Panama Becomes First Nation in Central America to Legalize Medical Cannabis
Recently, the National Assembly of Panama voted to approve the legalization of medical cannabis, becoming the First Nation in Central America to do so.
On August 30, 2021 the national assembly of Panama unanimously voted on the passage of legislation that will allow for the legalization and regulation of medical cannabis (1). This marks Panama as the first nation in Central America to legalize medical cannabis.
The bill would set up a registry of authorized cannabis patients and permit further research on the plant. The national assembly passed the legislation by a vote of 44 lawmakers in favor and none voting against it.
Assembly President Crispiano Adames hailed the bill as "innovative," citing multiple ailments that can be treated with cannabis once the proposal becomes law (2).
The medical cannabis legislation now awaits the signature of President Laurentino Cortizo.
References
Medical Cannabis Campaigning with Americans for Safe Access
September 4th 2024As discussions about the federal scheduling of cannabis continue, efforts by medical cannabis advocates are intensifying. One such advocate is Americans for Safe Access (ASA), a nonprofit organization founded by patients for patients. Since 2002, ASA has been championing the rights of medical cannabis patients and has recently launched new campaigns and strategies to refocus attention on patient needs. In this interview, Steph Sherer, founder and president of ASA, reflects on past successes in medical cannabis advocacy, shares her perspective on recent cannabis and hemp policymaking, and outlines the next steps for advancing a unified medical cannabis message on Capitol Hill—a message that could bring about the changes patients have long awaited.
