INTRODUCTION

: Since 2016 laws on medicinal cannabis have been sanctioned and regulated. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug with hundreds of compounds, being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) those of greatest therapeutic interest. The objective of the present work was to describe the process of incorporation of cannabis in different provinces of Argentina.

METHODS

: The legal framework, scientific evidence, participation of decision makers and/or patients, NGOs, implementation protocols, agreements, import procedures, judicialization and current national regulations for the acquisition of preparations were analized.

RESULTS

: Between 2016 and 2017, five provinces enacted laws on the medicinal use of cannabis, some of them carrying out mutual consultations and reporting on legislative experiences. In 2017, National Law No. 27350 was enacted, and partially regulated. The use of CBD in refractory epilepsy is the indication with the greatest evidence of effectiveness in existing studies, which is reflected in most of the laws. CBD preparations are not legally marketed in the country, and must be imported by way of exception and authorization from the National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices.

CONCLUSIONS

: A health policy thar offers more benefit than risk is needed, as well as to document the results in patients receiving treatments. RedArets has presented a framework for explicit coverage, collaborating in the elaboration of laws in their provinces.

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