Regulation, Assessment and Rational Use of Health Technologies: The Case of Medical Cannabis Derivatives

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Since 2016 laws on medicinalcannabis have been sanctioned and regulated. Cannabisis a psychoactive drug with hundreds of compounds, beingdelta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)those of greatest therapeutic interest. The objective of the presentwork was to describe the process of incorporation of cannabis indifferent provinces of Argentina. METHODS: The legal framework,scientific evidence, participation of decision makers and/or patients,NGOs, implementation protocols, agreements, import procedures,judicialization and current national regulations for the acquisition ofpreparations were analized. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2017, fiveprovinces enacted laws on the medicinal use of cannabis, some ofthem carrying out mutual consultations and reporting on legislativeexperiences. In 2017, National Law No. 27350 was enacted, andpartially regulated. The use of CBD in refractory epilepsy is theindication with the greatest evidence of effectiveness in existingstudies, which is reflected in most of the laws. CBD preparations arenot legally marketed in the country, and must be imported by wayof exception and authorization from the National Administrationof Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices. CONCLUSIONS: A healthpolicy thar offers more benefit than risk is needed, as well as todocument the results in patients receiving treatments. RedAretshas presented a framework for explicit coverage, collaboratingin the elaboration of laws in their province