Spain: Podemos calls for the reopening of Cannabis Social Clubs for medical users

Podemos Cannabico, the Podemos party's internal group that works on the issues of the Cannabis, is calling for the reopening of Spain's Cannabis Social Clubs during the coronavirus pandemic for medical users. The Clubs were closed when a state of emergency was declared in Spain 3 weeks ago.

Hoy hemos trasladado al Grupo Parlamentario @PodemosCongreso una propuesta, desarrollada conjuntamente con @FEDCAC, para que, durante la cuarentena, se puedan retirar efectos cannábicos terapéuticos de las asociaciones y clubes.#SOSCánnabis#EstadoDeAlarma #RegulaciónIntegral pic.twitter.com/bzIMQD5aKz

- Podemos Cannábico (@PodemosCanabico) April 5, 2020

In Spain, the Spanish Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (AEMPS) is the only body empowered to authorize cannabis cultivation. Only two medicines are authorized in Spain (Sativex and Epidiolex), and a large proportion of medical users obtain their supplies from cannabis associations.

Proposal to open medical cannabis associations and clubs during the state of emergency

Due to the closure of associations and clubs, certain pathologies such as depression, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain can no longer be relieved. Podemos Cannabico is therefore calling for measures to enable the dispensing of cannabis for medical use, to avoid further endangering a population already weakened by pathologies.

Podemos Cannabico's proposal is based on 7 points:

1. Associations and Cannabis Clubs will set up a secure counter for distribution only, with disinfectant elements and, if possible, a protective screen. Those responsible for distributing [cannabis] to members, for their part, will take the same self-protection measures as any other worker dealing with the public: mask, gloves, disinfectant gel. They will disinfect the areas where members are received between one dispensation and another.
2. The people in charge of distribution will only show up at pre-scheduled appointments, trying to establish a minimum separation of ten minutes between appointments, to avoid users bumping into each other.
3. Those in charge of distribution may dispense the quantity stipulated in the association's articles of association for the current month.
4. Appointments should be made the day before whenever possible and if the number of participants is too small. socios allows it.
5. Staff will not be present at head office for longer than is necessary for the distribution and collection of cannabis.
6. The presence of more than one user at the same time at the head office will not be authorized.
7. Opening hours will always be justified by the number of appointments scheduled, and will be limited to the hours stipulated in the establishment's municipal authorization.

The Podemos party has always opted for an open policy on cannabis in Spain.