The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, announced in an interview with TN that the Government plans to revoke all permits for the cultivation of medicinal cannabis as part of a complete review of the Cannabis Program Registry (Reprocann). Bullrich emphasized that while medicinal cannabis is supported by Law 27.350, the same does not happen with the diversion of marijuana to the illegal market, which this measure seeks to address.
The decision to "start from scratch" would create a problem for more than 170,000 patients with valid credentials who receive treatment with medicinal cannabis. Actress Valentina Bassi expressed her concern about this situation, mentioning that denying access to medicine for children with epilepsy, autistic individuals, the elderly, and people who use it for various conditions would be catastrophic.
Bullrich explained that the measure aims to stop the lack of control in the use of permits, which she claimed facilitates the diversion of cannabis to the illegal market. She cited a specific case to illustrate the situation and emphasized the importance of implementing stricter control to avoid the impunity that can lead to violence.
On the other hand, there are questions about whether legally cultivated medicinal cannabis in Argentina has a THC concentration more potent than in other countries, such as Uruguay, which has stricter regulation. The lack of scientific evidence regarding this raises doubts about this argument presented by Bullrich, while organizations support the cultivation of medicinal cannabis in the country.
Valentina Bassi, mother of a teenager with ASD and advocate for medicinal cannabis, criticized the minister's statements and warned about the negative consequences that could arise from suddenly removing access to medicine for those in need. The actress emphasized the importance of respecting the acquired rights of patients and the need not to misinform or destroy a system that, despite being criticized, provides benefits to those who need it.
