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Background and aims Prohibitions on producing, distributing and selling cannabis are loosening in various jurisdictions around the world. This paper describes the diversification of cannabis supply laws and discusses the challenges to and opportunities for learning from these changes. Methods We document changes in cannabis supply laws that de jure legalized cannabis production for medical and/or non-medical purposes (excluding industrial hemp) in Australasia, Europe, North America and South America. We also highlight challenges to evaluating these legal changes based on our experiences studying cannabis laws and policies in the United States. Findings As of August 2016, two countries have passed laws to legalize large-scale cannabis production for non-medical purposes at the national (Uruguay) or subnational level (four US states). At least nine other countries legally allow (or will soon allow) cannabis to be supplied for medicinal purposes. Most of the changes in cannabis supply laws have occurred since 2010. The data available in most countries are inadequate for rigorously evaluating the changes in cannabis supply laws. Conclusion The evidence base for assessing changes in cannabis supply laws remains weak. Efforts should focus upon collecting information about quantities consumed and market transactions as well as validating self-report surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commentary to: Understanding and learning from the diversification of cannabis supply laws [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on "Why don't northern American solutions to drinking and driving work in southern America?" by F. Pechansky and A. Chandran about the status of control and prevention of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Brazil. Although he agrees with the study, he highlights that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) group of victims of DWI has been an extreme force for change in U.S. cultural views on DWI. He also mentions the importance of working with communities and advocacy groups.

In many European countries and in North America, home education is a viable alternative for education at school. Parents who want to home school their child are legally allowed to do so, although some countries impose rather strict conditions. This article concentrates on the way authorities supervise or inspect the quality of home education. A comparison is made of inspection regulations in 14 European countries. Substantial differences were found, regarding among other things the function of inspection, inspection methods and the outcomes. Most countries do not have data on the effectiveness of inspection. It is recommended that governments screen their procedures for the inspection of home education using criteria such as transparency, consistency, and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Commentary to: Understanding and learning from the diversification of cannabis supply laws [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commentary to: Understanding and learning from the diversification of cannabis supply laws [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]