Medical cannabis soon available in Seychelles

In February, the Seychelles published a proposed regulation regarding the distribution of medical cannabis. Once approved by the National Assembly, the text is expected to take effect on July 1.

Medical Cannabis in the Seychelles

In October 2017, Ralph Volcère filed a petition with the Constitutional Court of the Seychelles. He initiated this proceeding on behalf of his 84-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease and who found relief through the’cannabis oil. In June 2019, the court ruled in favor of Volcere and ordered the government to regulate the medical use of cannabis.

The Misuse of Drugs (Cannabidiol-Based Products for Medical Purposes) was introduced in February and, for now, proposes only to regulate patients’ access to cannabidiol (CBD)-based products.

Ralph Volcere welcomed the announcement. «We’re glad this has finally happened, and it’s a step in the right direction toward legalizing medical cannabis; we also hope to use it for recreational purposes at a later stage,» he declared.

Nevertheless, he believes that the publication of the regulation was only a small victory, as it is restrictive and not as liberal as expected, and will not make it easier for those who need it to access it.

«The process for obtaining medical cannabis is extremely bureaucratic and unnecessary, and it makes access impossible because the health commissioner has exclusive discretion to decide who gets it,» Volcere said. .

Another concern raised by Volcere is that the regulation does not include a list of medical conditions that justify the use of cannabis, and the price of CBD products. It also prohibits anyone from smoking cannabis for medical purposes.

«I don’t understand why this was left out, because many patients smoke cannabis for medical reasons rather than using it in other forms,» Volcere said.

He also objects to the fact that the regulations do not allow for the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes, which means that the Seychelles will have to import cannabis.

«We want a more liberal and progressive bill, and we are confident that the National Assembly will resolve this issue,» he said.