Medical marijuana is best consumed by using a vape or vaping because it is smoke-free and cleaner, and here are some countries where cannabis is legal in pharmacies in a controlled manner. So far, there are five countries where cannabis is legally sold in pharmacies. In fact, there are also medicines prepared from cannabis or cannabinoids, which are marketed in several countries, like Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Cannabis sold in pharmacies, even they’re currently few, is a good start for cannabis penetrating the world of medicine or pharmacology. Every country where medical cannabis is available in pharmacies to have their own rules to ensure this is not abused.
- Uruguay
Uruguay is considered the pioneer in the legal sale of medical cannabis worldwide. Those who like to acquire should be registered and included in a list, so they can have access to medical marijuana. Medical cannabis user in Uruguay is only allowed to consume up to 40 grams of marijuana a month. This cannabis practice started in 2013.
- Portugal
In Europe, Portugal takes a little step further. The amount of cannabis per month is lower as compared to Uruguay. A qualified medical cannabis user can consume a total of 25 grams every month, divided into ten doses (2.5 grams each). It can be done with hashish at 5 grams a month which can be distributed in ten doses (0.5 grams each).
- Czech Republic
One of the countries in Europe allowing the sale of cannabis is the Czech Republic. But of course, there’s a restriction in terms of accessibility most especially when it comes to age. As long as there’s a prescription and the patient is at the legal age, medical cannabis can be purchased in Czech Republic pharmacies legally. This cannabis practice was also legalized in 2013.
- Colombia
People can harness the benefits of marijuana in Colombia. Cannabis is considered the forefront in fighting different diseases, thus improving the lives of people. For many years, Colombia has been a forefront in the manufacturing and exporting of medicines. The legalization of marijuana in pharmacies last year just proves that cannabis has a bright future in Colombia, thus helping more citizens.
- Mexico
Mexico, among the countries listed here, was the last country that legalized the sale of marijuana for therapeutic or medical purposes. In fact, Enrique Peña-Nieto, the current president, said that he will do his best to increase the acceptable or legal dose of cannabis in pharmacies to 5 to 28 grams per month.
Other countries have also proposed the legalization of medical cannabis aside from the countries mentioned above. These countries include Germany and Canada would also be on track to achieve this. In June 2015, pharmacies can legally get a license to sell cannabis in the city of Vancouver. It is considered a pilot project in legalizing the sale of medical cannabis in pharmacies. In Italy, although selling cannabis in pharmacies are not permitted, the sale of medical cannabis from the Netherlands is allowed. Pharmacies need to get a permit and users need to present the right prescription.
Healthcare Professionals Perspectives on Medical Cannabis
More and more healthcare professionals agree to the healing benefits of cannabis, and they are very much in favor of further research and development of this wonder herb. The College of Pharmacists of Barcelona provides a real and true information about marijuana consumption for medical purposes. They emphasize the importance of differentiating medical cannabis use from recreational use.
Although there have been a lot of claims, anecdotal evidence, and studies about the medical benefits of cannabis, many healthcare workers, most especially doctors who are still in doubt about the healing benefits of marijuana. Further clinical studies must be made with proven scientific evidence to encourage the medical community to be marijuana advocates. On the other hand, the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis lead to more health care professionals who can legally prescribe or educate medical cannabis to patients.
Moreover, vape products like vaporizers and vape pens are also becoming a medical tool in the administration of cannabis among qualified patients instead of smoking weed. Combustion of cannabis may result to formation of tar and other toxic chemicals harmful to health. Vaping is smoke-free and it is the most preferred method because vapes only produce water vapor without combustion. It is also a great way to take a dose of cannabis discreetly to get away with the prying eyes of people who don’t know much about medical cannabis. The advent of vaping and the fast social acceptance of vapes only prove that cannabis has a better future foreseen.
Drugs Made From Cannabis and Cannabinoids
There are pharmaceutical companies engaged in in-depth research and development of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. These products are based on marijuana extracts, gaining the benefits of THC and CBD, two active ingredients of cannabis. Here are the examples of drugs made from cannabis:
- Sativex (by Almirall Laboratories and Bayer)
This drug is administered sublingually. It is indicated for patients suffering from pain due to cancer and multiple sclerosis. It is now commercialized in Canada, Spain, and the UK.
- Marinol (by Abbvie)
This drug is used mainly in alleviating the problems of anorexic patients with HIV and terminal cancer. Marinol is now marketed in Australia, Canada, United States, South Africa, and New Zealand.
- Cesamet (by Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
It is used in reducing and treating nausea and vomiting among cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy that gives them these side effects. This drug is sold in countries such as the UK, Ireland Australia, and Canada.
Indeed, medical cannabis are gradually becoming accepted in many pharmacies. This is also brought upon by the efforts invested by cannabis advocates, as well as market research and development of marijuana as a potential medicine which is very effective in treating the signs and symptoms of different medical conditions. The growing demand for vape product proves the increased use of cannabis in a discreet and smoke-free method, which is the most preferred cannabis consumption among medical cannabis users.
