JAZZ - Police Boss Turned Cannabis Reform Advocate MMJ Legalization In Japan And More Global Updates | Benzinga
Medical Cannabis-Based Epidiolex Advances Through Japan's Legislature
Earlier this week, Japanese policymakers gave the green light to a measure to legalize medical products derived from cannabis, simultaneously emphasizing the country's existing restrictions on the use of other marijuana products.
According to Japan Times, the bill passed Tuesday in the Lower House and was sent to the Upper House the same day.
The legislation, which would revise related laws by the end of 2024, seeks to lay the groundwork for permitting the medical application of medicines like Epidiolex, which contains a naturally occurring cannabis compound, a key constituent derived from the cannabis plant. The cannabidiol oral solution is approved for patients one year and older to treat severe forms of epilepsy in the U.S. and Europe.
The CBD medicine became a part part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC’s (NASDAQ: JAZZ) portfolio, following the acquisition of the cannabinoid drug company GW Pharmaceuticals plc. In 2021.
Additionally, New York-based CBD wellness company The CURE BRAND jumped on the opportunity Tuesday announcing a joint partnership with Hirokazu Yamura, CEO of AJP Co Ltd, to introduce its portfolio of carefully sourced CBD products into retail and e-commerce marketplaces across Japan.
However, possession, trade and cultivation of cannabis would be punishable by up to seven years in prison. The bill designates cannabis as a banned substance under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.
South Africa’s National Assembly Passes Cannabis Bill
Meanwhile, the National Assembly one of the two Houses of South African Parliament passed a measure on Tuesday that seeks to respect the right to privacy of an ...