Peru approves proposal to legalize medical cannabis

Peru has been working on a medical cannabis program for the past year, in response to repeated requests of some of its citizens. The National Defense Committee of Congress has approved the creation of a bill that will define the legal framework for cannabis in the country.

«The Defense Commission has unanimously decided to propose a law that decriminalizes the medical use of cannabis,» said Deputy Alberto de Belaunde.

The MP clarified that the government is not keen to legalize smokable cannabis products such as flowers or shatter. The legislator is specifically looking to treat certain diseases including cancer, epilepsy and Parkinson's.

The Peruvians' request came after police raided a cannabis lab in Lima's San Miguel district in February. The lab was run by a collective of mothers who used cannabis to treat their children suffering from a number of debilitating illnesses.

Following the raid, an Ipsos poll estimated that 65% of Peruvians were in favor of legalizing medical cannabis, and 13% in favor of adult-use cannabis.

The current bill would authorize the production, import and distribution of medical cannabis to anyone with a prescription from a licensed physician.

Local cannabis cultivation will operate under a licensing system and be monitored by the government.

«This will improve the quality of life for our children. We thank the authorities who have moved forward on this issue,» said Ana Alvarez, founder of Buscando Esperanza, an NGO campaigning for medical cannabis in Peru.

The bill must now go to the Health Commission of the Peruvian Parliament before a debate and vote.