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Happy Tuesday! Patricio Liddle writing today, covering some of the election aftermath and its impact on cannabis, from Colorado Springs' conflicting cannabis measures to Puerto Rico’s bright prospects under a pro-cannabis governor-elect. We also dive into the growing demand for psychedelics as election stress spikes in the U.S., while in Germany, political shifts cast a cloud over cannabis reform. Plus, don’t miss our deep dive into Latin America’s cannabis innovations from the latest El Planteo Live episodes. Let’s get started!

Election Aftermath: Some Wins And Woes For Cannabis

The recent elections have left us with some cannabis industry head-scratchers and a few rays of hope. 

In Colorado Springs, voters pulled off a paradox by both legalizing and banning recreational cannabis in the same go. They approved a measure allowing medical dispensaries to sell recreational weed while also passing a city charter amendment that bans those very sales. Mayor Yemi Mobolade called it a "legal dilemma," and now city officials are untangling which rule takes the cake.

Meanwhile, over in South Dakota, the first medical marijuana shop, Unity Rd., is closing its doors. Citing the state's "inability to establish an effective medical cannabis program," the shop's closure comes on the heels of voters rejecting legal cannabis for the third time. With rising costs and regulatory hurdles, it's a tough gig for cannabis businesses in the Mount Rushmore State.

On a brighter note, Puerto Rico might be gearing up for a cannabis boost. GOP Gov-Elect Jenniffer González Colón, a known advocate for hemp and medical cannabis, could be the game-changer the island's industry needs. Industry leaders like Jaime Rengifo of Prich Biotech are optimistic that her administration will spur growth. With a $250 million medical cannabis market and over 200 dispensaries, Puerto Rico is poised to shine even brighter in the cannabis space. González's track record of securing federal support hints at promising times ahead for the island's green sector.

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Demand For Psychedelics: Another Election Fallout

Among other aftermath of the US election, demand for psychedelic-assisted therapy is on the rise as people seek relief from election-induced stress. Therapists report a surge in appointments, especially for treatments like ketamine-assisted therapy, as patients look to manage anxiety in the current political climate. 

This happens as the psychedelic mushroom market is projected to grow to $3.3 billion by 2031, driven by increased research, evolving regulations, and a shift toward psilocybin as a mental health treatment. As public acceptance grows, experts predict that psilocybin could play a significant role in future therapeutic landscapes.

Germany's Political Shift Clouds Cannabis Future, But Bavaria's Drapalin Shines

Germany's political landscape is in flux after the collapse of its coalition government, raising concerns about the future of cannabis reform. With snap elections on the horizon, conservative parties like the CDU and far-right AfD—both opposing recreational cannabis—are gaining momentum. While industry leaders like Bloomwell's CEO Niklas Kouparanis remain cautiously optimistic that progress won't be rolled back, there's uncertainty about the pace of reform.

Amid this backdrop, Munich-based Drapalin Pharmaceuticals GmbH stands out as Bavaria's sole licensed cannabis distributor—a region with a population of 13 million people. Co-founded by Ivan Garev, Drapalin has seen a 20-fold surge in sales over the past year. Despite Bavaria's stringent regulations, their persistence paid off. "If you can do it in Munich, you can do it anywhere," says Garev. As the political winds shift, Drapalin's success story offers a beacon of hope for Germany's cannabis industry.

A Deep Dive Into Latin American Cannabis

El Planteo Live is a bi-weekly live stream that I host, delivering in-depth conversations with cannabis industry leaders, innovators, and experts from South America and the Caribbean. Here are some highlights from recent episodes, beautifully covered by Javier Hasse:

• Cannabis Crossed With Strawberry Plants And Drone Monitoring: The Science Of Innovative Grafting

• 7 Cannabis Myths Debunked By Experts To Empower Users And Growers

• 5+ Tips To Create A Successful Cannabis Brand For Global Markets

Stories In The Spotlight:

• CBD Of Denver Reports Revenue Growth, Delays Germany Spin-Off

• Polish Parliamentary Committee Sends Cannabis Decriminalization Petition To Prime Minister

• UK Relaxes Hemp Rules, Skips Raising THC Limits Or Cutting Licensing Fees

• Prices Up 50%, Wages 'Barely Moved,' Says PharmaCann Worker And New Teamster Member

Our Writer Today

Patricio is a development economist with extensive experience in IT, finance, and banking. He writes about the economic and social opportunities obscured by over half a century of failed drug prohibition. Beyond his professional expertise, Pato is a committed advocate for social change, passionately working to promote harm reduction and reform drug policies.

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