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.
Recently, federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, have collaborated with local police in Washington to crack down on minor crimes like marijuana possession as part of President Trump's crime emergency initiative.
American rapper GloRilla, also known as Gloria Hallelujah Woods, was arrested on felony drug charges after police responded to a burglary report at her Atlanta home. While she was performing at the WNBA all-star game in Indianapolis, authorities discovered marijuana during their investigation at her property and charged her with possession.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested three key members of an interstate drugs syndicate and seized 411 kg of high-quality ganja, estimated to be worth Rs 1.90 crore. Additionally, a separate operation led to the discovery and seizure of counterfeit spare parts and engine oil, as well as illegal Chinese manja.
A recent operation by ICE and CBP in California uncovered 14 migrant children, 10 of whom were unaccompanied, among over 360 illegal aliens at two marijuana grow sites. The situation has raised serious concerns about potential child exploitation and trafficking, while additional criminal activities related to those apprehended are also under investigation.
A British teenager, Bella Culley, claims she was tortured into smuggling drugs into Georgia and is now facing serious charges after being arrested at the airport with a large quantity of narcotics. Despite her pleas of innocence and her lawyer's efforts, she was denied bail and remains in custody awaiting her next court hearing.
The Vancouver city council has amended health bylaws to permit indoor supervised drug inhalation at two locations, aiming to enhance harm-reduction strategies for individuals using illicit substances. The initiative comes as a response to shifting drug use patterns, with a notable increase in smoking and inhalation-related deaths, as opposed to injection drug use.
Sharon Wilson, a 55-year-old former middle school teacher in Colorado, was found guilty of misdemeanor child abuse for supplying marijuana-laced brownies to two students as a reward. The incident, which occurred at Kepner Beacon Middle School, raised significant concerns about student safety and accountability in educational environments.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith claims the province is working to import additional medication from Turkey to fulfill a $70-million deal, but Health Canada says it has yet to receive any applications from the province or associated companies. The deal is under scrutiny after allegations of government interference in health contracts to benefit private businesses.
Unions representing workers at two major Newfoundland breweries are concerned that easier beer sales between provinces could put hundreds of local jobs at risk, as they fear large companies would shut down local facilities and ship products from larger mainland breweries.
