The topic of cannabis legalisation is one unopened can of worms which has many politicians and lawmakers across the UK squirming in their seats: After all, following the successful implementation of reforms across the USA and Uruguay, a steadily increasing number of individuals within the general populace would agree that the benefits most definitely appear to outweigh the disadvantages.

A recent infographic posted on our site really made us stop and think about the potentially huge impact which legalisation of the herb could make on British society…

Cannabis as a cash-crop
70% of the UK’s land area is currently devoted to agriculture – but despite the highly developed nature of this island’s farming resources, farming is, sadly, an industry in decline…

• Less than 60% of the UK’s food supply actually originates from British soil.
• The amount of people employed in the agricultural sector has fallen by over 30% since the mid-nineties.
• Low potential for turning a profit and high entry costs make farming an undesirable undertaking for many.

In such a climate, some innovative farmers are turning to alternative crops to diversify and improve the sustainability of their enterprise: Cannabis, it is hoped by many, could prove to be just the crop to revitalise a dwindling sector, create new jobs and generate billions for the UK economy: And this isn’t just a bunch of smoke-blowing either…

Take Colorado, for instance:

• In a few short months following the legalisation of marijuana in Colorado, crime has fallen significantly across a number of key categories.
• Marijuana sales in Colorado are projected to reach $1 billion in the first year of legalisation alone.
• From plant biologists to phytochemists, store managers to sales representatives, a huge number of job openings have now been made available in Colorado.

This is only scratching the surface: If the UK can join the ranks of more liberal locales across the globe and make a positive change toward legalising cannabis, the benefits are expected to be profoundly felt by all, thanks to a number of far-reaching benefits:

• Tax revenue in the UK from licencing cannabis could raise anywhere between £400 million and a staggering £900 million.
• With legalised cannabis, the UK could save up to £300 million on policing and criminal justice costs.
• Cannabis legalisation has the potential to reduce the UK government deficit by up to £1.25 billion: This would give the fastest growing G7 economy (as of 2014) an even greater boost which can only be a benefit for future generations, going forward.

Public support for legalisation is in the green

The stats collated in our infographic show us that:

• Over half of the British public support the legalisation of cannabis production
• 70% of Conservative and 69% of Labour supporters would be in favour of a review of all cannabis policy options.
• Currently, around 2 million people regularly smoke cannabis in the UK.

These details paint the picture of a society which is ready to ask some challenging questions about where it stands with regards to cannabis legalisation: One thing is for certain – The UK government will be under increased pressure to make reforms as more and more information mounts up and other, more liberal nations begin to set the pace on the journey toward a greener, more bountiful future.

With cannabis legalisation now in full-effect throughout locations like Colorado and Washington State, as well as nationwide in the liberal-minded country of Uruguay, many people around the globe are now starting to wake up to the very real possibility of a greener future where weed is on the menu…everywhere!

With a growing number of successful examples dotting up around the planet, reformers now have even more evidence to support their cause, with prosperity, lower crime rates and improved public health being just some of the advantages being cited.

Full global legalisation might be a distant goal for now, but if the following three locations are anything to go by, it might not be a totally far-fetched idea…

Jamaica

In this beautiful, sun-drenched corner of the Caribbean, pro-cannabis activists are waiting with bated-breath as officials discuss the possibility of a move towards legalisation of the herb.

When one considers the fact that the nation’s sizeable Rastifarian population have traditionally used Ganja as part of their spiritual practices, the matter of local authorities criminalising this sacred herb is often viewed by some commentators as culturally insensitive and draconian.

Factor in the prevalence of the herb on this tropical paradise and you have a recipe for drug enforcement resources to be tested to breaking point.

Instead of persecuting citizens for following their religious or cultural beliefs, as well as for using a natural local resource for medical purposes, Jamaica’s legalisation movement is hopeful for the future.

Morocco

As one of the world’s largest producers of hashish, Morocco already makes heavy profits from the cultivation of cannabis: In fact, some speculate that as much as 10% of the country’s economy is based around sales generated via this locally-derived, yet still illicit, crop.

Unfortunately, stats show that most of the cannabis production in morocco comes from poorer regions of the country, meaning that efforts to clamp down on growers can often hurt whole communities, who don’t always have the opportunity to make money any other way.

In a country which already supplies over 40% of the world’s supply of cannabis, many are speculating that it is only a matter of time before Morocco’s resources are funnelled elsewhere and legalisation is implemented.

UK

It might have once seemed like an impossible dream, but for a growing number of faithful individuals throughout the UK, the prospect of cannabis legalisation is now looking to be sailing ever closer towards British shores.

As a nation which often stands ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ with its allies across the Atlantic, many throughout the UK are pointing towards reforms in the USA which have led to the legalisation of weed in a number of states: Indeed, a growing number of Brits now believe that it is only a matter of time before their island nation follows suit.

In recent years, cannabis reform groups and individuals alike have pushed the boundaries of what might soon be possible, with attempts to open up Amsterdam-style cannabis coffee-shops now growing at an exponential rate.

For now, a huge number of people throughout the UK are stocking up on legal cannabis seeds: These can be collected without fear of prosecution, provided that they are not grown; This means that, should legalisation be pushed through, a huge library of weed genetics will be at the hands of the smart individuals who have stocked up.

Of all the ‘cash-crops’ in the world, one leafy member of the nightshade family stands proud of the competition (for now): Tobacco…

Profiting from pain: The government-friendly tobacco giants

The tobacco industry knows a thing or two about marketing – and selling – a lot of heavily-taxed agricultural produce…

• Each year, over 5 trillion cigarettes are smoked around the world.
• The USA and EU produce hundreds of thousands of tons of tobacco each year, whilst countries like China and India regularly harvest millions of tons.
• In the UK alone, £12 billion is generated each year through the taxation of tobacco.
• If one was to combine the annual profits reaped by the top 6 tobacco companies in the world, the total would be a figure which exceeds the annual profits earned by Microsoft, McDonalds and Coca-Cola…combined.
• Around 6 million deaths each year are estimated to be caused by tobacco use: If one was to calculate the profit to death ratio for tobacco companies around the world, it would equate to roughly £3600 per fatality.

With shocking statistics like these, many proponents of the cannabis legalisation movement have openly declared their disgust as to the fact that harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol are fully legal pretty much everywhere on the planet, whilst the medicinal, naturally-occurring herb, cannabis (which many see as a useful tool in the fight against cancer) is treated as a heavily-prohibited narcotic by most governments: But why is this the case?

With a healthy dose of speculation, many activists have their own suggestions…

• Cannabis could prove to be a difficult crop for governments to impose tax and restrictions upon: Whilst setting up illicit alcohol or tobacco production facilities can be risky, technically and logistically challenging, cannabis plants can be safely and easily grown indoors and out.
• Tobacco and Alcohol are already heavily consumed products, with business and political empires built around their profits: The addition of a new type of product on the market might be against the personal interests of some very powerful people.
• Some governments have yet to wake up and acknowledge recent evidence on the potential for cannabis to become a viable medicine (and a real money-maker, if tax issues and regulation can be worked out).

Colorado: A beacon of hope for a burgeoning new billion-dollar industry

Considering the fact that many people are turning to legal cannabis as a legitimate medicine, (which could even be used to treat those suffering from the effects caused by years of harmful tobacco use) or as a safer recreational alternative to the likes of alcohol, liberal-minded businesses and local governments alike are waking up to the fact that things need to change.

Following the legalisation of Cannabis in Colorado, some impressive figures have recently come to light:

• Businesses in Colorado are expected to generate $1 billion dollars each year in legal weed sales.
• Current projections mean that the state will be able to claw back over $100 million from legal dispensaries each year, with 15% excise and 10% sales taxes being in full-effect.
• The money generated from the taxation of cannabis in Colorado will be used primarily to fund the construction of new educational facilities across the state.

Events in places like Colorado are proving that public opinion is changing on the topic of cannabis prohibition: As society is educated as to the negative effects of alcohol and tobacco – and increasingly made aware as to the potential medicinal potential of cannabis, Governments will have to change their habits: Who knows, if Colorado’s example is anything to go by, they might even profit from such a switch!

Meet Mary, the toast of the town…

With pop starlets lighting up joints at awards ceremonies, politicians pushing for more  relaxed laws relating to cannabis, doctors reporting promising new findings as a result of their medical marijuana trials and everyone from athletes to actors stepping up to share their weed-imbued experiences with the press, there is no doubt that ‘Mary Jane’ is well and truly getting her share of the limelight in the news;

Whilst the bulk of cannabis reportage centres around the medicinal and recreational use of this natural resource, another movement is stirring, which looks set to change our world on an industrial scale…

The hemp revolution has begun

The incredibly useful, but less glamorous side of the cannabis plant: Hemp – is making headlines of its own, particularly given the range of amazing breakthroughs that have been made in recent years regarding the effectiveness and economic viability of this eco-friendly resource.

Some commentators have speculated that we are currently living in a renaissance age, where breakthroughs in manufacturing techniques and innovations in building materials point toward hemp playing a leading role in creating a cleaner, greener world for future generations.

Thanks to the efforts of environmentally-friendly, carbon-neutral companies like Europe’s leading industrial hemp firm, HempFlax, Hemp is now the go-to material for responsible manufacturers looking to make their products and business practices greener and friendlier to the planet than ever before.

A world of possibilities

Hemp is now not only a viable alternative to more conventional materials – in many cases it can be even more effective than the original resources that it is replacing:

• Hemp-based bedding for animals absorbs moisture and odours, resists mould and produces far less dust than more conventional alternatives, such as sawdust.
• Some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers already embrace hemp plastics as a green way of building their interior car components: These plastics possess an extremely high energy absorption level, which means that they are surprisingly strong for their weight.  Given the successful use of hemp in this capacity, manufacturers are now designing concept cars which make much more extensive use of this natural resource.
• In the construction sector, natural hemp-based insulation materials are revolutionising our built environment, with their effective blend of heat, noise and cold insulating, moisture-regulating and health-protecting properties.
• Hemp oil can be refined into a multitude of products, such as leather treatments and substances for protecting animal horns and hooves, where it’s nourishing and anti-bacterial properties are a huge boon.
• Aside from finding its way into our built world, hemp could end up becoming the fuel of future industry: Literally – Biofuels which use hemp as a main constituent are becoming ever more efficient sources of power, so not only will future vehicles be made from the stuff: They could end up being fuelled by it!

The future is green

Many consider hemp to be nature’s perfect plant: A gift which has a multitude of uses, with none of the harmful side-effects of less eco-friendly materials.

As attitudes and industrial practices change, it is looking increasingly likely that hemp may hold the keys to a cleaner future for everyone on the planet.

Disclaimer

This topical blog post has been prepared for educational purposes: We ask all of our readers to respect and obey the laws of their country.

All across the world, a movement is sirring…

Whilst the medical benefits of cannabis have been known and documented for thousands of years, some of the biggest advances have only just been made, over the course of the past few decades.

Today, thanks to the efforts of a select few breeders, doctors, researchers, patients,

Jack Here – The champagne of strains

campaigners and the medical marijuana community as a whole, we now posses a much greater understanding of the herb and its potential for treating a myriad of illnesses and their symptoms: From multiple sclerosis to brain cancer, epilepsy to glaucoma.

Sadly, there is no such thing as a ‘silver-bullet’ medicine which will treat all ails: However, there are a number of top-quality strains available today which have been specially bred for medicinal use…

Isn’t all cannabis useful for medicinal purposes?

In order for any cannabis strain to be considered effective for medicinal use, it needs to possess an adequate percentage of active cannabinoids.

Sensi Skunk – A superior strain

As with all medicines, the potency, chemical composition and dosage of a prescribed course of cannabis will differ from person to person: However, as long as the herb being used isn’t industrial hemp, it could potentially be used for medicinal purposes, given that the healthcare professional prescribing the medicine has deemed it to be a suitable strain for the individual being treated.

That being said, some strains have been specifically bred for different kinds of medicinal applications – these will typically fall into one of three main categories:

• Indica Strains: Strains with Indica genetics will typically possess high concentrations of CBD and THC, making them useful for treating muscular spasms, pain, insomnia and anxiety: They are known to produce a relaxed set of body-focussed, sedative effects.
• Sativa Strains: Sativa plants are known to possess high concentrations of THC,
  

  Jamaican Pearl – A caribbean treasure

  which makes them useful for producing energising, stimulating effects on the mind. They are typically used to treat depression, nausea and chronic pain.

• Hybrid Strains: A number of the most effective medical marijuana strains are hybrids: Their effects differ from strain to strain, but they are often balanced to accentuate the best features of both sets of parent plants.

Three of the best medical strains known to mankind

The world’s top medical marijuana breeders have created plenty of classics over the years, but these three heavy-hitters are revered by experts across the world as being some of the finest medical strains around…

Jack Herer®

This 55% Sativa / 45% Indica cross is a cup-winning legend that is known by many as ‘the champagne of strains’ – More than this, it is recognised and prescribed by pharmacies throughout The Netherlands as a certified medicinal-grade strain.

Sensi Skunk®

As an 80% Indica variety, this superior strain from the legendary Sensi Seeds is a potent cross whose easy-growing characteristics and low cost combine to put high-grade medicine within the reach of the masses.

Jamaican Pearl®

As an 85% Sativa strain, this strain possesses a high concentration of THC, making it perfect for treating a number of diverse medical conditions: It is known for its potency, consistency and mouth-watering tropical flavour.

Disclaimer: When it comes to any form of medical treatment, we urge all of our readers to seek and follow advice from a qualified healthcare professional and to adhere to all of their local laws.

This year, a green revolution is stirring in South Americas’s 2nd smallest nation…

Uruguay’s Motto: Liberty or death

 Uruguay: A modern Utopia?

Despite taking up a fairly modest amount of space on the map and having a relatively small population (just over 3.3million, as of 2011), the country of Uruguay has some stats which would shame many larger, wealthier nations around the world:

• In 1997, Uruguay was the first country in the Americas to provide complete digital telephone coverage from border to border.
• In 2009, Uruguay became the first country in the Americas to provide a laptop computer for each and every one of its primary school pupils as part of the ‘One Laptop per Child’
  

  An enlightened approach to cannabis

  project

• Today, Uruguay contributes more on a per-capita basis to the UN peacekeeping forces than any other nation on earth.

Statistics like these paint a picture of a liberal, progressive, peace-loving and forward-looking nation that looks set to grow from strength to strength as the 21st Century progresses.

More recently, a controversial bill has allowed Uruguay to go down in the history books as the first country in the world to allow cannabis to be cultivated, sold and consumed legally: But will this prove to be a crowning achievement, or a failed experiment?

An englighted approach to cannabis

Uruguay is a country on the cusp of a revolution: But far from being a violent movement,

paradise on earth?

this uprising looks set to be a pretty mellow affair…

By re-thinking its laws when it comes to regulating the cultivation, trade and consumption of cannabis, officials in Uruguay hope to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking and narcotic-related violence.

The first steps towards a state-controlled marijuana market are already in effect:

• Following the approval of the new bill, a special board will be set up in order to regulate the quality, quantity and pricing structure of the newly legalised herb.
• Cannabis seeds breeders, growers and traders will have to apply for special licences in order to legally cultivate and sell marijuana.
• Uruguayans over the age of 18 will be allowed to purchase a controlled-quantity of cannabis (up to 40g per month) frm licenced outlets, once they register their details on a national database.

This innovative approach is already inspiring lawmakers across Latin America, who are looking for bold new ways to re-think their policies, with the aim of lowering drug-related crime and violence.

$1 per gram for legalised cannabis – is this the price of freedom?

Uruguay’s motto: ‘Freedom or Death’ might give you some clues as to this nation’s mind-set when it comes to protecting its citizens’ liberty: But, given the bargain-basement prices being suggested for legal weed, has this country gone too far with its drugs laws?

• By keeping the prices of state-controlled legal cannabis fixed at extremely reasonable rates, the Uruguayan government plans to cut illegal drug traffickers out of the picture together, meaning that higher-quality, afer produce can be readily purchased by its citizens.
• Licensed cannabis purchasers are limited to a monthly cap, with registered citizens being allowed to grow uup to six plants in their homes annually: It is hoped that this will encourage responsible use.
• It has been argued that controlled, safe use of legalised cannabis is less of a threat to public safety than the spectre of drug cartels and the low-grade produce and violence which these criminals deal in equal measures.

Whichever way you slice it, there is no doubt that Uruguay will be under the spotlight in coming months: Whether it will prove to be a cautionary tale or a runaway success is anyone’s guess, but for now, many are hopeful that by changing a few laws, a safer, more tolerant world could be forged for everyone: In this respect, it seems, Uruguay could be setting an example for other countries to follow.

Disclaimer

The views and information contained in this post are presented for entertainment and educational purposes only: We do not endorse any illegal activities and urge you to obey the laws of the country which you are resident in.