Cannabis medicinal: Mulino deroga decreto de Cortizo y dicta nuevas reglas | La Prensa Panamá

Key Changes in Panama's Medicinal Cannabis Regulations

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino signed Executive Decree 6 of April 4, 2025, which overhauls the regulations surrounding medical cannabis, replacing the 2022 decree. The new decree simplifies the process for doctors to prescribe cannabis, removing the previous requirement of mandatory training.

Challenges for Patients

However, the decree introduces stricter requirements for patients, including background checks and proof of parental rights, which critics argue adds unnecessary bureaucracy.

• Increased bureaucratic hurdles for patients accessing medicinal cannabis.
• Requirement of background checks and proof of parental rights for parents seeking cannabis for their children.

Controversial Vape Ban

The decree prohibits the use of vaporizers for consuming medical cannabis, despite a Supreme Court ruling against vape bans and the widespread use of vaporizers globally. This is seen as a contradiction and a significant obstacle for many patients.

Mixed Reactions

While some aspects are considered positive, such as the removal of mandatory training for prescribing physicians, the stricter requirements for patients and the vape ban remain contentious issues. Activists express concern over these aspects, highlighting the negative impact on patient access to medication.