Cultivation

hi   Morocco set to legalise cannabis 26 Feb 2021       Bongme    

hi     Presence of fentanyl in cannabis caused a death on P.E.I., CPHO reports       An accidental overdose death on P.E.I. was the result of a cannabis product mixed with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and a synthetic drug called W-18. The province's chief public health office (CPHO) stated that an investigation into the death is ongoing. The provincial coroner reported the death - a female in their 20s - to the CPHO on late Friday, Feb. 26. In a media release, Dr. Heather Morrison said anyone consuming street drugs should take steps to reduce risks, carry naloxone kits and inform others using drugs that naloxone is available. This includes any drug in pill or powdered form and is not limited to opioids, she said. As well, anyone consuming cannabis should ensure it comes from a safe source. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and has caused accidental overdoses and death in individuals who consume street drugs. W-18 is an illegal drug similar to carfentanil that is reported to be as much as 10,000 times more powerful than morphine.   There were 17 accidental opioid-related overdoses on P.E.I. in 2020 - nine of which involved fentanyl. To date, there have been six opioid-related deaths identified in 2020, three of which involved fentanyl. If an individual feels that they need a naloxone kit, they can contact the provincial Needle Exchange Program toll-free by calling 1-877-637-0333 or visit a program site. Free kits are also available to clients of mental health and addiction programs and select community groups. More information is available online. Anyone with any information in relation to this matter, or other drug related information, is asked to contact your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).     https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/local/cannabis-mixed-with-fentanyl-other-drugs-caused-a-death-on-pei-cpho-reports-557539/   Bongme  

hi   Police discover cannabis plants after two men were spotted trying to break into a house Police are investigating following the incident in Cheadle on Thursday afternoon   Police discovered cannabis plants after being alerted to an attempted break-in in Stockport. Police were called to reports that two men were trying to break into a property on St David's Road in Cheadle shortly after 1pm yesterday (Thursday). Officers attended and two men - aged 26 and 28 - were arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation.   They have been released on bail while further enquiries are ongoing. Police remained at the scene after a number of cannabis plants were recovered from the property.   Police say the scene has now been closed and officers are no longer at the address.   Enquiries are ongoing.     https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-discover-cannabis-plants-after-19927899   Bongme          

hi   Drug reforms must consider the wider issues Letters   Guardian   Decriminalisation is a welcome change of approach, but it must be accompanied by a strategy to tackle the broader challenges faced by addicts, writes Prof Harry Sumnall, while resident judge Roger Elsey says the victims of drug users must also be protected r Kojo Koram’s powerful opinion piece (Enlightened drug reforms are sweeping the US. Why is Britain so far behind?, 25 February) highlights how decriminalisation of drug possession in the US may be a mechanism to address disparities in the UK criminal justice system, and help to change public attitudes towards people who use drugs. However, despite progressive law reforms in the US, drug-related deaths are at historic highs, the drugs market is still awash with potent synthetic opioids, and while public opinion backs decriminalisation or legal regulation of cannabis, the same cannot be said for support for life-saving treatments such as opioid agonist therapies and harm reduction interventions, where access is impeded in many states.   In contrast, in the much discussed example of Portugal, decriminalisation of drug possession was accompanied by substantial investments in treatment and support services, after years of underinvestment. In the UK, where few are imprisoned for simple possession offences, people who experience harm from their substance use have seen cuts to treatment services, have high levels of unmet physical and mental health needs, and report high levels of loneliness and disconnection from community support. Many live with histories of childhood trauma. While decriminalisation is a welcome change of approach to drug policing, without a simultaneous commitment to the broader challenges faced by drug users, we are unlikely to have much impact on the overall burden of harm caused by drugs and drug policy.
Prof Harry Sumnall
Professor of substance use, Liverpool John Moores University • Your editorial (22 February) suggests that possession of drugs has two consequences – damage to the health of users, and the criminalisation of marginalised groups. I have extensive experience of sentencing offenders in both youth courts and domestic violence courts. In both, the offenders are similar in that their pre-sentence reports and antecedent histories show that many – I believe most – are drug users. The interests of the victims of their offending also need to be considered as part of the consequences of drug-taking. Before the decriminalisation bandwagon becomes unstoppable, research is needed into how these vulnerable victims can be protected. It is the use of drugs, not the law, which is causing them harm.
Roger Elsey
Resident judge and HM coroner, HM courts of Episkopi and Dhekelia, Cyprus   https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/26/drug-reforms-must-consider-the-wider-issues   Bongme