The Parliament of the Canary Islands has approved a Proposition of Law (PNL), with only the Vox Group voting against, to support the medicinal use of cannabis. This initiative aims to promote the development of the medical cannabis industry in the Canary Islands and recognize the pharmaceutical use of its active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
The Canary Islands Government is encouraged to urge the Spanish Government to follow the recommendations of the Subcommittee on Health and Consumer Affairs regarding the regulation of cannabis APIs for pharmaceutical use. The proposal also calls for promoting scientific research and positioning the Canary Islands as a hub for the development of this industry.
Raúl Acosta, the spokesman for the Mixed Group, defended the proposal, highlighting the “abundant arguments” justifying a decisive commitment to the cultivation and use of medical cannabis. He emphasized that this move would diversify the economy, create synergies between different sectors, and provide alternatives for declining agricultural areas.
Acosta pointed out that the favorable climatic conditions in the Canary Islands would allow for high-quality outdoor cannabis cultivation, enabling up to six harvests per year. This, in turn, would lead to higher production levels compared to other regions.
Cristina Calero of the Canary Islands Nationalist Group noted that medicinal use of cannabis has been documented for over 5,000 years. She advocated for further research through health centers like the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC) and the Canary Islands Institute of Agricultural Research (ICIA).
Mónica Muñoz from the Popular Group highlighted the benefits of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, in improving the quality of life for people with various illnesses. She stressed that ignoring this potential contradicts the views of the scientific community, which supports its use to alleviate symptoms of chronic and neuropathic pain.
Melodie Mendoza (ASG) supported the proposal, citing the dual benefits of cannabinoids, while Yone Caraballo (NC-BC) valued the potential for generating effective medicines and promoting the primary sector. Socialist MP Tamara Raya added that regulation is better than continuing with unregulated health and economic conditions regarding these products.
However, Marta Gómez of the Vox Group justified their vote against the initiative, recalling a similar proposal in 2022 that was rejected by her political group, maintaining consistency in their stance.
