Tag: Uruguay

Thailand to ban recreational cannabis use by 2024 end: A look at countries where it’s still legal

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Thailand Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said that the country will ban the recreational use of marijuana by 2024 end, but will continue to allow its use for medical purposes. In Southeast Asia, Thailand became the first country to free up marijuana’s medicinal use in 2018 and then recreational use in 2022. Since then, tens of thousands of cannabis shops have come up in various parts of the country, while this business is projected to be worth up to $1.2 billion by next year, Reuters reported.

Critics have said that piecemeal rules were rushed out and adopted within a week of decriminalisation, adding that the Thailand government has drafted a new law to regulate cannabis use.

The law is expected to take effect by the end of this year.

Srikaew said that the draft bill will need the cabinet’s approval next month before it goes to the parliament for passage.

“Without the law to regulate cannabis it will be misused,” Cholnan told the news agency while referring to its recreational use.

“The misuse of cannabis has a negative impact on Thai children. In the long run, it could lead to other drugs,” he added.

The Thailand minister said that cannabis shops operating illegally in the country will not be allowed to continue anymore, while home-grown cannabis will also be discouraged. At present, there are around 20,000 legally registered shops, he added.

However, there are several countries around the world where recreational use of marijuana is legal. Here are some of them:

1. Uruguay

In December 2013, Uruguay became the first country around the world to legalise the cultivation, sale, and distribution of recreational cannabis, reports said. The Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) holds the responsibility to regulate the planting, cultivation, harvesting, production, processing, and distribution of cannabis around the South American country.

2. Georgia

Georgia legalised the consumption of marijuana in July 2018. However, the recreational use of marijuana is still limited as large-scale cultivation and sale continue to remain a punishable offence.

3. Canada

The Justin Trudeau-led government in Canada legalised the recreational use of marijuana under the Federal Cannabis Act in October 2018. However, it continues to be a highly controlled substance and is only sold at government-licenced retailers, reports said.

4. Mexico

In June 2021, Mexico’s supreme court struck down laws that prohibited the use of recreational marijuana. As per the court, adults who wish to cultivate and consume their own cannabis will be able to apply for permits from the country’s health secretariat. However, criminal penalties for possessing more than five grams of marijuana or selling the drug continued to remain in place.

5. Malta

Malta became the first country in Europe to allow limited cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use in the year 2021.

Some of the other countries where the recreational use of marijuana is legalised include Luxembourg, Jamaica, Chile, Ecuador, and The Netherlands among others.

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Former Miss World contestant Sherika De Armas dies at 26

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Former Miss World contestant Sherika De Armas has died at the age of 26. She was battling cervical cancer. Sherika had represented Uruguay at the beauty pageant.

Sherika had undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, the report added.

The news was confirmed by Sherika’s brother Mayk De Armas, the report added. In a post on social media, Mayk said, “Fly High, little sister. Always and forever.”

Who was Sherika De Armas?

Sherika was a 26-year-old model who represented Uruguay as a Miss World contestant in 2015. Although she could not make it to the top 30 in the competition, she left a major impression on the audience and panel because of her beauty.

She was then one of the six 18-year-old models to compete in the run.

According to a report on NetUruguay, Sherika had said she always wanted to become a model.

“I like everything related to fashion and I think that within a beauty pageant, any girl’s dream is to have the opportunity to participate in Miss Universe. I am very happy to be able to live this experience full of challenges,” she was quoted as saying.

Tributes pour in

Miss Universe Uruguay 2021 Lola de los Santos has shared a post on Instagram for Sherika. She wrote, “I will always remember you, not only for all the support you gave me and how much you wanted to see me grow but for your affection, your joy, the friends we shared and that remain with me today.”

Miss Universe Uruguay 2022 Carla Romero has also extended her condolences to Sherika’s family.

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FIFA World Cup 2022: South Korea seek Son’s return as they face Uruguay in Group H opener

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Latin America will meet Asia when Uruguay and South Korea mark the onset of Group H in the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Education City Stadium in Qatar on Thursday.

Building up to the World Cup, both sides have displayed resilience in their respective matches and results this year. La Celeste have won seven out of their nine matches this year, while the Taegeuk Warriors have won nine of their last 13 matches.

Uruguay finished third in the World Cup Qualification CONMEBOL 2020/2022, behind Brazil and Argentina. The two-time champions will be playing in their 14th World Cup finals as they look to replicate the feat of 2010. Every side dreams of lifting the golden trophy. However, being in the final four could well be a great achievement for La Celeste, who have not won the World Cup since 1950.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Points Table

The nation was also impressive in the last edition when they reached the quarter-finals and were beaten by eventual champions France. Before losing to France, the Latin American side beat Portugal 2-1. This time, the two sides are in the same group. Diego Alonso’s squad is a strong one. In attack, he has the option of picking between Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, and Darwin Nunez.

In the midfield, La Celeste will be without Mauro Arambarri, but Federico Valverde, Lucas Torreira, and Rodrigo Bentancur will be at Alonso’s disposal, along with players like Matias Vecino and Manuel Ugarte. The backline is also expected to be solid. Veteran Diego Godin will be eyeing his 160th cap for Uruguay as he is likely to start in defence if Ronald Araujo is not fit enough to start against South Korea.

South Korea hit double digits as they enter their tenth World Cup. In the last two editions, they were eliminated in the group stages. A repeat of 2002 is what the Taegeuk Warriors will seek. South Korea were the co-hosts for the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan and secured their best-ever finish after nabbing the fourth spot.

As expected, South Korea were prolific in the World Cup qualifiers. They played 16 games across two phases, winning 12 and losing just one game in the process. Paulo Bento’s main concern in this World Cup will be the recovery of his star player Son Heung-min. The Tottenham Hotspur forward suffered an eye socket fracture earlier this month. However, Son was seen training with his South Korean teammates wearing a protective mask.

Hwang Ui-jo is likely to start as a sole striker up front, flanked by Hwang Hee-chan and Son, if he is fit to start. For creativity behind the frontline, the Taegeuk Warriors are likely to rely on midfielders Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom. A plethora of Kims are expected to feature in defence. Defender Kim Min-jae, who plays for Napoli, is expected to be at the heart of the defence.

Also Read: Lionel Messi calls for ‘Unity’ among Argentina camp after World Cup 2022 upset against Saudi Arabia

Team News:

For Uruguay, Ronald Araujo is doubtful for this game as he continues to recover from his thigh injury. Edinson Cavani was struggling with a niggle around his ankle but is expected to be fit. For South Korea, there are no injury concerns barring Son Heung-min, who is training with the protective face mask.

Form Guide: (Last five matches, most recent first)

Uruguay: W – L – W – D – W

South Korea: W – W – D – W – D

Betting Odds: (Bet365)

Uruguay: 1.72

South Korea: 5.00

Draw: 3.50

Predicted Line-Ups:

Uruguay Possible Starting 11 (4-3-3): Rochet; Varela, Godin, Gimenez, Olivera; Bentancur, Vecino, Valverde; De Arrascaeta, Suarez, Nunez.

South Korea Possible Starting 11 (4-1-4-1): Kim Seung-gyu; Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Young-gwon, Kim Min-jae, Kim Jin-su; Jung Woo-young; Hwang Hee-chan, Jeong Woo-yeong, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min; Hwang Ui-jo.

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Shootings prompt other countries to warn about travel to US

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The United States often takes a leading role in calling out the world’s most dangerous places, warning its people about the risks of traveling to countries that are at war, under terrorist threats, experiencing civil unrest or displaying significant anti-American sentiment.

The latest mass shootings have triggered a sharp role reversal, with three countries warning their citizens about the risks of traveling to the US.

Venezuela, Uruguay and Japan issued warnings to varying degrees following the deaths of 31 people over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas. Each warning noted US gun violence, and at least one was laced with a dose of political payback.

Without directly naming US President Donald Trump, the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro blamed the surge in violence on speeches emanating from Washington that are “impregnated with racial discrimination and hatred against immigrants.” It urges Venezuelans to postpone US trips.

The socialist Maduro is ruling over the worst economic crisis in Venezuelan history amid an escalating political battle with the White House, which backs opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s bid to oust him.

Travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said Venezuela’s warning came off more like a “political jab” than a genuine concern for its citizens’ safety. It came hours before Trump signed an executive order that hit Maduro’s government with yet another round of punishing financial sanctions designed to end his rule.

“Venezuela certainly has more than a little political motivation to issue its advisory,” said Harteveldt, president of San Francisco-based Atmosphere Research Group. “I think people will see there’s a tit-for-tat going on.”

Countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands have not issued new warnings in recent days, but they have longstanding advisories for travelers of mass shootings and gun violence.

The State Department is obligated to inform the public about potential threats under a “no double standard” rule that calls for such information to be shared equally with government employees as well as the public.

The US denies that any of its travel warnings are politically motivated, but that does not stop frequent complaints from foreign countries. The impact of an advisory that warns Americans against traveling to a certain country can be significant, particularly if that country relies heavily on tourism for revenue.

US tour agencies, colleges and universities often cancel group trips to countries that the department has warned against visiting, largely because it can become more difficult or expensive for them to get insurance.

In the State Department travel advisory system, every country gets an advisory ranging from level one, recommending Americans exercise normal precautions, to the maximum level four, which unambiguously warns: “Do not travel.” Thirteen countries are currently under the highest US travel advisory, including Afghanistan, North Korea and Syria.

Venezuela also advanced to this highest warning level in April, after the US evacuated its embassy. American Airlines, the last US carrier to make the three-hour trip between Caracas and Miami, suspended its flights, citing concerns by the pilots’ union.

Urugay’s foreign minister on Monday urged people travelling to the US to avoid large gatherings, such as amusement parks and sporting events “given the authorities’ inability to prevent these situations” involving firearms.

It’s unclear whether there’s a political motive behind Uruguay’s advisory, but three days earlier, US officials raised the advisory for travelers visiting Uruguay to level two, which urges citizens to “exercise increased caution.” The advisory warns of thugs — often two on a motorcycle — rushing unsuspecting victims for a quick robbery outside grocery stores and restaurants.

For its part, Japan’s consulate in Detroit issued a more general warning to its citizens in the United States following the shooting in Dayton. It noted the potential for gun violence given the prevalence of weapons, calling the US a “gun society.”

Japanese citizens are advised to pay attention to the potential for gunfire “everywhere” in the US. Guns are highly restricted in Japan, a country with one of the lowest rates of gun crime in the world.

Amnesty International, a human rights organization, issued its own travel warning in the wake of the weekend shootings. It called growing gun violence in the United States a human rights crisis, which could put travelers in the cross hairs for their race, country of origin or sexual orientation.

“People in the United States cannot reasonably expect to be free from harm,” said Ernest Coverson of Amnesty International USA. “A guarantee of not being shot is impossible.”

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Pioneering Uruguay set to begin exporting medical marijuana

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Already the first country in the world to legalize recreational use of marijuana, Uruguay now aims to go further by becoming the first in Latin America to export it for medicinal purposes.

It’s taken a year to get to this point but in Nueva Helvecia — 120 km west of the capital Montevideo — the first harvest is ready to be sent abroad.

Employees of the US company Fotmer — the only one currently licensed to export — are cutting and drying the plant before it is exported to Europe, Canada and Australia.

In taking this step, Uruguay is joining the ranks of medicinal marijuana exporters dominated by the United Kingdom, which according to United Nations data from 2016 had cornered more than two-thirds of the market.

The Netherlands (16.4 per cent) and Austria (8.7) are the other major players although a growing number of countries are investing in producing medical marijuana, which is legal in around 30 countries worldwide.

“Uruguay has been visionary,” said Jordan Lewis, 46, one of Fotmer’s owners.
“The market is growing” and Lewis believes Uruguay — a country in which cannabis can be bought in pharmacies — could lead the way.

This year, Fotmer aims to produce six tons of medicinal marijuana but Lewis’s ultimate goal is to reach 400 tons a year in return for a $ 15 million investment.

It has installed 18 greenhouses in Uruguay covering 30,000 square meters (320,000 square feet).

The plants can grow to two meters (6.5 feet)high after which employees such as 33-year-old Santiago Bardanca prune them and separate stems and flowers into coloured boxes.

“It takes between five and 10 minutes” for each person to process a plant, Bardanca said.

Fotmer employs 150 people in peak season when the plants are harvested.
That’s an intense and stressful time that lasts just a few days as employees work in shifts to ensure a 24-hour operation.

The whole process is tightly regulated as the flowers and extract which the plants produce are mostly destined for the pharmaceutical industry.

“Our aim is to become the main provider of medical marijuana” in the world, taking advantage of Uruguay’s liberal laws surrounding the drug, adds American Lewis, a vet by profession.

Starting with 10 plants, he jumped at the opportunity afforded him by the South American country to run his own business dealing in a plant he’s studied extensively and whose economic potential he considers huge.

Through cloning, he now has 10,000 plants. A 2017 study by US-based Grand View Research has estimated the global market for medical marijuana could reach $55.8 billion by 2025.

The flowers are sent to countries such as Germany — one of 21 European Union nations where medical marijuana is legal — while other chemical components are used in specific remedies, says Lewis. In the production process, each area is strictly separated.

To pass from one room to another, employees must pass through a pressurized area in which connecting doors can only be opened one at a time.

Workers must even change clothes, shoes and masks when moving between the different production areas to reduce the risk of contamination.

“This is hyper-paranoia,” says Fotmer’s scientific director Asim Beg, but necessary given “this is a medicine like any other medicine.”

The production process involves cutting the plants at exactly the right moment, then leaving the flowers for six days to dry and another six to “stabilize,” during which time the chemical components reach their final state.

It then takes two days to pack the final product. “The plant’s entire life is monitored from plantation to sale,” says Beg, adding that it’s a pharmaceutical industry requirement.

Each packet weighs around three kg and will be sold for between $9,000 and $21,000 on the international market, where prices range from $3 to $7 per gram.

The first packages will be heading to Germany.  “It’s very emotional,” admits Lewis.

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Canada legalises sale and use of cannabis

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Canada has become the second country after Uruguay to legalise possession and use of recreational cannabis.

The nationwide market for cannabis opened Wednesday at midnight amid lingering questions about the impact on health, the law and public safety, the BBC reported.

Shops in the province of Newfoundland, the most easterly time zone in Canada, opened as midnight struck for the first legal sales of cannabis in the country.

The Government of Canada was expected to announce the pardon of Canadians convicted of possession of marijuana on Wednesday that could ease their travelling to the US, Efe news reported.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would pardon individuals convicted in the past for possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana.

It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people could benefit from the measure.

Preparations including mailings to 15 million households were afoot — detailing the new cannabis laws and public awareness campaigns.

However, there remain concerns, including about the readiness of the police to tackle drug impaired driving, the BBC said.

Canadian provinces and municipalities have been preparing for months for the end of cannabis prohibition. They are the ones responsible for setting out many of the details — as to where recreational marijuana can be bought and consumed.

This has created a patchwork of legislation across the country as jurisdictions choose more or less restrictive frameworks for selling and using cannabis, the BBC said.

A number of analysts have predicted shortage of the recreational marijuana in the first year of legalisation as production and licensing would continue to be ramped up to meet the demand, with the marketplace still in its infancy.

For many Canadians, the criminal record of possessing marijuana for recreational use means they cannot travel to the US.

A conviction for possession of marijuana allows US Border Patrol agents to prevent Canadian residents from entering their country since Ottawa shares that database with Washington.

US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Todd Owen though said the amnesty would not guarantee people with criminal records of possession of marijuana to enter the US territory in future.

The recreational use of marijuana is legal in nine US states, as well as in Washington DC.

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France square off against giant killers Belgium

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The first semi final of the World Cup at Saint Petersburg between Belgium and France promises to be a classic.

Both teams have overcome formidable obstacles with Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Japan being the scalps these teams have claimed on the way to the semi final.

With stars adorning both teams, and managers who have asserted themselves tactically, both Belgium and France will back themselves to reach the final.

Belgium started as underdogs against a defensively organised and offensively clinical Brazil.

To stand a chance, Belgium needed to optimise their attacking threats, while simultaneously ensuring that they don’t grant space to Brazil’s quartet of attackers.

Roberto Martinez devised a perfect plan to achieve these goals. Changing the formation from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-3-3, Martinez crowded the midfield with the introduction of Fellaini.

Not only did this change help in pressurising the duo of Fernandinho and Paulinho, but it also gave playmaker Kevin De Bruyne the platform to take risks and put himself in advanced positions.

With Yannick Carrasco being a possible defensive liability, Martinez shifted the left footed centre-back, Jan Vertonghen, as the left back.

This change worked wonderfully with Vertonghen nullifying the threat of Willian using a high line and strong tackles.

The final change Martinez made was to play Nacer Chadli in place of Dries Mertens as a traditional wide player.

Chadli’s work rate and defensive discipline was another important facet in Belgium’s victory.

A significant feature of Belgium’s tactics in the quarter finals was the wide role Hazard played.

Instead of occupying an inside left channel, Hazard stuck to the touchline, aiding defensively by constantly tracking back.

Against an on-fire Kylian Mbappe, Hazard might be required to put another defensive shift in.

Belgium is likely to retain the same tactical formation against France, considering the latter’s midfield prowess and threat from wide regions.

But a simple duplication of style might not to do against a formidable French team without injury or suspension issues.

An overly defensive approach against France may not bear fruition, as Uruguay’s performance in the quarters showed and therefore, Belgium will have to look for kinks in an otherwise solid armour.

One change they can consider making is the reinstatement of Mertens for Chadli.

The former might lack the pace or the defensive ethic of Chadli, but he more than makes up for it with his link up play, crossing ability and instinctive nature in the box.

Mertens might be the risk Belgium needs to take in order to reach their first ever World Cup final.

The doubts regarding the extent of French progress in the World Cup was never about the personnel.

After all, France perhaps has the best pool of youth and experience; stardom and potential amongst all squads entering the World Cup.

The misgivings with regard to France was on the tactical balance and choice of players Didier Deschamps would start with.

At the helm for nearly six years, a fundamental flaw of the French under his reign has been the inability to score goals in crucial knockout games.

It seems as though those flaws have been ironed out going by the 4-3 and 2-0 victories France inflicted over Argentina and Uruguay.

Paul Pogba who looked shackled previously, has started to dominate games, while N’Golo Kante has been at his destructive best, snuffing out potential attacks by the dozen.

The promise of Kylian Mbappe has delivered with three goals while replacement fullbacks, Theo Hernandez and Benjamin Parvard have cemented their place in the starting XI.

Getting Griezmann on the scoresheet is another positive France will take into the clash between European neighbours.

With the starting XI more or less picking itself, the only dilemma in Deschamps’ mind would be the left midfield position.

Corentin Tolisso would be the more possession based and creative option while Blaise Matuidi is a more direct and defensive player.

Knowing Deschamps, he will in all likelihood fall back on the tried and tested Matuidi considering his safety first approach.

France will hope that their slight edge in terms of quality coupled with a defensively solid display will help them cross the line.

Player to Watch

Belgium

Jan Vertonghen: In an era of marauding wingbacks, Vertonghen is a throwback to the era of a flat back 4. Naturally left footed, but lacking pace, he looks to press high but avoids making overlapping runs, and this defensive discipline will come in handy against the right hand partnership of Mbappe and Parvard. A dominant display from him can force the reluctant Deschamps into making tactical changes which could play into Belgium’s hands.

France
Olivier Giroud: Giroud has not scored a single goal for France in this World Cup campaign, but his role is not restricted to solely scoring goals. With an imposing physique and ability to hold the ball, as well as lay it off for midfield runners to shoot from distance, Giroud is as much of a facilitator as a scorer in the French set up. With Fellaini playing on the opposite end, Giroud will be tasked to win long diagonals as well as be the first line of defence in set plays. A trademark Giroud performance could be the fine line between victory and defeat.

Predicted Lineups

Belgium: 1-4-3-3
Courtois- Meunier, Alderweireld, Kompany, Vertonghen- Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne- Mertens, Lukaku, Hazard.

France: 1-4-2-3-1
Lloris- Parvard, Varane, Umtiti, Theo Hernandez- Kante, Pogba- Mbappe, Griezmann, Matuidi- Giroud.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow