In a move that could have a positive impact on the island’s economy, the government of Cyprus has approved a new medical marijuana bill. The new legislation will allow for both research and recreational use of cannabis. Under the new law, doctors will be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients with certain conditions. In addition, doctors will be able to authorize medical cannabis products for use as a drug.
This is significant because it means that patients won’t need to import their cannabis anymore to access the treatment. Currently, only pharmaceutical companies are allowed to grow medical marijuana in Cyprus. However, now that the restrictions have been eased, it could open up more opportunities for local businesses looking to enter the market as well as other countries that are eager to do business with Cypriots who embrace cannabis as medicine.
How Was Medicinal Marijuana Legalized in Cyprus?
In November 2018, the government of Cyprus approved a new medical marijuana bill. The new legislation will allow for both research and recreational use of cannabis. Under the new law, doctors will be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients with certain conditions.
In addition, doctors will be able to authorize medical cannabis products for use as a drug. This is significant because it means that patients won’t need to import their cannabis anymore to access the treatment.
Currently, only pharmaceutical companies are allowed to grow medical marijuana in Cyprus. However, now that the restrictions have been eased, it could open up more opportunities for local businesses looking to enter the market as well as other countries that are eager to do business with Cypriots who embrace cannabis as medicine.
New Medical Marijuana Bill Approved
In March 2019, the government approved a new medical marijuana bill. The new legislation will allow for both research and recreational use of cannabis.
Under the new law, doctors will be able to prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients with certain conditions. In addition, doctors will be able to authorize medical cannabis products for use as a drug. This is significant because it means that patients won’t need to import their cannabis anymore to access the treatment.
Currently, only pharmaceutical companies are allowed to grow medical marijuana in Cyprus. However, now that the restrictions have been eased, it could open up more opportunities for local businesses looking to enter the market as well as other countries that are eager to do business with Cypriots who embrace cannabis as medicine.
Who Will Have Access to Medical Marijuana Under the New Law?
The new bill will allow the following groups to have access to medicinal cannabis:
- Patients who suffer from chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV/AIDS, and epilepsy.
- Patients who have been diagnosed with a condition in one of the above-mentioned groups and who have been prescribed opioids.
- Patients with Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and inflammatory conditions.
- Patients who are under 18 years old and who have a condition in one of the above-mentioned groups. – Patients who suffer from a chronic condition.
- Patients who have been prescribed a cannabis-based drug.
- Patients who have other conditions that could be alleviated by the use of cannabis.
- Patients who are allowed to consume cannabis oil.
- Patients who can provide written consent to have access to medicinal cannabis.
- Patients who possess the necessary documents.
- Patients who work in stand-alone, non-staff-based, or community-based pharmacies.
- Patients who are certified to consume medicinal cannabis products e.g. registered health care professionals.
- Patients who can provide written consent.
- Patients who provide written consent can demonstrate that they understand the risks and benefits of medicinal cannabis.
- Patients who can provide written consent.
- Patients who can provide written consent.
Unregistered CBD Products Are Already Available in Cyprus
The new bill will allow for the following products to be distributed in Cyprus: – Cannabis oil – A cannabis-based chewing gum that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – A cannabis-based drink that can be used as an alternative to soft drinks.
- An anorectal cleansing product.
- Medication for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
- Medication for the treatment of pain.
- Medication for the treatment of epilepsy.
- Medication for the treatment of nausea.
- Medication for the treatment of spasticity.
- Medication for the treatment of IBD.
- Medication for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
- Medication for the treatment of Huntington’s disease.
- Medication for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Medication for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
- Medication for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
- Medication for the treatment of cancer.
- Medication for the treatment of chronic conditions.
- Medication for the treatment of chronic pain.
- Medication for the treatment of anorectal conditions.
- Medication for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
- Medication for the treatment of epilepsy.
What are the Conditions That Can Be Treated With Medicinal Cannabis?
The new bill will allow for the following conditions to be treated with medicinal cannabis: –
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Spasticity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- HIV/AIDS
- Epilepsy
- Huntington’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Other conditions
- Patients who are allowed to consume cannabis oil.
- Patients who can provide written consent to have access to medicinal cannabis.
- Patients who can provide written consent to have access to medicinal cannabis.
Final Words
Cannabis is one of the oldest medicines known to mankind. It was used for medicinal purposes and for religious rituals in biblical times. Since then, cannabis has been documented for its many medical benefits.
Cannabis can help treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, cancer, and weight loss. While many clinical trials have been conducted on the therapeutic effects of cannabis, more research is needed. Cannabis should be examined as a viable option for treating a range of medical conditions.
