The weekend weed wrap-up

New poll shows more than half of Europeans support legalizing cannabis

A new study by Hanway Associates, a cannabis-focused research and advisory firm, shows more than half of Europeans support marijuana legalization, Bloomberg reports.

“The cannabis story is now less about scaremongering,” explains Hanway Associates founder Alastair Moore. “This move from resistance to acceptance bodes well for entrepreneurs and investors entering the market.”

Of all the nations in the European Union, Portugal and Italy gave the most support. However, the two countries have yet to pass significant drug reforms. Furthermore, it was ironic that the Netherlands was the least supportive of all. The Netherlands has long been home to the world famous coffee shops selling cannabis and shrooms. Only 47% of respondents from the Netherlands are in favor of legalizing cannabis, the lowest among the 8 countries surveyed.

“We see this not only as an economic opportunity, but also as an opportunity for policymakers and politicians to start discussing legalization because it is inevitable,” said Antonio Costanzo, International Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf Holdings Inc. “It gives both political and public support.”

In Canada, six terminally ill cancer patients were allowed to be treated with magic mushrooms

The first legally produced psilocybin was allowed by Health Canada to be given to 6 terminally ill cancer patients. Psilocybin is the compound responsible for the psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms.

Last January, Health Canada adjusted its regulations to allow physicians to request access to psilocybin made on-site for the terminally ill under a special access program. Although psilocybin is still illegal in Canada, there are numerous studies showing its benefits for terminal illnesses and end-of-life anxiety in people with cancer. With the new rules, patients must be approved through the Health Canada program to have access to laboratory-made psilocybin made by a licensed distributor.

Treatment is designed to help relieve symptoms but does not treat cancer.

Thomas Hartle, the first Canadian ever legal to take psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in 2020, was also one of 6 people allowed to take the drug along with therapy. Initially he sourced his own mushrooms and then used them along with his therapist, although under the special access program he was provided with medicinal psilocybin by Psygen Labs and then underwent group therapy with the other 5 patients.

“Magic mushrooms allowed me to calm the worries in my head so my body could instead use my energy to heal and process those fears in a supportive environment,” he told The Sun.

New Zealand company MMJ receives government grant to develop industry

Puro, a medical cannabis company based in Marlborough, New Zealand, received one of the largest government grants ever awarded to a basic industry. The grant will be used to develop a guide for other MMJ companies.

The US$13 million grant is a demonstration of the industry-government partnership to give patients in New Zealand greater access to locally grown cannabis medicines. Puro started planting last December 2020; They have 2 growing areas: Waihopai Valley and Kekerengu. Additionally, the grant will help accelerate the uptake of the organic MMJ industry in the country so that other local businesses can follow its concept.

The grant will also be used to produce a guide to organic production for both indoor and outdoor growing. They will work to create unique plant varieties as well as seeds that New Zealand industry can use and examine efficiencies that can be tracked post-harvest. It is even used to develop training opportunities for people who want to get into the industry.

“The fund enables us to test concepts. Here is a good example using a drying system that we designed and engineered here in New Zealand. So if we can get something like this up and running, it’s portable and could be available and scalable to growers across the country,” said Tim Aldridge, managing director of Puro. “So the fund allows us to try a few different methods and a few different approaches. We create insights for New Zealand industry,” he added.

First marijuana spa opened in Switzerland

The Swiss Schlosshotel Zermatt now offers the first marijuana-scented relaxation spa at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, reports High Times.

The offerings are designed to attract a luxury market that comes after skiing; Some of these include yoga with cannabis-scented oils, 80-minute massages, alpine herbal compresses, neck and head massages, and hemp granola, among others. Upon entering the lobby, guests can smell the aroma of the hemp plant.

While it may take some time before budget deals of this nature become available, many say it’s only a matter of time. Wellness in the hospitality industry has long been a draw for travelers to Switzerland, which has established itself as a sort of hub for wellness retreats not only in winter but also in summer.

The spa’s owner, Alex Perren, invested a lot of money in acquiring the hotel back in 2019, reports Benzinga. He came up with the idea of ​​setting up a CBD spa to attract younger guests. “We were the first. There is a constant demand for the CBD program,” explains Perren.

Currently, the use of CBD is unrestricted in Switzerland, making this luxury spa offering both safe and legal. There are also many programs underway with the intention of legalizing recreational cannabis in the country.

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