Three Bits of Good News (and Three Bad ones) Received by Cannabis Users this Week

UPPER NEWS

1 - Uruguay's Cannabis Control and Regulation Institute (IRCCA) has shown initiative by drafting a guide to teach cannabis clubs how to grow marijuana. The document specifies aspects ranging from the sowing of seeds to the infrastructure needed to control the growth process, along with the conditions at the site where the marijuana is to be grown, and the plants' maintenance and reproduction. 

2 - Beginning in 2015, Catalán oncologists and anaesthesiologists will be able to prescribe a new marijuana-based medication as a therapeutic resource to fight cancer. Sativex has been developed based on a mild extract of sativa cannabis, and may be consumed by those suffering nausea and vomiting after undergoing chemotherapy sessions.

3 - Legalizing medicinal marijuana slashes tranquilizer overdoses by 25%. This was a conclusion of an investigation backed by the academic journal Archives of Internal Medicine, which indicates that overdoses have dropped in 13 North American states thanks to the proliferation of the therapeutic use of cannabis.

DOWNER NEWS

1 - Catalonia's interior minister, Ramon Espadaler, states that the Mossos will continue to pursue the possession of cannabis among those guilty of exceedingthe amounts permitted for personal use. According to a statement before Parliament, despite the regulation of clubs in the region, the Department of Interior maintains his opinion with respect “to drug traffic, including cannabis.”

2- Authorities in Amsterdam, prevented, or least delayed by one day, the holding of Cannabis Cup. The fair went on to be held without incident after accepting new rules set down at the last minute. Among them: nobody could distribute cannabis during the event, attendees would have to keep it on them, and in no case could they carry more than 5 grams. 

3 - An American school has rejected a donation of 14,000 USD from a legal marijuana grower, who is now looking for another recipient, surprised that anyone would reject economic aid.