Marijuana Business Magazine September 2019

September 2019 | mjbizdaily.com 73 Seven Nations WHERE CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON LESOTHO As Marijuana Business Daily reported, the country is working on new regulations for the broad medical cannabis sector to be implemented this year. If approved in the draft’s current form, some of the amendments would effectively erect barriers for prospective industry entrants. THAILAND Regulators adopted new rules governing the production, distribution and export of medical cannabis, laying the groundwork for businesses looking to expand in the new industry. The rules will go a long way in determining if the Thai market explodes or fizzles. NEW ZEALAND The government solicited feedback on its proposed—and very detailed—medical marijuana regulations until Aug. 9. The country aims to finalize the regulations by Dec. 18 and open business opportunities in the first quarter of 2020. SWITZERLAND The country is looking to give physicians the ability to prescribe cannabis-based medicines, which would significantly boost access and, if approved, create one of Europe’s newest regulated markets. A proposed legal amendment would put the cultivation, processing, manufacture and sale of medical marijuana under the regulatory wing of Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, or Swissmedic. A public consultation period on the draft amendment will be open until Oct. 17. Canada Jamaica Colombia  Switzerland Lesotho Thailand New Zealand