Democratic Governor of Maryland Wes Moore pardons over 175,000 marijuana convictions on Monday (June 17) in arguably the most comprehensive reversal of drug policy in the United States.

Democratic Governor of Maryland Wes Moore pardons over 175,000 marijuana convictions on Monday (June 17) in arguably the most comprehensive reversal of drug policy in the United States. Moore's proposal apply to around 100,000 individuals found guilty of misdemeanor marijuana possession offenses. Across the nation, marijuana is becoming more and more legal to use for both medical and recreational purposes. "I’m ecstatic that we have a real opportunity with what I’m signing to write a lot of historical wrongs," Moore stated. "If you want to be able to create inclusive economic growth, it means you have to start removing these barriers that continue to disproportionately sit on communities of colour." The wave of pardons, according to Moore's administration, is scheduled to fall on Wednesday's Juneteenth holiday. Although its neighbours, Virginia and Washington, DC, still retain certain limitations, Maryland has completely legalised the cannabis trade inside its boundaries since 2023. Neither of Washington, DC and Virginia jurisdictions have granted pardons for marijuana-related offenses. Also read: Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report Democratic attorney general of Maryland Anthony Brown applauded Moore's pardon. "While the pardons will extend to anyone and everyone with a misdemeanor conviction for the possession of marijuana or paraphernalia, this unequivocally, without any doubt or reservation, disproportionately impacts — in a good way — Black and Brown Marylanders," Brown said. "We are arrested and convicted at higher rates for possession and use of marijuana when the rate at which we used it was no different than any other category of people," he continued. According to the Washington Post, Maryland officials stated that the pardons, which would also apply to the deceased, would not result in the release of anybody from jail because no one is currently incarcerated. Given that it is lawful for anyone in the state to possess minor amounts of cannabis, misdemeanor cannabis crimes result in short punishments and no longer carry criminal prosecutions. (With inputs from agencies)

Maryland Governor scraps 175,000 marijuana convictions in historic move

For the first time in about 40 years, the number of Americans who use marijuana almost daily has surpassed those who drink alcohol with the same frequency.&nbsp;

This shift reflects the growing mainstream acceptance and legalisation of recreational marijuana in nearly half of US states.

In 2022, an estimated 17.7 million people reportedly used marijuana daily or near-daily compared to 14.7 million daily or near-daily drinkers, according to a&nbsp;national survey data.

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While in 1992, when daily pot use hit a low point, less than 1 million people said they used marijuana nearly every day.

Alcohol is still extensively used, but 2022 was the first time this intensive level of marijuana use overtook daily and near-daily drinking, said the study’s author, Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University.

“40% of present cannabis users are using it daily or near daily, a pattern that is more associated with tobacco use than typical alcohol use,” Caulkins said.

The research, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, was published on Wednesday (May 22) in the journal Addiction.

The survey is a highly regarded source of self-reported estimates of tobacco, alcohol and drug use in the United States.

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Notably, from 1992 to 2022, the per capita rate of reporting daily or near-daily marijuana use increased 15-fold. Many states have&nbsp;now allowed medical or recreational marijuana, though it remains illegal at the federal level.&nbsp;

In November, Florida voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to allow recreational cannabis.

Meanwhile, the federal government is working on reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

The research shows those who use marijuana in high quantity are more likely to become addicted to it, said Dr. David A. Gorelick, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study.

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The number of daily users suggests that more people are at risk for developing problematic cannabis use or addiction, Gorelick added.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time in about 40 years, the number of Americans who use marijuana almost daily has surpassed those who drink alcohol with the same frequency. This shift reflects the growing mainstream acceptance and legalisation of recreational marijuana in nearly half of US states.

For the first time in about 40 years, the number of Americans who use marijuana almost daily has surpassed those who drink alcohol with the same frequency. This shift reflects the growing mainstream acceptance and legalisation of recreational marijuana in nearly half of US states. In 2022, an estimated 17.7 million people reportedly used marijuana daily or near-daily compared to 14.7 million daily or near-daily drinkers, according to a national survey data. Also read: Second human bird flu case linked to dairy cow outbreak reported in US While in 1992, when daily pot use hit a low point, less than 1 million people said they used marijuana nearly every day. Alcohol is still extensively used, but 2022 was the first time this intensive level of marijuana use overtook daily and near-daily drinking, said the study’s author, Jonathan Caulkins, a cannabis policy researcher at Carnegie Mellon University. “40% of present cannabis users are using it daily or near daily, a pattern that is more associated with tobacco use than typical alcohol use,” Caulkins said. The research, based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, was published on Wednesday (May 22) in the journal Addiction. The survey is a highly regarded source of self-reported estimates of tobacco, alcohol and drug use in the United States. Also read: ‘Looks like hell’: India swelters with higher than average temperatures, IMD shares heat map Notably, from 1992 to 2022, the per capita rate of reporting daily or near-daily marijuana use increased 15-fold. Many states have now allowed medical or recreational marijuana, though it remains illegal at the federal level. In November, Florida voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to allow recreational cannabis. Meanwhile, the federal government is working on reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The research shows those who use marijuana in high quantity are more likely to become addicted to it, said Dr. David A. Gorelick, a psychiatry professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study. WATCH: Aftermath of severe turbulence on Singapore flight, dramatic 6,000-feet drop in 5 mins The number of daily users suggests that more people are at risk for developing problematic cannabis use or addiction, Gorelick added. (With inputs from agencies)

Daily marijuana use surpasses daily drinking in the US, says study

Thailand's health ministry has sought Prime Minister&nbsp;Srettha Thavisin cabinet's approval for a draft bill that seeks to ban the recreational use of cannabis, according to reports. The reversal comes over a year after Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalise the product.&nbsp;

Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew informed the bill be proposed to the cabinet meeting next week.&nbsp;

"The new bill will be amended from the existing one to only allow the use of cannabis for health and medicinal purposes,"&nbsp;Srikaew said, adding that the "use for fun is considered wrong".&nbsp;

Ever since coming to power in August last year,&nbsp;Thavisin has batted against the recreational use of marijuana, stating that the drug should only be used for medicinal purposes.&nbsp;

In September, he warned that the use of cannabis&nbsp;could lead to "wider narcotic drug problems". The potential ban is also part of delivering on his&nbsp;election promise that he made during the canvassing trail.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-to-ban-recreational-cannabis-use-after-historic-decriminalisation-681258">Watch |&nbsp;Thailand to ban recreational Cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation</a>

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<h2>Thailand and its marijuana history&nbsp;</h2>

If passed, the new law would impose fines of up to 60,000 baht ($1,700) for recreational use, while advertising or marketing campaigns regarding such use could lead to prison terms of up to one year or fines as high as 100,000 baht ($2,856).

Prior to the legalisation, Thailand was notorious for tough drug laws with those caught with cannabis on them&nbsp;staring at prison sentences of 10 years or above and hefty fines.&nbsp;

Notably, the acceleration in the draft bill process comes after fresh pressure from the public. Last weekend, popular British pop band Coldplay held a concert&nbsp;in Bangkok where attendees complained about the entire concert smelling of marijuana.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/months-after-decriminalising-marijuana-thailand-in-dilemma-over-misuse-535188">Also read |&nbsp;Months after decriminalising marijuana, Thailand in dilemma over misuse</a>

Smoking marijuana in public remained illegal even under the relaxed laws. The recent draft comes after an earlier proposal was rejected in the country’s parliament back in November.&nbsp;

Many business owners, who have reaped profits ever since cannabis was decriminalised, support greater regulation of the use. However, the government seems incessant in bringing legislation to combat recreational use.&nbsp;

A report by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has estimated that the sector could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Thailand's health ministry has sought Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin cabinet's approval for a draft bill that seeks to ban the recreational use of cannabis, according to reports.

Thailand's health ministry has sought Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin cabinet's approval for a draft bill that seeks to ban the recreational use of cannabis, according to reports. The reversal comes over a year after Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalise the product. Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew informed the bill be proposed to the cabinet meeting next week. "The new bill will be amended from the existing one to only allow the use of cannabis for health and medicinal purposes," Srikaew said, adding that the "use for fun is considered wrong". Ever since coming to power in August last year, Thavisin has batted against the recreational use of marijuana, stating that the drug should only be used for medicinal purposes. In September, he warned that the use of cannabis could lead to "wider narcotic drug problems". The potential ban is also part of delivering on his election promise that he made during the canvassing trail. Watch | Thailand to ban recreational Cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation × Thailand and its marijuana history If passed, the new law would impose fines of up to 60,000 baht ($1,700) for recreational use, while advertising or marketing campaigns regarding such use could lead to prison terms of up to one year or fines as high as 100,000 baht ($2,856). Prior to the legalisation, Thailand was notorious for tough drug laws with those caught with cannabis on them staring at prison sentences of 10 years or above and hefty fines. Notably, the acceleration in the draft bill process comes after fresh pressure from the public. Last weekend, popular British pop band Coldplay held a concert in Bangkok where attendees complained about the entire concert smelling of marijuana. Also read | Months after decriminalising marijuana, Thailand in dilemma over misuse Smoking marijuana in public remained illegal even under the relaxed laws. The recent draft comes after an earlier proposal was rejected in the country’s parliament back in November. Many business owners, who have reaped profits ever since cannabis was decriminalised, support greater regulation of the use. However, the government seems incessant in bringing legislation to combat recreational use. A report by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has estimated that the sector could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand moves ahead to ban recreational marijuana use with draft bill

The bill was previously passed by the Senate in November, but it will have to be voted on again following changes made in the lower chamber.

Mexico to legalise Marijuana use soon

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Maryland Governor scraps 175,000 marijuana convictions in historic move

Daily marijuana use surpasses daily drinking in the US, says study

Thailand moves ahead to ban recreational marijuana use with draft bill

Mexico to legalise Marijuana use soon