Introduction
Medical cannabis has been legalized in Paraguay for more than 4 years, but research in this field is scarce. Despite legal advances, scientists face bureaucratic obstacles and legal limitations that hinder the development of medical cannabis research. Meanwhile, patients and activists are forced to face high costs to access legally produced oils or the criminalization of self-cultivation.
The legal framework for medical cannabis research in Paraguay
Law 6,007, enacted in December 2017, establishes the legal framework for the study and medical and scientific research of cannabis and its derivatives in Paraguay. However, the National Program for the Medical and Scientific Study and Research of the Medicinal Use of the Cannabis Plant and its Derivatives (PROINCUMEC) has faced difficulties in its implementation. Until the end of 2020, the program did not have a person in charge, which has delayed the development of research in this field.
Obstacles and limitations in medical cannabis research
In addition to the lack of personnel at PROINCUMEC, another obstacle to medical cannabis research in Paraguay is the lack of requests to carry out studies in this field. According to the program coordinator, Mercedes Da Silva, during 2021 they focused on the registration of users and doctors, as well as the free delivery of medicinal oil to registered patients. Currently, only one investigation is in the authorization process at PROINCUMEC, which demonstrates the lack of progress in this field.
Institutions involved in medical cannabis research
Law 6,007 establishes that PROINCUMEC must cooperate with academic and scientific institutions to carry out research in medicinal cannabis. However, so far, only the National University of Asunción (UNA) has carried out research in this field. Other institutions such as the Paraguayan Institute of Agrarian Technology (IPTA), the National Forestry Institute (INFONA) and the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) have not yet begun research on medicinal cannabis.
Emerging lines of research on cannabis
The Multidisciplinary Center for Technological Research (CEMIT) of the UNA has supported the completion of two theses on cannabis. These investigations have focused on the identification of cannabinoids and the standardization of methodologies for the identification and quantification of cannabinoids in the oil. CEMIT has also signed an agreement with the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) to develop research projects in medicinal cannabis and hemp.
Access to medicinal cannabis in Paraguay
Access to medicinal cannabis in Paraguay remains limited. To date, only patients with refractory epilepsy and multiple sclerosis can access medicinal oil for free through PROINCUMEC. However, there are other diseases whose ailments could be alleviated with medicinal cannabis, but they are not recognized by the program. This has led organizations such as Mamá Cultiva to promote self-cultivation as an alternative to access medicinal cannabis. However, self-cultivation of cannabis remains illegal in Paraguay and is penalized by law.
Future perspectives
Despite current obstacles and limitations, it is expected that more research in medicinal cannabis will be carried out in Paraguay in the coming years. UNA’s CEMIT has a line of research dedicated to the evaluation of germplasm, production, formulation and quality control of medicinal cannabis and hemp. Furthermore, it is expected that the signing of the agreement between CEMIT and SENAD will facilitate the authorization procedures and provision of raw materials for research.
In conclusion, despite the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Paraguay, research in this field is limited due to bureaucratic obstacles and legal limitations. However, it is hoped that in the future more research will be conducted and access to medicinal cannabis will be expanded to benefit a greater number of patients.
