Panama and cannabis

In the news today about the famous canal – but what about Panama and marijuana?

Panama is the only place in the world where the sun rises in the Pacific Ocean and sets in the Atlantic Ocean. It's a little smaller than South Carolina, but it has it more bird species than the continental United States. It is also home to many natural attractions including white water rafting, snorkeling and bird watching. A long-time friend, it was the first Latin American country to use the US dollar as its currency. Now it's the news with the new government. Given the discussion here, what about Panama and cannabis?

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Panama's economy is based primarily on the tourism and services sectors, which account for almost 80% of GDP and account for the majority of foreign income. Services include banking, trading, insurance, container ports and flagship registries, and medical and health. Since there are a significant number of travelers who love adventure, outdoor activities and relaxation, the country's attitude towards marijuana is evolving.

Panama has made significant progress in the field of cannabis, particularly in its medical uses. In 2021, Panama became the first Central American state to legalize medical cannabis when President Laurentino Cortizo signed Law 242, allowing the medical and therapeutic use of cannabis and its derivatives. This law was in response to growing demands from patients with various medical conditions, including epilepsy and chronic pain, who had previously resorted to smuggling cannabis products due to lack of legal options

In September 2022, the Panamanian government issued regulations to support the implementation of Law 242. These regulations created a national directorate for the supervision of medical cannabis-related activities, subordinate to the Ministry of Public Security. This body is responsible for overseeing the cultivation, production and distribution of medical cannabis products, ensuring the protection of patient data and the traceability of products from cultivation to sale. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is tasked with issuing licenses for the production and marketing of cannabis products, with an initial cap of seven manufacturing licenses in the first five years. The regulations aim to ensure that all medical cannabis produced in Panama meets strict quality standards.

The government aims to create a robust local industry that will not only meet domestic needs, but also position Panama as a potential hub for international medical cannabis trade. While they are making progress in regulating medical cannabis, recreational use remains illegal in Panama. The law against recreational cannabis is often not enforced, resulting in a culture in which its use among youth is tolerated. Both the public and tourists feel the relaxed atmosphere.

Panama has one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America and a stable government. Like the United States, it is a republic and includes the public. They have evaluated cannabis as a benefit and have moved to integrate it into their healthcare.