Is Marijuana Legal in Panama?
Article written by
Emma Stone
Cannabis for medical purposes is legal in Panama.
In 2021, Panama’s National Assembly passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana with a unanimous vote.
In 2022, Panama’s President Laurentino Cortizo Cohen enacted two executive decrees legalizing cannabis and cannabis products for veterinary, scientific, research, and medical purposes.
In doing so, Panama became the first Central American country to legalize medical marijuana. Recreational marijuana use, however, remains illegal in Panama.
Medical Marijuana Laws in Panama
Panama has already issued regulations regarding who will be eligible to receive medical marijuana treatment.
Patients with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, autism, HIV, AIDS, or arthritis are eligible to access marijuana for medical use. Qualifying patients will be enrolled in a registry, El Programa Nacional para el Estudio y Uso Medicinal del Cannabis (The National Program for the Study and Use of Medicinal Cannabis).
Each patient record will be documented in the registry, with details regarding their condition, the treating physician, the prescribed cannabis dose, and the frequency of treatment. Patients will only be able to access medical marijuana products from licensed pharmacies.
The Panamanian government has also released another decree focused on the secure management of medicinal cannabis.
This decree establishes a National Directorate for the Monitoring of Activities Related to Medical Cannabis, which will work under Panama’s Public Ministry of Security.
The Directorate is responsible for supervising the production, cultivation, handling, storage, and transport of medical marijuana products in Panama.
It is also responsible for issuing licenses for medical cannabis producers and outlining the security protocols for those who will be cultivating or producing medical cannabis products.
What to Know about Cannabis in Panama
Panama’s recent move to legalize medical marijuana use may herald significant changes, not only for the Central American nation but globally as well.
Medical Marijuana Legalization in Panama May Have Global Repercussions
The Panama Canal represents one of the globe’s most important continental passageways.
When transport ships transit through the Panama Canal, they can avoid circumnavigating the tip of Latin America. This makes Panama an attractive prospect for cartel activity and narcotics trafficking.
With medical marijuana now legal in Panama, this technically should render it easier for cannabis to be shipped through the Canal.
Illegal shipments of marijuana or other drugs are frequently seized in Panama. Allowing shipments of cannabis through the Panama Canal could influence global cannabis supply chains.
Panama Is Welcoming Diverse Foreign Medical Marijuana Initiatives
According to Panama’s President, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, the rollout of the new law in the Central American country creates opportunities for foreign companies to develop Panama’s medical cannabis industry.
Panama plans to welcome both local and foreign companies that can supply Panamanians with cannabis products created using raw materials produced in Panama.
Cohen has also invited research centers, universities, and institutes specializing in medical cannabis to conduct clinical trials.
Panama has been celebrated as a trailblazer in the region as the first Central American country to legalize medical marijuana, with Costa Rica following suit several months afterward.
Can You Grow Cannabis in Panama?
Medicinal cannabis cultivation is now allowed in Panama thanks to the executive decree enacted in 2022.
However, any individual or business that wishes to grow weed must be licensed.
Licenses will be issued by the Ministry of Security, with the Ministry of Agricultural Development, National Customs Authority, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries responsible for keeping an eye on businesses growing cannabis.
The Bottom Line
Panama made headlines in 2022 when it became the first Central American country to legalize marijuana for medicinal use.
The country is fast implementing the rollout of its cannabis program for qualifying patients and businesses that wish to set up cannabis operations. However, it’s important to note that personal use remains illegal.