Argentina Senate Unanimously Approves Legislation to Legalize Medical Marijuana, Sent to President
Argentina’s Senate voted unanimously today to legalize medical marijuana.
The Argentine flag.
As reported by the Associated Press; ” Argentina’s Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill legalizing the use of cannabis oil and other marijuana derivatives for medicinal purposes, and setting up a regulatory framework for the state to prescribe and distribute them to patients.” The legislation also creates a medical marijuana research program at the Health Ministry, which must “guarantee free access” to cannabis oil and other derivatives to patients who join the program.
The measure has already passed the Chamber of Deputies, meaning it will now be sent to President Mauricio Macri for consideration.
“We have very capable doctors who are waiting to act and help us”, says Valeria Salech, President of Mama Cultiva, a group dedicated to home-grown cannabis in Argentina. “There will be national production and research”. Salech, who has a 10-year old child with epilepsy, called the proposed law “a step forward”, even though it doesn’t allow for patients to grow their own.
President Mauricio Macri is expected to sign the measure once it reaches his desk.