Panama: Assembly debates the legalization of medical cannabis

Today will be held in Panama's National Assembly the first debate on the Bill No. 149, which would legalize the therapeutic use of cannabis, in the Committee on Labor, Health and Development.

The Panamanian MP behind the proposal, José Luis Castillo, explained that this regulation seeks to make cannabis an alternative treatment for people suffering from epilepsy, chronic pain or cancer. He also said he was «confident» about how the debate would be received.

The future regulation would initially only authorize cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes.

«I'm a doctor and I know the benefits of this plant for treating certain illnesses. We are currently seeing how these laws are being successfully implemented in other countries. We don't want to legalize cannabis oil for recreational purposes, but only and exclusively for medical or therapeutic use.» explained José Luis Castillo at the end of October, when the bill was tabled.

He added that other countries such as Colombia, the Peru, Uruguay, some US states, Israel and Canada already allow the medical use of cannabis.

Roger Barés, chairman of the Committee for the Protection of Patients and Families, said that while he was not against the proposal, he had several «doubts» about it. He noted the need to support this type of treatment in the country on the basis of «scientific studies» and according to a «true quantification» of people in need of the substance.

Cannabis has been illegal in Panama since 1928. The bill is primarily aimed at preventing the illicit trafficking of cannabis used for medical purposes. It must be approved in three debates and then signed by the executive before becoming law.