In recent years, the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes has become increasingly popular in the United States and Canada. And as its use in Europe grows, so too does support for medical cannabis in Spain. By 2025, the industry is expected to be worth EUR50 billion, with Spain contributing about five million euros to that total. So, what’s the future of medical cannabis in Spain? Can it ever become a reality?
Although Spain was among the first countries in Europe to decriminalize personal marijuana use, the government still follows behind other European countries. The country has outdated laws and regulations that prevent patients from legally accessing medical cannabis. It also offers only a marijuana small range of pharmaceutical cannabinoid products, but public opinion is supportive of legalizing medical cannabis. Despite this, the government has made no official moves toward legalizing medical cannabis, making access to recreational marijuana a difficult issue for the population.
In April 2021, a barometer survey of the Spanish population found that 90.1% of people surveyed argued for the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes. That figure was even higher when compared to the corresponding results from a similar survey in 2008. This trend is also supported by seed companies. Furthermore, the country has developed an industry-related network that includes cannabis users and activists. Additionally, hemp-related businesses are making significant revenues in Spain.
While the industry’s media presence and research publications suggest that Spanish support for medical cannabis is gaining momentum, the lack of structured lobbying makes it difficult for the industry to progress. Despite this lack of industry lobbying, the authors of the article argue that the Kanavape case will spark regulatory reflection. In the meantime, the industry will need to push hard to open the eyes of the Spanish authorities. It’s time to consider legalizing cannabis in Spain.
The government’s lack of interest in legalizing medical cannabis has fueled an international campaign to regulate the industry. While the government of Spain has not regulated cannabis, a number of marijuana companies have registered and developed their products. A parliamentary commission to legalize cannabis was recently approved by the government and supported by the anti-austerity party Podemos. With support from other political parties, the industry is beginning to change its negative image.
The legalization of medical cannabis in Spain has led to the creation of many cannabis social clubs in different cities. The clubs began as non-profit cooperatives for those who wanted to use cannabis medicinally. Over time, however, they have become a tourist attraction and contribute to the black market. With legalization, these clubs will be a thing of the past. There are now thousands of medical cannabis patients in Spain.
A government subcommittee will study the medical benefits of marijuana. Representatives from all parties voted in favor of the proposal to establish the group. This group will study the benefits of marijuana as a medicine. The socialist deputy Daniel Viondi will act as the spokesman for the group. A study released last year by the National Institute of Health has indicated that ninety percent of Spanish adults favor the use of medical cannabis.
The Italian government has also made progress in the legalization of cannabis for medicinal use. A recent ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in Italy eliminated the lengthy bureaucratic process of obtaining a prescription for cannabis. In addition, about 300 patients in Germany can now purchase cannabis products at pure cbd seeds any pharmacy. The costs of palliative cannabis treatment in Germany are approximately EUR800 per month. However, it is not covered under the German health insurance system. In Italy, the Administrative Court of Cologne has also ruled that people with severe medical conditions are allowed to grow cannabis in their homes.
While medical marijuana is legal in many countries in Europe, more is still needed to make the practice legal. France is poised to trial medical marijuana in 2016, while Switzerland is preparing to make it available to patients. And as more European countries legalise marijuana, the situation in Spain is expected to improve. The legalization of medical cannabis in Spain will increase patient access to the medication. With increasing access, the legalization of cannabis in Spain will grow exponentially.
Uruguay and Canada have already legalized cannabis for medical use. Canada is an icon of progressive thinking with a huge GDP and a G8 membership. It’s estimated that five million Canadians currently use cannabis and the industry generates EUR6 billion in tax revenue. The country’s regulatory model is more business-oriented and focuses on tax revenue, rather than public health. So, the best way to make a legal cannabis system in Spain is to carefully plan out the details.