Chile Launches Medical Cannabis Sales in Pharmacies, Preceding Uruguay
Chile becomes the first in South America to sell medical cannabis in pharmacies, ahead of Uruguay, with Tilray's products now available in Santiago
Key Points
- 1Chile sells medical cannabis in pharmacies, leading South America
- 2Tilray partners with Alef Biotechnology for distribution
- 3T100 and TC100 cannabis oils approved for pain management
- 4Medical cannabis legal in Chile since 2015; new products expand options
- 5Chilean law still restricts recreational cannabis sale and cultivation
In a groundbreaking move, Chile has become the first country in South America to sell medical cannabis in pharmacies, surpassing Uruguay in this initiative. Two pharmacies in Santiago are now offering cannabis products with medical prescriptions, marking a significant advancement in the region's approach to cannabis use
The Canadian company Tilray, in collaboration with Chilean firm Alef Biotechnology, has been granted permission to distribute its cannabis products in Chile. Tilray is renowned for its pioneering role in the medical cannabis industry, and its partnership with Alef Biotechnology, which is authorized by the Chilean government, underscores a strategic effort to expand medical cannabis accessibility
Currently available are Tilray's T100 and TC100 cannabis oil medications, approved by the Instituto de Salud Pública (ISP). These products, containing 10mg/mL of THC and a combination of THC and CBD, are prescribed for pain management and can be purchased with a doctor's prescription. The cost for these medications is 210,000 Chilean pesos, approximately 280 euros
Since 2015, medical cannabis has been legal in Chile, but the introduction of Tilray's products marks a new chapter in accessible treatment options. Previously, the only approved cannabis-based medication was Sativex, used for conditions such as cancer and lupus. This development highlights a growing acceptance and integration of cannabis in medical treatments
Roberto Roizman, president of Alef Biotechnology, expressed optimism about the future of cannabis production in Chile, indicating that local manufacturing could be possible within six months. He emphasized the goal of providing pure and precise medical cannabis products to alleviate patient suffering
Despite this progress, Chilean law still prohibits the sale and cultivation of cannabis for recreational use, with penalties of up to ten years in prison. Meanwhile, other Latin American countries like Colombia and Argentina may follow Chile's lead, while Uruguay continues to prepare for the legal sale of recreational cannabis in pharmacies by July 2017