Northwest Territories Drop Prices to Fight Black Market
“With close to two years of legal sales, NTLCC has a better understanding of the operating costs associated with the distribution and sale of cannabis and is confident that it can reduce the price of these products while continuing to maintain a safe and secure retail regime.” These words from Canada’s Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (NTLCC) came with a 10% across the board price cut in mid July.
The government agency is the single authorized distributor of alcohol and marijuana in the region, operating five liquor stores and an online shop that service the population of approximately 45,000 people. The agency stated, “We will continue to assess the operations of the Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission to find more ways to curb the illegal sale of cannabis in the Northwest Territories in a socially responsible manner.”
Price wars seem to be breaking out all over Canada, many licensed producers have even created discount brands in order to meet consumers cost expectations. The flower market is no exception. CEO for Alberta-based retailer High Tide lent his opinion, “I would say that the value segment is the most hotly contested product segment in cannabis today, with most major licensed producers racing towards 3.5 gram options in the range of CA$19 to, let’s say, CA$25 dollars.”, a price of approximately US$14 to US$19.
Czech Republic Sees CBD in Vending Machines
Vending machines, under the name ‘CBD Mat’, have popped up in the Czech Republic dispensing cannabis flower, oil, and tinctures high in CBD. The low THC products available are meant for health and wellness, rather than getting high, according to CEO Rene Siry, “It’s written on each product that cannabis is not intended for smoking, but only for vaporization or the production of ointments and similar.”
CBD Mat vending machines can be used by both citizens and tourists, with plans to bring the total number to fifty. Due to a less than 0.3% THC content sales from the machines are considered legal.
Malaysian Court Stands By Harsh Weed Punishment
Muhammad Lukman, a Malaysian Medical Marijuana distributor, has been sentenced to death for drug trafficking. Defense attorneys for Lukman argued that the marijuana he sold was for medicinal purposes, citing the testimony of one of his patients who suffered from beta thalassemia intermedia and minor bipolar, who swore to the effectiveness of the medicine.
The courts were not convinced though, stating that “there is no supportive evidence from any medical bodies or the health ministry to confirm his contention that the drug possesses medicinal properties and is, therefore, beneficial to the public.” A previous appeal had been heard last November, where one of three trafficking charges were dismissed. He has been officially sentenced to seven years in prison from the date of his arrest, ten strokes of rotan (a physical punishment involving being struck with a rod), and then death.
Lukman’s defense team has filed another appeal, no court dates have been set.
