Cannabis in Panama explained

Cannabis in Panama is illegal for recreational use, but the law is often unenforced and its use is often tolerated by the general public. Its use is regarded as a taboo subject and it may be masked by the addition of food flavorings.^[1] It is often consumed by the youth and cannabis extracts are sometimes used in e-cigarettes.^{[2] [3]}

Medical cannabis was legalized in 2021, after a bill passed the national assembly by a unanimous vote and was signed into law by President Laurentino Cortizo in October.^{[4] [5]} Panama became the first Central American country to legalize medical cannabis in doing so.

Prohibition

The cultivation and use of cannabis (kan-jac) was banned in Panama in 1923.^[6]

Terminology

The Panamanian 1935 Judicial Register refers to cannabis being commonly known locally as "Canyac" or "Kan Jac".^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2019-10-19. Desmantelan red que supuestamente se dedicaba a la venta de marihuana líquida La Prensa Panamá. 2020-06-10. www.prensa.com. es.
2. Web site: AP. 2019-10-10. Vuelve a debate legalización de cannabis medicinal en Panamá. 2020-06-10. Telemetro. es.
3. Web site: Panamá. GESE-La Estrella de. Sí al cannabis medicinal, pero no al cultivo de la planta en Panamá. 2020-06-10. La Estrella de Panamá. es.
4. News: Panama's Congress approves medical cannabis bill in unanimous vote . 17 October 2021 . Reuters . 30 August 2021.
5. News: El gobierno de Panamá legalizó el uso medicinal y terapéutico del cannabis . 17 October 2021 . Infobae . 14 October 2021.
6. Book: Rowan Robinson. The Great Book of Hemp: The Complete Guide to the Environmental, Commercial, and Medicinal Uses of the World's Most Extraordinary Plant. 1996. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. 978-0-89281-541-8. 58–.
7. Book: Registro judicial: Organo del poder judicial de la República de Panamá. 1935. Imprenta Nacional.