RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – It is remarkable that Paraguay will legalize medical marijuana even before Brazil. The country is well known throughout Latin America as very conservative.
The bill introduced by Senators Victor Rios and Patrick Kemper was approved by half of the Upper House and will be sent to the Chamber of Deputies for consideration.
With 20 votes in favor and 11 against, the bill proposes to amend Articles 30 and 33 of Law No. 1340/1988 referring to the possession and cultivation of marijuana for therapeutic purposes. Cannabis possession and consumption for medicinal purposes is expected to be legal as long as there is a medical prescription certified by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).
It also provides that people who are prescribed this drug or its legal representative are not punished for planting and cultivating the plant. To this end, it provides that the domicile where the crop will be grown is authorized by the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD) and the corresponding patient’s medical certificate for whom the plant is grown.
Senator Victor Rios, the proponent of this bill, told ABC Color that under no circumstances was there any discussion about legalizing and marketing the plant for recreational use.
Minister of Health Julio Mazzoleni reported at a press conference that he has signed the decision “whereby the granting of licenses for the controlled production and industrialization of medicinal cannabis is processed”.
He explained that between October 1st and 31st they will be receiving applications to that effect at the Health Surveillance Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health, according to journalist Roberto Santander.
Documentation will be assessed in the first instance to determine whether it meets the requirements, followed by an in-depth analysis by a committee comprising the Public Health Ministry and the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD).
Mazzoleni noted that the law for cannabis oil states that companies must grant two percent of their production to the state. This will be transferred to public services for free delivery to patients who have scientifically proven evidence for the use of the oil, particularly those suffering from seizures, epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease, among others.
The head of the Senate, Arnaldo Giuzzio, said that this is a historic day for Paraguay and considered that various product options will be available on the market by the end of the year.
Key Facts
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— For the complete picture, read our in-depth guide: Paraguay: Washington's Most Valued Ally in Latin America
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