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tenorly

(2,037 posts)
Wed Mar 29, 2017, 10:35 PM Mar 2017

Argentine Congress overwhelmingly approves cannabis oil for medical use

The Argentine Senate unanimously approved the legalization of cannabis oil for medicinal use this evening, making the bill ready to be sent to President Mauricio Macri's desk for his signature.

Its passage in the Senate, with all 58 senators (out of 72) present voting in the affirmative, comes a full four months after the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, did so on November 23 with 221 voting aye and just one abstention (out of 257).

President Macri, who as mayor of Buenos Aires staunchly opposed legalization of cannabis or any narcotic and who was narrowly elected in 2015 on a law-and-order platform, has not indicated whether he intends to sign the bill; but all members of his right-wing "Let's Change" caucus present in today's session voted for the popular measure.

The bill allows the Argentine Government to import and eventually cultivate marijuana for the distribution of cannabis oil to anyone in Argentina with a prescription. It falls short, however, of demands made by medical cannabis use advocates, which included the establishment of permits for those willing to cultivate their own.

The original version proposed by the center-left Front for Victory (FpV) caucus included these permits; but the provision was struck from the final version due to opposition from Macri's "Let's Change" caucus.

Mariana Quiroga of the advocacy group Mamá Cultiva, which represents those who already grow marijuana for the treatment of loved ones with painful chronic conditions, applauded the bill but noted that it "still leaves us unprotected from a State which persecutes us for growing marijuana, which for years has been the best medicine we've ever found for our loved ones in pain."

Alejandro Cibotti of the Network of Medicinal Cannabis Users (RUCAM) agreed, noting that besides allowing those with chronic pain to live normal lives it allows them to discontinue the use of Methadone and other highly addictive opiates.

Flexible and creative

Congresswoman Nilda Garré of the FpV, who supported the bill, called on Macri to be "flexible and creative in helping people deal with their health problems." Garré pointed to the fact that 20 European countries, 23 U.S. states, Canada, Chile, and Uruguay - as well as two Argentine provinces - already have such legislation on the books.

The Argentine Supreme Court in 2009 ruled it unconstitutional to prosecute citizens for possessing narcotics solely for personal use. The number of prison sentences issued under the country's Narcotics Law - many of which involved marijuana - nevertheless rose from 2,000 annually in 2009 to 3,000 currently.

The bill passed today does not address decriminalization in general, or the legal situation of those currently in prison for cultivation - even for medicinal use. One such case, Adriana Funaro, was sentenced to house arrest in February for growing marijuana to treat a hereditary osteoarthritis condition.

"We're persecuted no matter what the proof," she lamented. Her sentence was affirmed on appeal the day before passage of this bill.

At: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pagina12.com.ar%2F28606-legalizaron-el-cannabis-medicinal&edit-text=

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Argentine Congress overwhelmingly approves cannabis oil for medical use (Original Post) tenorly Mar 2017 OP
along with Uruguay the recognition of the medicinal benefits is now paving the way peacebuzzard Apr 2017 #1
It's progress - but right-wingers managed to nix the clause legalizing cultivation for medical use. tenorly Apr 2017 #2
Not the initial success I imagined on par with Uruguay peacebuzzard Apr 2017 #3

peacebuzzard

(5,182 posts)
1. along with Uruguay the recognition of the medicinal benefits is now paving the way
Sat Apr 1, 2017, 11:07 AM
Apr 2017

For a social acceptance deep in South America. That is a notable progress. I hope it goes mainstream in every country. Btw, the google translate has really improved, I need to take a closer look at that, I appreciate the information.

tenorly

(2,037 posts)
2. It's progress - but right-wingers managed to nix the clause legalizing cultivation for medical use.
Sat Apr 1, 2017, 02:50 PM
Apr 2017

That will make them dependent on the State for cannabis oil.

It also remains to be seen if Macri, who's always been very much in the GOP mold (police state for you, Lord of the Flies-like freedom for me and the banksters), will sign the bill.

He's also given to illegally using decrees overturning laws passed by Congress and signed by previous presidents - and big ones, too.

In short, it's all still very much in flux.

Have a great weekend.

peacebuzzard

(5,182 posts)
3. Not the initial success I imagined on par with Uruguay
Mon Apr 3, 2017, 12:55 PM
Apr 2017

The way I understand it then, it's more bureaucracy involved and subject to a dynamic interpretation. I wonder if the cannabinoid (Hemp) products are available in Argentina which can be found in US vitamin stores or online? I gave the CBD to my dog who had terminal cancer, it brought my sweet boy enormous relief and he did great for a long time.


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