This is a first in Central America. Panama’s parliament on Monday approved a bill legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes. The cultivation of this substance, its exploitation, its use and its marketing, including for export, will be supervised through licenses granted by the State.
This project, on the initiative of the President of Parliament, Crispiano Adames, was approved by 44 votes in favor and none against. The text has yet to be promulgated by President Laurentino Cortizo.
Use also for “veterinary” purposes
“This measure will help hundreds of Panamanians who until now have been unable to acquire this drug,” said MP Leandro Avila, a member of the same party as Crispiano Adames, the Democratic Revolutionary Party (in power, social democrat). The use of cannabis will be for “therapeutic, medical, veterinary, scientific and research purposes throughout the national territory”, indicates the text.
Its advocates aim to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from glaucoma, epilepsy, arthritis, migraines, convulsions and other types of pain, but also cancer.