What are cannabis products and what are they for?
Cannabis products are those that contain substances derived from the cannabis plant, such as cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These products can have various purposes, from medicinal to recreational, depending on the concentration and type of substance they contain. Some of the benefits that have been attributed to cannabis products are: relieving pain, reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, improving sleep, reducing anxiety and stress, among others.
What cannabis products are permitted by Cofepris and how are they obtained?
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) is the body in charge of regulating and authorizing cannabis products in Mexico. However, the regulation process has been complex and controversial, due to the legal, social and health implications of the use of this plant and its derivatives. In recent years, there have been several advances and setbacks in the matter, which have generated confusion and controversy among those interested.
One of the most important milestones was the approval of more than 60 cannabis products by Cofepris in 2018, during the last days of the previous government. These products included dietary supplements, cosmetics, foods and raw materials, which did not contain THC or cause psychoactive effects. These products were released to the market starting January 1, 2019, and were supposed to be safe and legal for consumption.
However, the current president Andrés Manuel López Obrador ordered a review of these authorizations, suspecting that there were acts of corruption in their granting, since some were granted on the same day the application was submitted. Furthermore, Cofepris has expressed its disagreement with some of the authorizations that it has had to issue by court order, such as that of hemp oil, which is obtained from the seeds of the cannabis plant, and which, according to the Commission, represents a risk. for health, since there is not enough technical information to guarantee its safety.
Thus, the regulation of cannabis products has been affected by the lack of consensus between the different institutions involved, such as the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, the Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch. Cofepris has indicated that it is necessary to establish an adequate regulatory framework that determines quality and safety standards throughout the supply chain process, manufacturing, storage, among other aspects. To achieve this, the participation of various institutions is needed to contribute their experience and knowledge in the analysis and preparation of the necessary regulatory elements.
What types of cannabis products exist and how are they used?
Among the cannabis products that have authorization from Cofepris, four main categories can be distinguished: dietary supplements, cosmetics, foods and raw materials. These products can be purchased in authorized establishments, such as pharmacies or specialized stores, or they can be imported from the United States, where some of them are manufactured. Some examples of each category and their uses are described below.
Food supplements
Food supplements are products that contain CBD, a substance that is extracted from the cannabis plant, and which has therapeutic properties. These products can be consumed in the form of capsules, drops or gummies, and are recommended to treat various health conditions, such as epilepsy, arthritis, stress, anxiety, insomnia, among others. Some of the companies that have obtained permission from Cofepris to market these products are Med Mex and CBD Life, which offer different presentations and concentrations of CBD.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are products that contain CBD or hemp oil, and are applied to the skin or hair, for beauty or personal care purposes. These products can be creams, lotions, balms, soaps, shampoos, among others, and are supposed to have benefits such as hydrating, nourishing, softening, protecting or regenerating the skin or hair. Some of the companies that have obtained permission from Cofepris to market these products are HempMeds, CBD Science and CBD Life, which offer different types and brands of cosmetics.
Foods
Foods are products that contain CBD or hemp oil, and are ingested orally, for nutrition or pleasure purposes. These products can be infusions, drinks, chocolates, cookies, among others, and they are supposed to have benefits such as providing essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, among other nutrients. Some of the companies that have obtained permission from Cofepris to market these products are CBD Life, HempMeds and CBD Science, which offer different varieties and flavors of food.
Raw Materials
Raw materials are products that contain CBD or hemp oil, and are used as inputs for the production of other products. These products can be oils, extracts, powders, among others, and are supposed to have benefits such as making it easier to incorporate CBD or hemp oil into other products. Some of the companies that have obtained permission from Cofepris to market these products are Finat México and Farmacias Magistrales, which offer different formats and qualities of raw materials.
