Peru Advances Medical Marijuana Legalization Following Public Outcry

Peru is moving forward with the legalization of medical marijuana following the approval of a bill by the Congressional Committee on National Defense. This legislative action comes in the wake of a controversial police raid on a makeshift cannabis lab run by mothers using cannabis to treat their children's medical conditions. The bill, which permits the production and importation of cannabis for therapeutic use, will now proceed to a full debate and vote in Congress

The push for legalization gained momentum after the raid revealed the struggles of parents who were cultivating cannabis to produce oil for their ailing children. Congressman Alberto de Belaunde announced that the committee unanimously supported the legislation, emphasizing the significant shift in policy toward decriminalizing cannabis for medical purposes. This development aligns with President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's initial proposal inspired by the mothers' plight

Ana Alvarez, founder of the NGO 'Seeking Hope,' expressed gratitude toward the authorities for progressing the legislation. She highlighted the importance of improving the quality of life for children suffering from conditions like epilepsy, stating that the legislative move is a reward for the persistent efforts of the mothers involved. The sentiment is echoed by a majority of the public, as an Ipsos poll indicated that 65% of Peruvians support medical cannabis legalization

Should the legislation pass, Peru will join Chile, Colombia, and Mexico in allowing cannabis for therapeutic purposes, marking a significant step in Latin America's evolving stance on marijuana. Uruguay remains the only country in the region with full legalization, covering both medical and recreational use. The upcoming congressional vote will determine whether Peru will follow its neighbors' footsteps, potentially transforming the landscape of medical treatment options in the country