Cyprus Government Approves Medical Marijuana Bill

The cabinet in Cyprus has approved a bill to allow cultivation and provision of medical marijuana. Health Minister Giorgos Pamborides noted that much of the motivation to pass the bill was to obtain international investors. Two licenses will be issued to cultivate marijuana in Cyprus.

Cyprus will be expanding research and development of the pharmaceutical sector of medical marijuana, according to Cyprus Mail Online. The parliament still has to approve the bill, but once they do, the framework of the program will be crafted.

Pamborides said, “I believe that Cyprus can be a pioneer in the region due to the favorable weather conditions.” He wants to attract start-up businesses and create new business opportunities for researchers to exploit legal cultivation and be active in medical marijuana research programs.

The Canadian company, Tilray, has seeking approval to distribute cannabinoid formulas to patients in Cyprus.

Tilray said its discussions with the Cyprus health ministry were “To import and distribute Tilray Drops, a medical cannabis extract product, at pharmacies and healthcare facilities throughout the country to patients with advanced cases of cancer who have authorization to access medical cannabis products.”