Marijuana Business Magazine April 2019

Marijuana Business Magazine | April 2019 22 United Nations Board: Certain MMJ Programs Violate Drug Control Treaties Only a month after the World Health Organization recommended a less-stringent scheduling of cannabis, the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) declared that recreational marijuana programs and several medical programs are “contrary to the international drug control treaties.” The INCB’s 2018 annual report could be a step back for those expecting meaningful reform at an international level this year. The Vienna-based agency serves as “the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions.” One of the INCB’s functions is to make recommendations about how to comply with the treaties and evaluate the implementation of those proposals. Barr Appointed U.S. Attorney General The U.S. Senate voted 54-45 in February to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, William Barr, installing a Justice Department veteran as the nation’s top law enforcement official. Industry Developments | International & State Countries included have passed legislation at the federal level and must fulfill at least one of the following criteria: • Cultivation or manufacture of medical cannabis allowed. • Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis. • Import and/or export of medical cannabis allowed. High: Countries at the forefront of the global industry. Frameworks are established, and adoption is well underway. Medium: Implementation has begun but is still limited or restricted; lots of room for the market to develop. Low: Legislation has been passed, but implementation is very limited or nonexistent. Decriminalization is not included. MAP LEGEND High level of medical development/implementation Medium level of medical development/implementation Low level of medical development/implementation Other - federally illegal but unique circumstances Recreational International & National News