Mamá Cultiva Argentina: Navigating Medicinal Cannabis Amid Electoral Turbulence

In the realm of alternative medicine and cannabis advocacy, Mamá Cultiva Argentina shines as a dedicated Argentine organization. Its core mission is to champion the use of medical marijuana, particularly for mothers seeking alternative treatments for their children's medical conditions.

At the helm of this organization stands Valeria Salech, a dedicated leader with a deeply personal connection to the cause. Salech's journey began when her child found relief from refractory epilepsy through the use of cannabis oil.

See Also: Study Reveals How CBD Counters Epileptic Seizures

Mamá Cultiva, located in Buenos Aires, is an organization dedicated to providing alternative treatments for children. They cultivate cannabis plants with care, producing essential oils, creams and ointments. They also offer workshops to parents who have exhausted conventional treatment options.

Mamá Cultiva continues to expand its reach, offering workshops, collaborating with universities and producing cannabis-based products. They aim to broaden rights and access to cannabis-based treatments for all who can benefit.

Medicinal Cannabis: A Compelling Alternative

Medicinal cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component, has gained global recognition for its therapeutic potential. It has proven effective in treating epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and cancer, offering a lifeline for those resistant to traditional treatments.

Embracing Medicinal Cannabis in Argentina: Argentina's journey towards accepting medicinal marijuana as a legitimate treatment has been challenging.

• In 2017, the Argentine Congress approved a law regulating research on cannabis and allowing CBD oil importation.
• It wasn't until November 2020 that the government expanded these rights, permitting controlled self-cultivation through registration with the Ministry of Health and the sale of cannabis derivatives.
• Over 200,000 users, including patients and caregivers, registered with a National Cannabis Program Registration, which authorized Argentinians to grow cannabis (REPROCANN) by mid-2023.

Mamá Cultiva Argentina has played a vital role in changing perceptions and fostering acceptance. Salech explains, “The plant came to us because there was growing resistance to the prohibition that had been maintained robustly throughout Argentine history. Some people became professionals and put their heart and soul into it, and they avoided the stigma and being arrested."

See Also: Exclusive: Argentina Completes Its First Export Of Cannabis Beauty Products

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite its significant achievements, Mamá Cultiva Argentina faces potential threats as the country's next presidential election looms. According to El Pais, right-wing candidate Javier Milei's stance on closing the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) raises concerns, particularly among advocates of cannabis research and access.

Read Next: Massa or Milei: Who Would Be Better For The Cannabis Industry In Argentina?

Image by El Planteo