Cannabis legalization is taking the world by storm. As scientific studies continue pouring in with data and reports about the undeniable medicinal and industrial uses of cannabis, more and more governments are beginning to acknowledge the benefits of the plant and are adapting their laws to allow users to legally benefit.
Along with the legalization of the cannabis plant comes the growth of a new, blossoming industry. Businesses and corporations all over the world are getting on board with the financial promise of the cannabis market, however many overlook one clear need: public education.
Because cannabis has been classified as a Schedule 1 drug and has been restricted by a long-lasting prohibition, very little is known about its uses and benefits. Stigmas, stereotypes, and ignorance surrounds the general public’s view of its use. With the impending global legalization of cannabis on the horizon, it’s imperative that education regarding the safe, responsible use of cannabis, as well as its health implications, is freely available to the public.
Enter ICAN.
ICAN is an organization based in Mexico with the goal of making an impact in the cannabis regulation and legal industry in Latin America with two main pillars:
1. Providing quality, verified information with the aim of educating the public and causing a paradigm shift within the general culture surrounding cannabis in Mexico and Latin America.
2. Connecting key players in the legal, political, financial, and health sectors, with the goal of working together to facilitate a fair, thriving, and safe market for cannabis in the region.
ICAN has made it their mission to bring health through knowledge and help their audience connect to quality cannabis information. ICAN’s in-house research, investigation, and marketing teams are dedicated to informing the public with unbiased facts about cannabis, helping to create awareness of the potential benefits that cannabis legalization could provide, and fighting against prejudices.
In addition to their education initiatives, ICAN’s CEO, Erick Ponce, is the president of the GPIC (Grupo Promotor de la Industria del Cannabis) and is heading regular partner meetings with giants in the cannabis industry from all over Latin America to create a strong and united ecosystem within the various pillars of the industry.
As Mexico is on the brink of legalization, ICAN, as well as other cannabis-focused companies are holding their breath as they await the cannabis legalization bill that will determine very important factors such as leaving behind the prohibitionist policies that were previously established in the National Development Plan. Even though the current Mexican administration does not have cannabis in their main agenda, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has declared that he will honor and follow the new bill as per congress’ instructions.
For the time being, it seems that Mexico is on the right track for cannabis legalization, but we are still unsure what the specific regulations will be that will determine the next steps for the cannabis industry in the country. Congress and the senate are expected to have a final resolution in just a few weeks’ time; an event we are all anticipating with bated breath. One thing we know for sure is that companies like ICAN will be at the forefront of the education movement, helping users understand the health benefits, personal boundaries, legal restrictions, and uses for cannabis.
