Despite cannabis’ illegality, authorities have acknowledged its medical potential and are now seeking to develop a local market for therapeutic purposes and export.
His predecsessor, Ronaldo Dela Rosa, has retired with hero's honours, despite leading a crackdown currently being investigated for crimes against humanity.
The steps announced last week by the Chief of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) signal a departure from purely coercive approaches and a willingness to look into alternatives to incarceration.
MSPs from all of the nation’s political parties except the Conservatives united behind a Scottish Government motion calling for the UK to change the law and allow the facility to be opened.
The announcement trumps Attorney General Sessions' move to allow federal prosecutors to pursue cases against people who were following cannabis laws in states that have legalised it.
The Greens have proposed full legalisation of cannabis – including for recreational use – with a new government agency to act as the single wholesaler of plain-packaged cannabis.
An apparent rise in the use of methamphetamine has been followed by growing calls for the capital punishment to be applied to supply offences involving the drug.
