Spanish health ministry lacks information on medical cannabis

The lack of information on medical cannabis is not unique to France. As reported by Cannareporter, Spanish Health Minister José María Miñones recently stated before the Chamber of Deputies that, apart from spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis and various types of epilepsy—conditions that are treated by GW Pharmaceuticals' products – «Unfortunately,» for other conditions, the available information on medical cannabis «is insufficient, and we cannot recommend its use.».

The reactions of those advocating for broader access to medical cannabis are one-sided. Josune Gorospe, a member of parliament from the Basque parliamentary group (PNV), stated that she considered the minister’s response a «step backward,» while Carola Perez, president of the Spanish Medical Cannabis Observatory, has already condemned these statements.

Mr. Miñones, who was appointed Minister of Health on Monday to replace Carolina Darias, made his debut in the government during a plenary session. The first question he was asked concerned the Regulation of Medical Cannabis in Spain, posed by PNV Representative Josune Gorospe.

She began by pointing out to Miñones that he was already «the third minister we’ve questioned in this legislative session regarding the regulation of the medical and therapeutic use of cannabinoids,» and that the regulation of medical cannabis—which would determine «which patients could have access to these types of products—is already three months behind schedule.».

Addressing him directly, she asked, «When does the government intend to fulfill this chamber’s mandate regarding the regulation of the medical and therapeutic use of cannabinoids?»

In response, the newly appointed minister simply read from his notes.

Ms. Gorospe expressed her outrage and said that this response had left her «unmoved,» adding that a The government commission had spent six months working with organizations, experts, and representatives from other governments in order to gather evidence.

«How can you tell me there’s no evidence? Listen, read, and pay attention to what we have here. Don’t make a fool of yourself by putting us in the same situation as other European countries and giving public patients the same opportunities as patients elsewhere,» she said.

Once again, the Minister of Health stated that the Medicines Agency was working on a report »that will allow us to establish the most appropriate regulations to pursue two objectives: safety and efficacy,« adding that the agency would continue to work and analyze the scientific literature in order to determine the approach that best meets the needs of patients and the Spanish regulatory system.