Laura M JohnstonMar 2, 20202 minIt is Time to Remove Cannabis from Schedule One Given the developments in the global cannabis industry over the last two decades, it amazes me that cannabis is still classified by the United Nations (UN) as a Schedule 1 Narcotic. Schedule 1 lists dangerous drugs deemed to pose the most serious risk to public health, including synthetic hallucinogens such as LSD and natural ones like DMT. The most controversial drug in this category has always been cannabis. UN conventions articulate international law and protocol. A Schedu
Laura M JohnstonJan 31, 20204 minLegalization: Canada's First Year PerformanceRecent experience in Canada's cannabis industry has been a mixed blessing. While some research firms like Deloitte and Arcview forecast a glorious Cannabis 2.0 era of unprecedented growth over the next five years, others in the media liken the industry's past performance to be a flame-out almost on a par with the dot-com bust. For me, the jury is out. As the first G-7 country to legalize a national cannabis industry, Canada has been in the unique position to be the global lea
Laura M JohnstonDec 31, 20197 minCannabis in Canada - A Patchwork of Legislation Most Canadians find cannabis legislation in the provinces and territories confusing, contradictory, and downright baffling. Quebec, long a proponent of a legal drinking age at 18 years, recently raised its legal age for cannabis consumption to 21 years. Alberta has successfully managed to open over 300 retail stores to serve 4.37 million residents, whereas Ontario began with imposing a cap of 25 retail stores to serve 14.57 million residents. Most jurisdictions deem personal