Spain: the Ministry of Health does not recommend the widespread use of medical cannabis

In response to a question from a member of the House of Representatives in which she asked, «When does the government intend to legalize the Cannabis »for medical use in Spain, granting patients the same rights and protections already enjoyed by thousands of patients in neighboring countries?" The Ministry of Health has been reluctant to recommend its widespread use and has confirmed that it will maintain this stance in the coming months.

The Spanish Ministry of Health has underlined that 'currently in Spain, no program has been established for the medical use of cannabis» and that the decision to create specific programs in that country »will be made, if appropriate, by weighing the existing evidence on its therapeutic efficacy and the harmful effects of cannabis use,« without, however, setting a deadline for beginning any such studies.

In its parliamentary response, the government justifies its position by stating that, worldwide, «the therapeutic efficacy and safety of cannabis are currently under study, and no decision has yet been made in this regard.« The ministry notes in particular that a study from the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction in December 2018, which highlighted «the need to conduct more preclinical pharmacological and toxicological studies and appropriate clinical trials.» .

On the other hand, the ministry points out that «cannabis use is not without risks,» particularly due to its «psychoactive effects, which drive its recreational use» and «justify its inclusion on the list of controlled substances as a narcotic.».

Furthermore, the Spanish Ministry of Health maintains that «the therapeutic use of cannabis must be subject to standards and safeguards regarding quality, safety, and efficacy, just like all other medications.» In this regard, it emphasizes that 'it must be established on the basis of scientific evidence regarding its quality, safety, and efficacy for medical uses, obtained through controlled clinical trials.».

Although medical cannabis is not widely available in Spain, the Sativex Epidiolex is available for treating spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis and pediatric epilepsy, and dronabinol is used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments—symptoms that are also relieved by cannabis and certain terpenes such as’hexacannabitriol.

The Cannabis Social Clubs In addition, personal cultivation is permitted and is often the primary means by which Spaniards with medical needs obtain cannabis.