"I signed the Executive Decree that regulates Law 242 of 2021, which regulates the medicinal and therapeutic use of cannabis and its derivatives; one of the most solid regulations at the regional level, to allow the consumption of processed cannabis and give relief to thousands of patients," wrote Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo on Twitter.

In addition, he announced the creation of the National Directorate for the Monitoring of Activities Related to Medical Cannabis, which will be attached to the Ministry of Public Security for the control, "surveillance and supervision of the required activities."

In the Latin country, people with medical prescription are those who will be able to consume cannabis, following a strong control under the supervision of a patient registration system.

"The purpose of all this is for Panama to have the best management model for the medical cannabis industry. Our intention is to promote in the medium and long-term the establishment of local and foreign companies that can supply the domestic market using raw materials produced in Panama," Cortizo said.

The Panamanian President also said that "the commercialization of the products will be made under a strict control of imports with a traceability program that includes monitoring, from the cultivation areas to the laboratories and final points of sale."

According to the above, with the approved regulations, the hope is for Panama to have a better management model for the medical cannabis industry. 

"Our intention is to promote in the medium and long term, the establishment of local and foreign companies that can supply the domestic market, using raw material produced in Panama," he added.

This work is the result of three years of close collaboration and coordination between various bodies of the Executive Branch and the National Assembly.

"We are pleased to be able to deliver this resource to the thousands of Panamanians who for years have been waiting for this medicinal alternative," said Cortizo.