Paraguay to open applications for medical cannabis production licenses in October

Paraguay will begin accepting applications for the cultivation of cannabis for medical and research purposes next month, according to the announcement made by the country's health minister. Julio Mazzolini, Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, stated that a resolution establishing the rules governing the country's first commercial cannabis production licenses had been approved by the ministry.

From licenses for five farming operations and vertically integrated cannabis production facilities will be available. The National Health Directorate (DNVS) will accept applications for the five licenses from October 1 through October 31. Applicants must submit a certificate of good manufacturing practices, a plan for the cultivation, transportation, and security of cannabis, and a separate plan for exports, if applicable. Selected companies will be granted a license by December and must begin operations within 24 months.

Arnaldo Giuzzio, head of Paraguay's Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), told the press that licenses would be available only for operations located in the Central Department, the smallest but most populous of Paraguay's 17 departments.

Medical cannabis legalized in 2017

The Paraguay has legalized medical use cannabis in 2017 and a decree regulating the distribution of medical cannabis was approved the following year. Participants eligible for the medical cannabis program are guaranteed free access to cannabis oil and other cannabis products.

Under this decree, approved manufacturers will be required to donate 2% of their production to the Ministry of Health, a provision that Mazzolini reiterated during Thursday’s press conference. The ministry will distribute the products free of charge to patients with proven scientific needs.

Only patients with a condition for which there is scientific evidence that cannabis is a beneficial treatment are eligible for the national program. To date, the use of medical marijuana has been approved for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and severe pain.

Outside of the national program, a few patients who have demonstrated an exceptional need have been authorized to import cannabis-based products for medical purposes. One of these patients is a teenager with a rare form of severe epilepsy, the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Last Thursday, the Paraguayan Senate approved a bill authorizing the possession and home cultivation of medical cannabis by patients and qualified caregivers, subject to certain conditions. The bill must also be approved by the country’s Chamber of Deputies before it becomes law.