Argentina Tightens Medical Cannabis Rules: Key Changes For REPROCANN In 2024 And How They Impact Patients

The Ministry of Health in Argentina has introduced pivotal changes to the Registro del Programa Nacional de Cannabis Medicinal (REPROCANN) through official government channels, signaling a significant shift in how the program will operate going forward, El Planteo has reported.

The new rules, found in Resolution 3132/2024, focus on creating more structured guidelines, especially for “solidarity cultivators” (caregivers) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in the program. Solidarity cultivators, who grow cannabis for medical purposes on behalf of others, are now limited to a maximum of two patients, including themselves if applicable. Meanwhile, NGOs must register with local authorities in their respective jurisdictions; they are required to explicitly include medical cannabis research and usage among their activities. Additionally, the directors of these organizations must not have any criminal records.

Key Changes For REPROCANN Practitioners

Medical professionals participating in REPROCANN will face new requirements starting in 2024. According to the updated regulations, all applicants to the program must have a prescription for cannabis use from a healthcare professional registered in Argentina’s Federal Network of Health Professionals Registries (Red Federal de Registros de Profesionales de la Salud or REFEPS). The dispensing professionals must hold a master’s degree specializing in medicinal cannabis.

A national advisory council will convene in the coming days to assist in the smooth implementation of these changes and a registry will be established in each jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the new rules. These efforts are part of a larger initiative by the government to return to the “original spirit” of the medical cannabis program, emphasizing research and the comprehensive care of patients.

However, while these regulatory updates aim to streamline the program, the extent to which they will benefit patients remains to be seen. The hope is that these changes will finally address the program's longstanding delays and provide a more efficient path for those seeking relief through cannabis-based treatments.

See also: Javier Milei And Cannabis: The New Argentine President’s Position On Marijuana

Understanding The New Restrictions For Medical Cannabis Access In Argentina

Ivana Vigilante, a lawyer with We Legal (formerly Legal Weed), shed light on how these new restrictions impact various groups involved with REPROCANN.

For self-cultivators, Vigilante confirmed, “There are no significant changes. You can still grow up to nine plants in an area up to six square meters indoors or 15 square meters outdoors. When transporting your product, you’re allowed up to 40 grams of dry flowers or six 30ml bottles of oil.”

For solidarity cultivators, the rules have tightened considerably. "You can now only cultivate up to 18 plants, and for no more than two patients, including yourself. The transportation rules remain the same as for self-cultivators—up to 40 grams of flowers or six 30ml bottles of oil," she explained.

For NGOs, the new measures have introduced stricter oversight. "Only civil associations or foundations can cultivate now. Simple associations and cooperatives are no longer permitted. Furthermore, you can transport up to nine plants per authorized patient and ensure that none of the board members have a criminal record, especially related to drug offenses," Vigilante added. NGOs must also provide a list of their patients, the doctors they work with and a certificate proving the organization's legal standing. Additionally, they must notify the local municipality about their activities.

What Does This Mean For Doctors?

New requirements will also be introduced for physicians. From now on, they will be required to complete specialized education in cannabis, such as a diploma or master's degree, before they can prescribe it to patients. As Vigilante noted, “Medical professionals must also register with REPROCANN's doctor registry, REFEPS.”

The changes mark a notable step backward in Argentina's evolving approach to medical cannabis. While the government emphasizes oversight and ensuring that professionals are adequately trained, these new measures place considerable limitations on access for patients. The restrictions on solidarity growers and NGOs—key lifelines for many patients—are likely to reduce the flexibility and availability of cannabis treatments, potentially leaving some patients without viable options. As these regulations take effect, the burden on patients and those involved in cultivation may increase, raising concerns about the program’s ability to meet patient needs under this more restrictive framework.

Lead image by El Planteo, generated with AI