Panama regulates the medical use of cannabis

On Wednesday evening, the President of the Republic of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, signed an executive decree approving Law 242, which regulates the medical use of cannabis and its derivatives in the Central American country.

«I have signed the executive decree implementing Law 242 of 2021, which regulates the medicinal and therapeutic use of cannabis and its derivatives; one of the strongest regulations in the region, to allow for the consumption of processed cannabis and provide relief to thousands of patients,» the Panamanian president stated on his Twitter account.

The The legalization of cannabis had been approved by President Cortizo in October 2021.

An Executive Decree has been signed to implement Law 242 of 2021, which regulates the medicinal and therapeutic use of cannabis and its derivatives; this is one of the most robust regulatory frameworks in the region, designed to allow the use of processed cannabis and provide relief to thousands of patients. pic.twitter.com/353KP89gSE

— Nito Cortizo (@NitoCortizo) August 31, 2022

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The presidential decree establishes a regulatory framework that allows for the creation of monitored and controlled access to the medical marijuana and its derivatives for therapeutic, medical, veterinary, scientific, and research purposes in Panama, as reported by local media. In addition, Mr. Cortizo signed a second decree establishing a national directorate to oversee the administrative and operational activities necessary for the implementation of Law 242.

This division will report to the Ministry of Security (Minseg) and will oversee industry-related activities through on-site inspections. It will also ensure compliance with industry guidelines for those wishing to produce medical cannabis in Panama.

The decree authorizes the use of medical cannabis by individuals with a prescription, who will be monitored and supervised through a patient registration system.

«The goal of all this is than Panama »has the best management model for the medical cannabis industry. Our intention is to promote, in the medium and long term, the establishment of local and foreign companies that will be able to supply the domestic market using raw materials produced in Panama," said Mr. Cortizo.