The question of who is the largest producer of legal cannabis is one that can be quite complex. After all, there are many different countries that produce cannabis in varying quantities. So, it’s important to consider a variety of factors before determining who should be the biggest. This is because the size of a country’s population and the economic strength of the country can greatly influence the size of its legal cannabis industry.
Afghanistan
The cultivation of cannabis in Afghanistan has a storied history. Amanullah Khan, who reigned from 1919-1928, recognized the value of cannabis-based products and encouraged their production and trade. He also reduced export taxes on opium and exempted traders from hefty fines and prison sentences.
As a result, Afghanistan’s burgeoning hashish trade became a key component of international drug trafficking networks. Thousands of travelers hopped on the “Hippie Trail”, which travelled through Iran and India, and the Afghan cannabis industry took off.
Although the use of marijuana in Afghanistan is prohibited, the Taliban is known for its intolerance of drug users. In fact, there is a rumor that the Taliban has even benefited from collecting taxes from drug traders.
Despite the government’s indifference to cannabis, the country produces only a fraction of the world’s opium. But, this is not to say that cannabis does not play a vital role in the country’s economy.
Cannabis production is estimated to account for as much as 10 to 20 percent of the country’s opium production. But, because of the insurgents and the ensuing taxation on the industry, the actual revenue generated is modest.
Several international efforts are underway to shut down the illicit cannabis trade. This includes a recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Meanwhile, local authorities are loosening their grip on opium production.
Paraguay
Paraguay is the largest producer of legal cannabis in South America. In 2006, it grew 5,900 metric tons of cannabis. The country has a history of drug trafficking, and its cannabis industry is controlled by drug gangs and corrupt politicians. However, recent changes in laws and regulations are opening up opportunities for marijuana businesses.
The country’s anti-drug agency, SENAD, has a $10 million annual budget. SENAD focuses on crop eradication and other issues related to drug trafficking. SENAD also employs 300 people.
SENAD is part of a larger network of Paraguayan agencies involved in the illicit drug trade. Despite its reputation as a safe country by Latin American standards, Paraguay has a history of violence against civilians, forced disappearances, and murders.
The country has been in a “war on drugs” for 40 years. Drug traffickers have infiltrated the local political system and use financial institutions to move money through the country.
With this in mind, the government has started a new chain of services relating to the illegal trade. Applicants can apply for a license to grow cannabis. They must submit a proposal for cultivation, security, and transportation. A separate plan for exports is required.
Paraguay is currently offering 5 licenses to cultivate cannabis. These licenses can be used for the production of medical cannabis and seed. Selected companies can also distribute these products domestically.
India
India has a young middle class, a growing population of 1.3 billion, and a large cannabis market to cater to. It’s an attractive market for small farmers, who can take advantage of a rich crop that requires a small amount of water, and provides high returns.
Cannabis is a sacred plant to Hindus, and it’s a part of Indian festive traditions, such as Holi. Many folk songs refer to the plant as a nectar of the gods. In ancient Indian Ayurvedic practices, the plant is an active ingredient in medicines.
The United States allows cannabis to be consumed with low levels of THC, and it’s legal for medical use in a number of states. However, the fruits and flowers of the plant are still illegal.
Although it’s now legal for recreational use in a few states, the federal government hasn’t taken a stand. Various activists have filed court petitions, urging the government to allow the sale of cannabis.
There are a number of factors that go into developing a viable legal cannabis industry in a country of India’s size. First, there must be a uniform policy across jurisdictions. This would help all stakeholders along the supply chain. Second, there must be a standard way to measure the efficacy of a particular treatment.
There are a number of organizations in India working to legalize cannabis for medical and industrial uses. They include the Great Legalization Movement, an activist organization.
Lebanon
As Lebanon continues to grapple with its debt crisis, the country is looking at ways to boost its economy. One idea is to legalize the cultivation and sale of cannabis.
In July, House Speaker Nabih Berri announced that the country’s parliament would vote on a bill to make the practice legal. The law, if passed, would only affect cannabis that contains less than one percent THC.
Lawmakers said it would reduce pressure on the prison system and create a new cannabis market in Lebanon. It also included a measure to strengthen penalties for drug crimes.
It would award licences to private companies and Lebanese citizens. These companies could grow cannabis in the Bekaa region.
The Department of Narcotics at the Ministry of Health would supervise the trade. Farmers’ fields would be inspected each year.
According to Raed Khoury, the acting finance minister, the industry could bring $1 billion in revenues a year. He said it could be a quick fix to the country’s struggling economy.
However, an economist at the Notre-Dame University warns against profits being funneled to the ruling elite.
During the 1975-1990 civil war, the Bekaa Valley became notorious for drug trade. Now the region is under the control of Iran-backed Shia paramilitary group Hezbollah.
Despite the government’s efforts to improve border security, farmers have continued to face violence. They sometimes clash with authorities, who have tried to destroy the crops.
UK
Britain produced 95 tonnes of legal cannabis in 2016, making it the largest producer in the world. The United Nations’ International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) reported on this in its recent report.
As a result, a number of EU countries are looking to cash in on the cannabis industry. Some startups are already emerging in the market. A few examples include Blossom Genetics, Grass & Co, and Cannamedical Pharma.
However, while the UK is the largest producer of medical marijuana in the world, it still doesn’t allow patients to get access to it through the NHS. Patients have to get prescriptions from a private doctor, which can be costly.
While the government is changing the law, access to cannabis is still out of reach for many patients. That’s why some campaigners have been calling for the UK to establish a more clear framework on medicinal cannabis.
According to the Department of Health, 1.4 million people in the UK use street cannabis to treat chronic health conditions. These people often buy cannabis from the black market.
While the UK has made a tentative step toward legalising cannabis, it’s still far from a complete solution. It’s important to establish a clearer framework that allows patients to have easy access to medical marijuana.
Earlier this year, the UK government announced that it will change its laws regarding the medical cannabis market. Instead of letting people use the drug on their own, the UK will provide its citizens with a prescription.
US
Cannabis has been used as a natural therapy for thousands of years. In the modern world, it is also a legal and accepted alternative to treat a wide range of medical conditions. The industry is expected to grow steadily with each passing year. A number of states have passed legislation to allow its use.
Medical and recreational cannabis sales are forecast to rise to nearly $33 billion in 2022. By 2025, the combined market is projected to reach $52.6 billion.
While a number of states are working on new cannabis legislation, the federal government has yet to make a move on the issue. Instead, the Department of Justice has decided to focus on serious charges.
A new report by New Frontier Data outlined the growth potential for the legal cannabis industry. The report estimated a compound annual growth rate of 11%. As a result, the industry is predicted to be worth approximately $57 billion by 2030.
One of the largest cannabis markets in the country, California, has the potential to generate nearly $5 billion in 2021. This is double the size of New York’s market. However, that market is still growing at a slower pace than other states.
Adult-use sales in California are expected to surge in the next few years. Sales in that market are expected to rise by 43% from 2020 to 2022. Meanwhile, medical cannabis sales are projected to grow by more than 20%.
