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Spain is making strides toward legalizing marijuana for medical use, with the Health Ministry initiating the introduction of new legislation to sanction its therapeutic application across various conditions. Reports from the Spanish media indicate that the proposed law is currently undergoing a phase of consultation and discussion. Residents, professionals and experts are asked to contact the ministry via email during this period to express their views on the subject.
Recently, Spain health secretary Javier Padilla had talks with scientific societies and professional associations after holding conversations with the EU Observatory of Marijuana Consumption and Cultivation. Further consultations are planned with the Spanish OECM.
The ministry noted that the upcoming bill is a well-thought-out policy based on recent scientific findings. Additionally, it said that the effectiveness of marijuana as a therapy alternative will be regularly assessed, with an emphasis on patient safety and product quality.
The regulatory framework aims to remain adaptable, rapidly integrating new evidence on marijuana’s medical benefits as it emerges.
However, there are dissenting voices, particularly regarding the exclusion of cannabis buds and home cultivation, which many patients advocate for. Initial provisions suggest that authorized medical cannabis products will primarily comprise oils, prescribed solely by SNS-approved doctors rather than private entities. Furthermore, only hospital pharmacists will be able to dispense the medications, which will restrict accessibility in comparison to the widely available corner dispensaries.
Currently, eligible patients include those undergoing chemotherapy for managing symptoms such as refractory pain, seizures, vomiting and nausea. The list of qualifying conditions is expected to expand in the future, according to sources.
Spain’s move toward medical marijuana legalization aligns with similar efforts in other European nations, including Portugal and Norway. The decision also reflects the growing demand for medical marijuana, with Spain projecting a significant increase in production to meet patient needs.
The Health Ministry anticipates producing 36 tons of medical marijuana this year, which is a 12.5-ton increase from last year. The increase is in line with a significant upward trend in medical marijuana output in the nation that began in 2022.
Approximately 400 kilograms were produced in 2018, according to the AEMPS, with an estimated 600 kilograms produced in 2021. This amount, however, increased dramatically to six tons in 2022 and then further quadrupled to 24 tons in 2023. More than 80% of this amount was exported for use as medical marijuana, with less than 20% reserved for research.
The numbers indicate that Spain has surpassed Portugal, which is frequently regarded as the center of Europe’s medical marijuana export industry and is predicted to generate 32 tons this year.
The growing wave of cannabis law reform around the world could open many international markets for established cannabis companies such as Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) that have gained immense experience in the North American market where they currently operate.
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