Romania considers legalizing medical cannabis

Romanian Finance Minister Eugen Teodorovici met the country's Health Minister yesterday. Asked about the meeting, he announced that the Ministry of Health was currently considering the possible legalization of medical cannabis, and had set up a specialized commission to look into the matter. The announcement was covered by many local newspapers.

The Minister's announcement

«I spoke yesterday with the Minister of Health and learned of the existence of a specialized commission to analyze and debate the legalization of the medical use of cannabis,» explains the Minister. «For terminally ill patients, it could be an option to relieve their suffering. Legalization for such use is being considered». In his view, health arguments take precedence over economic ones.

Asked about the government's precise intentions, he remained evasive: «I don't know about the government, but there's a special commission on the subject at the Ministry of Health. It's already a European practice, and there are medical justifications for it. Indeed, 24 European countries have already legalized medical cannabis in one form or another. The European Parliament has even voted a resolution in February, calling on member states to consider the issue of medical cannabis and remove cultural, political and financial barriers to research.

As for the possible legalization of recreational use, the Minister replied: «We always refer to what is done in other states. There are advantages to certain practices, but some people in Romania see the disadvantages above all. It's too early to say.