Despite existing since 2017, the Peruvian government took the decision to approve, through Supreme Decree No. 004-2023-SA, a new regulation for the use of medical cannabis and its derivatives. The new legal framework that will come into force as of September 2023 not only explains the rules and standards that must be met by those who cultivate, distribute, import, prescribe and market cannabis in the country, but also designates the Ministry of Health as the body in charge of the control and sanitary supervision of pharmaceutical establishments, universities or research institutions and cannabis associations.

It is worth noting that as of September 2021 the National Registry of Cannabis Users (RENPUC) reported that it had 17,926 duly registered users, of which only 7,462 made their purchases in licensed drugstores, while 10,000 users did so in unauthorized pharmaceutical establishments.

According to the new decree, the only authorities in charge of issuing licenses are the Ministry of Health, through Digemid, and the Integrated Health Network Directorates. As for prescriptions, only surgeons are authorized to prescribe the use of medical cannabis to patients, and the prescription will be valid for no more than 30 days from the date of issue.

In case you need further information or advice on the subject, OMC Pharma Medic is at your disposal, you can write to us at: omago@omcpharmamedic.com and porlandini@omcpharmamedic.com