Licenses for the Production and Sale of Medical Cannabis
Paraguay has taken an important step towards progress in the treatment of diseases by beginning to issue licenses for the production and sale of medicinal cannabis. This October marks the beginning of this new chapter in the country, where companies will be able to obtain licenses to grow and market cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The Paraguayan government has established that 2% of all medicinal cannabis produced in the country will be allocated to the Ministry of Health. This percentage will be used to provide free medical cannabis to patients who need it.
Benefits for Patients
According to Julio Mazzoleni, Paraguayan Minister of Public Health and Social Welfare, medicinal cannabis in Paraguay will be especially intended for patients with epilepsy and Parkinson’s. These diseases may find relief in the use of medicinal cannabis, thanks to its therapeutic properties.
This measure is part of a national program launched in 2017, which seeks to regulate the use of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes in Paraguay. Since then, the State has been acquiring cannabis oil for medicinal purposes, providing patients with an effective treatment alternative.
Regulation and Control
The new regulation in Paraguay allows the importation of marijuana seeds and the cultivation of the plant for medical uses. This decision follows the trends established by other Latin American countries, which have recognized the benefits of medicinal cannabis.
Roberto Cabanas, vice president of the medicinal cannabis organization in Paraguay, has expressed his satisfaction with this new regulation. According to him, this situation will allow the importation of seeds for the production of cannabis oil, which is especially important for people who need this treatment for diseases such as Dravet syndrome.
The Impact on the International Market
Paraguay is known as a world power in marijuana production, being responsible for 9% of the global supply. However, until now, much of this production was destined for the international black market.
With the legalization of medicinal cannabis, Paraguay seeks to take advantage of its production capacity to supply the European therapeutic cannabis market. This represents an economic opportunity for the country, since currently the majority of marijuana grown is illegally exported to countries such as Argentina and Chile.
The Challenge of Drug Trafficking
Paraguay faces the challenge of combating drug trafficking and violence associated with the illegal export of marijuana. Although the country has been recognized for its stability and low corruption compared to other countries in the region, its geographical position and open borders have attracted the attention of major drug trafficking gangs.
Paraguayan authorities are working to control this illegal market and ensure that medicinal cannabis is used safely and legally. Regulation and control are essential to prevent medical cannabis production from being diverted to the black market
A promising future
The progress in the legalization and regulation of medicinal cannabis in Paraguay represents an important step in the treatment of diseases and the economic development of the country. With the issuance of licenses for the production and sale of medicinal cannabis, it is expected that more patients will be able to access this treatment and that Paraguay will consolidate itself as a relevant player in the international therapeutic cannabis market.
