Panama to legalise medicinal cannabis, a first in Central America

Panama patients suffering from chronic pain can now rest a little easier with medicinal cannabis soon to be legalised in the country.

Panama is the first nation in Central America to approve the use of Medical cannabis.

Once bill 153 becomes law, authorised patients can join a register to receive the drug.

Additionally, the bill will permit further research to occur in the region under a new national program which will focus on medicinal use of cannabis and its derivatives. 

The bill passed congress with flying colours with all 44 votes supporting the bill unanimous.

An “innovative” idea

Assembly President Crispiano Adames called the bill “innovative,” grateful that it can be used to provide pain relief for chronic and mild ailments. 

“Today many people require medicinal cannabis. At the moment they do it illicitly, through smuggling. Citizenship deserves a regulation,” Adames told Cannabis Magazine.

Medicinal cannabis is used to treat several medical conditions such as chronic, neuropathic and cancer pains.

Panama joins several other countries legalising the drug, including Australia, Canada and Columbia among others. 

The bill requires final approval by President Laurentino Cortizo before it can be legalised.

Written by Rebecca Borg