Short takes

I'm off to spend the afternoon with the family so just a quick look at what's making news.

GW Pharmaceuticals has won approval in Canada so Sativex should be showing up on the pharmacy shelves soon. A successful launch there could put pressure on US authorities to allow the same. After all, it's not smoked so that eliminates the prohibitionist's main argument.

Two mayors of border towns with Belgium and France in the Netherlands have called for the legalization of marijuana in order to thwart criminal gangs that are causing problems. Christian Democrat mayor Gerd Leers of Maastricht said, ""I think that a regulated production (of cannabis) would drive out a lot of the criminal activity."

Gary Youds opened the Amsterdam-style Tea Cafe in Holt Road, Kensington, Liverpool six weeks ago without government sanction and has been busted twice already but not for complaints of misconduct by his patrons. By all accounts, the cafe with 400 registered members has caused no problems other than a vague concern that the patrons are smoking pot behind closed doors. "We are doing nothing wrong, all we want is tolerance," he said.. I am happy to work with the police and council, allowing them inside for inspections at any time."

Meanwhile the newly resurrected Marijuana Party in Canada launched its provincial election campaign with a gala event in Vancouver.
That's it for now. I'll be back this evening.