Cannabis

That's Dope: What is the Netherlands' trial project which will legalise all cannabis?

On 15 December, cannabis will for the first time be grown, sold, and consumed legally in the Netherlands as part of a four-year trial across the country. Here's a potted history of the eagerly awaited experiment

Light it Up: A simple guide to countries where cannabis is legal

Germany joins the growing list of nations where cannabis is legal. Even though several countries have already changed their laws, allowing people to light up, the drug is still largely illegal for recreational use globally

Singapore executes second man in 3 weeks over cannabis: Countries with the harshest drug penalties

Singapore has executed a second man in three weeks for cannabis trafficking, inviting the ire of human rights activists across the world. However, the city-state isn’t the only one with harsh laws on drug-related crimes. Countries like China, Malaysia and even Iran have zero tolerance for drugs

High Stakes: Why weed has taken centre stage in Thailand’s general election

The country, which decriminalised cannabis last year, has been left without a law to regulate its use after Parliament concluded its final session ahead of the 14 May general elections. Bhumjaithai party which pushed legalisation, is feeling the heat from the Opposition and its own coalition

‘Cannabis Candy’ notches up popularity in Kerala, dangles bait of keeping students ‘always happy’

The cover of the product says that it has nearly 14 per cent cannabis. The taste is slightly sour and sweet. The peddlers promote it by claiming that after consuming this, a student can study for a long duration and never get tired, and always ‘be happy’

What is better than chocolates and beer? Weed, says America

US cannabis sales surpassed those of chocolate and beer, indicating more people are favouring marijuana these days than other delights. A recent report predicted weed sales may increase by Rs 295 million by 2024 and the industry is expected to be worth more than Rs 13.93 lakh crore annually by 2028

Singapore court dismisses 11-hour appeal by Indian-origin cannabis trafficker on death row

Tangaraju was convicted in October 2018 by a High Court judge of a capital charge of abetting an accomplice by conspiring to traffic cannabis. This was by delivering about 1kg of cannabis to himself, an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act

Up in Smoke: Germany was all set to legalise weed. Then it didn't. What happened?

The German government scaled down plans to legalise weed. It wanted to allow sales of cannabis in licensed shops across the country but the European Union said no. However, German adults will now be able to grow and consume the drug privately or through non-profit groups

Taking the Sexy Out of Amsterdam: Why sex workers in the city are seeing red

Changes are sweeping Amsterdam’s famous red-light district and sex workers fear it will affect their income. From 1 April, sex work businesses shut by 3 am instead of 6 am. Authorities are asking young Brits to stay away and there are plans to shift the centuries-old brothels to the city outskirts

Australian man could face 5 years jail for wielding AK-47 rifle styled bong

He was detained and brought to Castle Hill Police Station, where he was accused of intimidating people and possessing an unauthorised firearms. Charges that could result in a five-year prison sentence