President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, recognizing its medical uses and easing research barriers. This significant shift in U.S. drug policy does not federally legalize recreational use but aims to reduce tax burdens for cannabis businesses and facilitate medical research.
The Czech government has approved regulations for psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe depression, set to begin on January 1, 2026. This makes the Czech Republic one of the first European nations to allow medical use of psilocybin under strict supervision for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has approved a phased reduction of the online gambling tax, lowering it from 6% to 4% by 2028. This strategic move aims to modernize the country's gaming framework, enhance transparency, and attract international online gambling operators, positioning Estonia as a competitive hub in the European iGaming market.
A 34-year-old Malaysian man, Hew Jun Hui, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison and fined €35,000 for importing nearly 24kg of cannabis, valued at €263,065, through Malta International Airport. The sentence followed a plea bargain agreement.
India's Lok Sabha has passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to impose higher excise duties on tobacco and related products. This move aims to maintain tax incidence and revenue stability after the GST compensation cess ends, while also discouraging tobacco consumption for public health.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has recently requested the extradition of approximately 15 alleged drug traffickers from the United Arab Emirates. This move, part of intensified judicial cooperation, also secured the seizure of around 40 properties in Dubai linked to drug trafficking, underscoring France's commitment to dismantling international criminal networks.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term, extending his leadership until 2031. The reappointment, announced on November 14, 2025, follows a successful first tenure marked by significant drug busts and campaigns against drug abuse.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has enacted a decree lifting a three-decade ban on civilians purchasing and possessing semi-automatic rifles. The measure, fulfilling a key campaign pledge, allows 'legitimate users' to acquire these weapons under a new regulatory system overseen by the National Agency of Controlled Materials (ANMAC), effective June 19, 2025.
The Latvian State Border Guard successfully seized 50 kilograms of hashish in Balvi municipality near the Russian border in September, detaining four individuals. This operation marks one of the largest narcotic seizures at the 'green border' in recent years, highlighting Latvia's role in international drug trafficking routes.
The Nagoya High Court has upheld the acquittal of a 47-year-old man in a cannabis possession case, ruling that the evidence was seized through illegal procedures. This decision highlights the importance of procedural legality in Japan's strict drug enforcement landscape, particularly following recent amendments to cannabis laws.
Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has increased the maximum quantity of cannabis imports for medical and scientific purposes by 70 tonnes, bringing the total to approximately 192.5 tonnes. This adjustment comes after the previous 2025 import quota was exhausted, reflecting a rapidly growing demand in the German medical cannabis market.
Mexican deputies have approved a significant reform to the Law of Amparo, a crucial legal mechanism. The reform, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to streamline justice and prevent abuse of the system. A controversial retroactivity clause, previously passed by the Senate, was removed by the Chamber of Deputies following widespread criticism.
Finland's government is set to finalize its crucial hydrogen legislative proposal by the close of 2025, paving the way for a regulated hydrogen market. This move is integral to the nation's ambition to become a European leader in the hydrogen economy, aiming to produce at least 10% of the EU's emissions-free hydrogen by 2030.
Germany's Federal Cabinet has approved proposals to restrict medical cannabis prescriptions, banning initial online consultations and mail-order delivery. The move, driven by Health Minister Nina Warken, aims to curb a 'worrying trend' of surging imports and alleged misuse, following a significant increase in consumption since recreational cannabis legalization in 2024.
Canada's government has introduced Bill C-12, the 'Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act,' on October 8, 2025. This legislation aims to enhance border security, combat organized crime, and modernize immigration controls by granting new powers to agencies and streamlining processes, following the division of an earlier, more contentious bill.
The Portuguese Parliament has agreed to revisit discussions on stricter controls for gambling advertising and promotions, forwarding five initiatives from the left-wing ecologist party Livre to committee stage. Proposals include limiting online ads, banning sponsorships, and mandatory addiction warnings, reflecting concerns over public health and consumer protection.
Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed over 24,146 kg of skunk across Uromi and Ogu forests in Edo State, arresting several suspects. These operations are part of a broader nationwide effort that also saw the arrest of drug kingpins in Lagos and interception of illicit drugs destined for terrorists.
Amsterdam is considering a pilot program to legally distribute crack cocaine to users in a controlled setting. The initiative, backed by over 100,000 euros for a study, aims to reduce harm, public nuisance, and crime, while increasing user engagement with support services. This approach mirrors past successful heroin distribution programs in the Netherlands.
The Mainichi Shimbun clarifies the legal status of cannabis-derived components CBD and THC in Japan, highlighting that while CBD products are generally legal, those containing THC above the regulatory limit are illegal. Stricter regulations and potential criminal charges apply to THC-containing products, with the government providing resources to help consumers identify compliant products.
Suntory Holdings chairman Takeshi Niinami resigned after a drug investigation, maintaining his innocence but prioritizing the company's well-being. Despite the controversy, he plans to remain chairman of Keizai Doyukai, though his future in that role is uncertain due to the ongoing investigation involving a supplement containing a potentially illegal substance.
