply Office in response to repeated complaints from the public.
According to vigilance sources, the accused were caught “red-handed” while receiving the alleged bribe, reportedly demanded in exchange for official services within the department. The operation, coordinated from the state capital of Dehradun, underscores the department’s commitment to tackling corruption.
Complaints That Triggered the Operation
The arrests followed months of complaints alleging that officials at the Haridwar District Supply Office were routinely soliciting illegal payments for government services. These included the issuance of ration cards, approvals for licenses, and other administrative clearances under the public distribution system.
Vigilance officials said preliminary verification of the complaints indicated a recurring pattern rather than isolated incidents. Following this assessment, the department used a standard anti-corruption tactic of laying a trap to obtain direct evidence of bribe solicitation and acceptance.
Inside the Supply Office
After the arrests, vigilance teams established a presence inside the office, sealing parts of the premises while examining files and records. Investigators are reviewing documentation related to recent approvals and transactions to determine whether the alleged bribery was systemic.
The accused are also being questioned to identify potential accomplices and to ascertain whether accepting bribes was a routine practice. Officials noted that the investigation could expand depending on findings from the document review and interrogations.
A Broader Anti-Corruption Push
The case has drawn attention across Uttarakhand’s administrative machinery, particularly within the Supply Department, which plays a vital role in delivering welfare services. Vigilance officials said the arrests reflect a “zero-tolerance” approach toward corruption and warned that similar operations will continue wherever credible complaints arise.
The state’s anti-corruption drives have intensified in recent months, emphasizing both deterrence and accountability. While the investigation in Haridwar remains in its early stages, officials say it highlights the risks faced by public servants accused of exploiting their positions and the growing willingness of enforcement agencies to act on citizen complaints.
Business
A Tipping Point for Cannabis: President Trump Champions CBD & Cannabis Science on Truth Social
When the President of the United States shares a video about the life changing potential of hemp derived CBD on his personal social media platform, it is more than news, it is a cultural shift.
For decades our government lied to us about cannabis. It demonized the plant, waged war on its users, and filled prisons while allowing pharmaceutical companies to flood the nation with addictive and deadly drugs. For over a century we have been fighting uphill, not just for legalization, but for truth, for science, and for the right to heal ourselves naturally.
Now in 2025, the most powerful political figure on Earth is using his own voice and platform to talk about the endocannabinoid system and the science backed benefits of CBD. That is monumental. It is validation for everyone who has fought, been arrested, been silenced, and been dismissed for telling this truth. The President’s video post is already being described as a pivotal moment in cannabis history, and President Trump CBD Cannabis Science Truth Social is trending across platforms as advocates celebrate the breakthrough.
The Science Behind the Endocannabinoid System
The video begins by introducing something most people, including many doctors, still know little about, the endocannabinoid system. Discovered in the 1990s, the ECS is a network of receptors and signaling molecules that works as the body’s master regulator, coordinating communication between major systems like the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.
The roots of this discovery go back much further. CBD was first isolated in 1940 by American chemist Roger Adams, but it was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli organic chemist, who fully elucidated the chemical structure of CBD and identified its stereochemistry in the 1960s. His pioneering work not only opened the door to modern cannabinoid science but also earned him the title “Godfather of Cannabis Research.” It was this foundation that led to the identification of the endocannabinoid system itself decades later, revealing how cannabinoids interact with our physiology on a fundamental level.
The ECS is now widely recognized as a vital part of human biology, with extensive research supported by the National Institutes of Health. When functioning properly, the ECS acts like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring every section plays in harmony. As we age, the system weakens. That imbalance is linked to inflammation, chronic pain, cognitive decline, sleep problems, and many other conditions associated with aging.
Mainstream medicine often addresses these issues with pharmaceutical band aids, dangerous and addictive drugs that treat symptoms rather than root causes. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise help, but they only partially support the ECS and do so slowly over time.
Hemp Derived CBD: A Game Changer for Aging
Here is where the science gets exciting. As the video explains, the ECS can be restored much more quickly with hemp derived CBD. Strengthening this system naturally helps the body regain balance, reducing pain, improving sleep, lowering stress, slowing disease progression, and even extending healthy lifespan.
It is not theoretical. One in five seniors is already using CBD to manage pain, arthritis, cancer symptoms, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, and more. Despite decades of research and acknowledgment from institutions like the National Institutes of Health, most physicians receive no training on the ECS. There are still no FDA standards for CBD products on the market. If that were the case for any other class of medicine, it would be considered malpractice.
The World Health Organization has confirmed CBD’s excellent safety profile and non addictive nature in its critical review report. The result is that millions of older Americans are suffering unnecessarily when a safe and natural solution exists.
Hemp derived CBD is a powerful first step in restoring balance to the endocannabinoid system, but it is only part of the picture. Research shows that full spectrum cannabis extracts, which include a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes, can work even more effectively. Complete concentrated cannabis oil, containing the full spectrum of natural endocannabinoids, may deliver the most profound results for certain patients. Expanding access to these therapies will be essential if we want to unlock the full healing potential of this plant.
The Economic and Social Impact
The video cites a powerful figure. A PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis estimates that fully integrating cannabis into the healthcare system could save the United States nearly 64 billion dollars annually. These savings reflect reduced pharmaceutical dependency, fewer hospitalizations, improved chronic disease outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for aging Americans. You can read more about PwC’s research on healthcare innovation here.
It is a financial argument, but it is also a moral one. Why should our elders endure pain, anxiety, and cognitive decline when nature has given us tools to help them live longer, happier, and healthier lives?
A Call to Action: Finish What the Farm Bill Started
The message concludes by crediting the 2018 Farm Bill, championed by President Trump, for legalizing hemp and laying the groundwork for today’s CBD market. The Farm Bill was just the first step.
Now the call is for bold next moves.
- Educate doctors about the endocannabinoid system
- Include CBD under Medicare coverage
- Provide clear federal standards for CBD quality and dosing
These steps would constitute the most significant senior health reform in modern history, one that would transform aging and cement a powerful legacy for any administration that makes it happen.
What This Means for Future Cannabis Medicine
For those of us who have been in the cannabis community for decades, this is not just another news story. It is a signal that our movement is winning. A conversation that was once criminalized and censored is now being amplified by the President of the United States on his own platform.
It means the science is undeniable. It means the truth can no longer be buried. It means the wall of prohibition is cracking, not just legally, but culturally, scientifically, and politically.
It also means that everything we have been fighting for at 420 Magazine since 1993, education, access, healing, and justice, is finally moving full steam ahead. The President Trump CBD Cannabis Science Truth Social moment is proof that science and policy are finally converging.
Business
New Mexico cannabis operator fined, loses license for alleged BioTrack fraud
New Mexico regulators fined a cannabis operator nearly $300,000 and revoked its license after the company allegedly created fake reports in the state’s traceability software.
The New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) accused marijuana manufacturer and retailer Golden Roots of 11 violations, according to Albuquerque Business First.
Golden Roots operates the The Cannabis Revolution Dispensary.
The majority of the violations are related to the Albuquerque company’s improper use of BioTrack, which has been New Mexico’s track-and-trace vendor since 2015.
The CCD alleges Golden Roots reported marijuana production only two months after it had received its vertically integrated license, according to Albuquerque Business First.
Because cannabis takes longer than two months to be cultivated, the CCD was suspicious of the report.
After inspecting the company’s premises, the CCD alleged Golden Roots reported cultivation, transportation and sales in BioTrack but wasn’t able to provide officers who inspected the site evidence that the operator was cultivating cannabis.
In April, the CCD revoked Golden Roots’ license and issued a $10,000 fine, according to the news outlet.
The company requested a hearing, which the regulator scheduled for Sept. 1.
At the hearing, the CCD testified that the company’s dried-cannabis weights in BioTrack were suspicious because they didn’t seem to accurately reflect how much weight marijuana loses as it dries.
Company employees also poorly accounted for why they were making adjustments in the system of up to 24 pounds of cannabis, making comments such as “bad” or “mistake” in the software, Albuquerque Business First reported.
Golden Roots was fined $298,972.05 – the amount regulators allege the company made selling products that weren’t properly accounted for in BioTrack.
The CCD has been cracking down on cannabis operators accused of selling products procured from out-of-state or not grown legally:
- Regulators alleged in August that Albuquerque dispensary Sawmill Sweet Leaf sold out-of-state products and didn’t have a license for extraction.
- Paradise Exotics Distro lost its license in July after regulators alleged the company sold products made in California.
Golden Roots was the first alleged rulebreaker in New Mexico to be asked to pay a large fine.
Source: https://mjbizdaily.com/new-mexico-cannabis-operator-fined-loses-license-for-alleged-biotrack-fraud/
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