In recent developments within Argentina, cultivators of medicinal cannabis are expressing growing concern over potential government actions that may threaten the existing legislation allowing for personal cultivation. This concern stems from fears of a regression in rights and the stigmatization of marijuana consumption.
The Looming Threat to Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation
Claudia Pérez, a former member of Mamá Cultiva La Plata and a leading figure in the Madres Cultivadoras Argentinas organization, has voiced apprehensions regarding the new government’s approach to the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The fear is that this practice, which has been demonstrated to offer numerous health benefits, could be stigmatized and penalized. Pérez highlighted the irresponsibility of recent criticisms aired on television, which linked medical cannabis cultivation to drug trafficking, underscoring the potential for increased persecution and criminalization of cultivators. This sentiment is echoed by other organizations such as Mamá Cultiva, which fears that the government might backtrack on the medicinal cannabis law’s regulation enacted during Alberto Fernández’s administration.
A Step Forward in Medicinal Cannabis Legislation
The regulations introduced by Fernández’s government expanded the scope of the law, allowing for the sale of cannabis oils and adopting an “integral” concept of health that includes physical, psychological, and social aspects. These regulations not only permit personal cultivation through registration but also enable the transportation of marijuana, which is otherwise prohibited under current drug laws. Additionally, in August 2023, the former government regulated the production of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp under Law 27.669, aimed at boosting cannabis production. However, with the change in administration, there are concerns that Javier Milei’s government might initiate a rollback on these advancements.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Agencia Regulatoria de la Industria del Cáñamo y del Cannabis Medicinal (Ariccame) formalized the regulatory framework for the cannabis and hemp industry, indicating a significant step towards recognizing and integrating cannabis into medical and industrial sectors. Medicinal cannabis cultivation offers benefits for treating conditions such as refractory epilepsy, pain relief in serious pathologies, and even applications in cosmetics and dermatology. Research also suggests potential benefits for cancer or HIV patients.
Despite the legal framework in place, the potential for criminal penalties without proper authorization looms large, with over 250,000 individuals engaged in cultivation across Argentina. For advocates like Pérez, the rights and advancements achieved thus far are non-negotiable, emphasizing the critical need to protect and advance these gains in the face of potential government challenges.
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Cultivadoras de cannabis medicinal, en alerta: temen una avanzada del Gobierno de Milei