Use of cannabis (also known as marijuana) for medical or recreational use is illegal in most countries as a result of agreements reached in the International Opium Convention (1925). However, many countries have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and many countries have conflicting laws about cannabis possession. For instance, although federal U.S laws declare the use of marijuana is illegal, about one-half of the U.S. states have enacted laws to legalize medical marijuana and four states have legalized marijuana for recreational use (see State Marijuana Laws Map). In Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland sale of marijuana is illegal but the growing of cannabis plants for personal use is legal in some areas and in some quantities. In India, some religious uses of cannabis are legal in some states, and cannabis is sometimes sold in government-authorized shops, although it is otherwise illegal.
The state of Victoria is the first Australian state to legalize medical cannabis. The Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015 recently passed both Houses of Victorian Parliament, providing for the lawful manufacture and supply of medicinal cannabis products within Victoria. The bill further provides funding of $28.5 million to support the establishment of the Office of Medicinal Cannabis and an Advisory Committee to assure seriously ill children can access medicinal marijuana treatment. If you are investigating becoming a producer of cannabis or if you believe you would benefit from medicinal marijuana treatment, consult an Ally Law member firm to determine the current status of the law relating to cannabis production and possession in your jurisdiction. Ally Law member firms stay current on the regulation of medical and recreational drugs and can guide you through compliance in your jurisdiction. For more information about our services in this area, contact us at yourally@ally-law.com.
By Russell Kennedy.
