Panama: Pharmacies Face New Controls for Medicinal Cannabis Sales

Panama's Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs is implementing stricter controls for pharmacies authorized to sell medicinal cannabis products. These products are classified as substances subject to sanitary control. Uriel Pérez, director of the entity, explained that pharmacies already handling controlled substances will need to provide a notarized document. This document must include express authorization from both the licensee and the manufacturer for distributing these specific products.

Pharmacies that do not currently sell controlled substances will face additional requirements. These include a technical inspection by the Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs. Pérez noted that initially, authorizations were granted for importing CBD products, such as creams and tablets. As products containing THC become available, they will also be found in tablet and oil forms.

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In a first stage, we gave authorizations for CBD products to be imported, which is what was found in pharmacies, in creams and tablets. Later, when products with THC arrive, we will also be able to find tablets and oils.

Products with THC will be subject to more stringent controls due to its status as a controlled substance. Pharmacies must store these products in a dedicated, locked area. Additionally, all prescriptions must be kept archived on the premises. Currently, 22 pharmacies are authorized to sell medicinal cannabis products. A list of these establishments is available on the Ministry of Health's website, featuring a dedicated section on medicinal cannabis where patients can find authorized pharmacies and products.

The new regulations are designed to guarantee that medicinal cannabis products are dispensed exclusively to authorized patients. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to ensuring public safety and proper regulation within the burgeoning medicinal cannabis market.

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There is a medicinal cannabis section where patients can find out which pharmacies and products are being commercialized, so they don't have to travel from one place to another looking for them.