The two most studied compounds in cannabis may not balance each other out like it's commonly claimed. THC and CBD are often pitted against each other, but their effects on the human body may not be in a tug-of-war after all. A new study reveals CBD may not take the edge off THC, but in fact, taken at high doses may enhance the psychoactive effect.

Pakistan is the latest Asian country to look to cannabis to boost its economic fortunes. The plant has already been legalized for industrial purposes (with a THC limit of 0,3%) and now lawmakers are debating an overall cannabis framework that would include medicinal use.

Colombia is probably South Africa’s main competitor in exporting medicinal cannabis to Europe, but it is streets ahead in terms of delivery. It is now a global leader in cannabis exports, while South Africa languishes in the proverbial backwaters. Meanwhile, President Gustavo Pedro wants to take reform further and legalize full adult-use consumption in the ninth attempt to get lawmakers onside.

Alcohol remains the most consumed substance in the States but new lifestyle trends are emerging. A recent Monitoring the Future survey shows that 42% of young adults use cannabis regularly. Psychedelics are at the height of ther popularity, while cigarette consumption and opioid use continue their years-long decline.

In a sign that even the most mature cannabis markets remain risky, Canadian ‘lifestyle brand’ Tokyo Smoke has shuttered 29 stores and is seeking creditor protection. This early-mover still has 167 outlets in business, but is grappling with persistently high costs and relentlessly declining prices.

Armed police recently swarmed over a grounded British Airways flight after concerns were raised about medical cannabis on board. Ultimately, it was all above board! The incident has highlighted the fact that a third of surveyed police officers did not know that medical cannabis was legal under prescription, sparking further calls for more police education on current cannabis laws.

New York City authorities have launched a major crackdown on illegal cannabis retailers following the recent introduction of tax regulations. This has sparked a string of lawsuits - and protestations from hemp shops that they are being unfairly targeted. South African 'grey zone' retailers, take note!

More research is urgently needed on the harms associated with cannabis as the plant remains by far the most commonly consumed illicit drug in Europe. Around 23 million people regularly use cannabis which is relatively stable compared to the previous year. A new report identifies key trends in cannabis being the divergent regulatory approaches by different countries, a greater choice of consumer product, and the rising omnipresence of THC.

Ukraine has legalized medical cannabis as one of the ways of dealing with the Russian invasion which has obviously been deeply stressful to a large number of civilians and soldiers. One of the main reasons behind legalization is the potential healing effect cannabis may play in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

California is a good example of legalization backfiring on the small-scale grower. Many of the Golden State’s cannabis farmers have been crushed by poor prices and the damage wrought by wildfires and are going out of business..

Cannabis medical prescriptions in the United Kingdom have shot up in the past year, many of them for ‘unlicensed cannabis-based medicines’. A clampdown appears imminent against those doctors who are issuing medical scripts to ‘patients’ who are really wanting just to get stoned.

The German cannabis industry is taking off following the landmark Cannabis Act which reclassified the plant as a non-narcotic. Consumers have benefitted from easier access to medical cannabis and a drop in up to 50% in price compared to a year ago.