Chile’s first crop of medical marijuana, a heavily-guarded and monitored 850-square-meter plot of land dedicated to growing medical-grade cannabis, has been planted.
“We’re living at a time, in Chile and the rest of the world, where it’s not reasonable to close yourself to new evidence. Marijuana can provide some dignity to those who suffer. It doesn’t cure cancer,” said La Florida district Mayor Rodolfo Carter, “but we can alleviate the pain.”
Medical marijuana was legalized in Chile in 2005, but only with certain approval from the country’s agricultural service. Before now, one previous effort had been approved in 2011, but even that brief allowance was soon backpedaled when faced with growing opposition from health authorities.
The latest crop is covered by a one year permit and has received support from the state. Additionally, a local university will be using the project for researching marijuana’s effectiveness at combating pain.
Sources:
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2014/37974/first-medical-marijuana-crop-planted-in-chile/
Photo Credit: Maria Jose Bustamante