Vanuatu legalizes medical cannabis

Vanuatu, an archipelago of 83 islands covering 12,200 km² in the South Pacific, has just legalized medical cannabis. The island, located east of the Australian coast and formerly administered by the French and British in the 20th century, is now a territory of the CCommonwealth American, just like the the Mariana Islands, which recently fully legalized cannabis. Here, there is no question of legalizing recreational use or personal cultivation; the legalization of cannabis is solely intended to provide access to cannabis for medical purposes.

Cannabis in the Face of the Health Crisis

Cannabis cultivation in Vanuatu was already permitted, but only for research purposes. The government viewed it as a potential treatment for the diabetes epidemic that this small country, with a population of just 276,244, is experiencing. According to UN estimates, in 2016, approximately 13% of the population had the disease. However, the archipelago faces difficulties in accessing insulin, the primary medication for diabetes. The disease has become the leading cause of death in the archipelago. A study A 2013 study found that cannabis use affects insulin levels and body weight. It could potentially help stabilize blood sugar levels.

According to Benzinga News, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism, and Business Warorcet Nohe Ronald Warsal reportedly confirmed the news: «I confirm that on September 20, the Council of Ministers approved a document to amend Vanuatu’s laws and permit the cultivation and use of cannabis for medical and research purposes within Vanuatu and by authorized entities (holding a government license) .» The meeting memo emphasized public health: «Health and safety are top priorities (…) it is imperative that economic considerations not take precedence over public health and safety issues.».

The bill is set to come before Parliament soon, as a formality, since the first license has already been granted. The government plans to grant five licenses: two for medical cannabis and three for industrial hemp. The first company to obtain a license is Phoenix Life Sciences International, a Denver-based medical cannabis producer. In a press release, the company stated that it would prioritize the production of a diabetes medication. The medications will be distributed through the national healthcare system. The use of medical cannabis could eventually reduce the high costs imposed on taxpayers by the importation and distribution of insulin.