RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Thursday, November 12th, the Argentine government legalized the cultivation of medicinal marijuana for personal use. Argentineans will be allowed to cultivate the plant individually or in groups, according to a publication in the country’s Official Gazette. The recreational use of the drug is still banned in the country.
The decree signed by President Alberto Fernández regulates a 2017 law that permitted the use of oils based on the marijuana plant for medical treatment, but still prohibited its cultivation – as well as the possession of seeds.
“We must not defer the establishment of a regulatory framework that allows safe and inclusive access to those who want to use cannabis as a therapeutic tool,” the document says.
In addition to cultivation for personal consumption, pharmacies will be allowed to sell cannabis-based oils and creams.
In order to obtain authorization to buy or plant, Argentineans must enroll in a national program linked to the Ministry of Health.
For years there has been political pressure from parents of children with severe illnesses who could benefit from cannabis-based medicines, but struggled to find the products.
Source: G1