The Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) has released 38 products containing cannabis, out of which 21 are food supplements, nine are cosmetic products, six are foods, and two are raw products (hemp oils), none of which induce mind-altering effects.
The commissioner Julio Sánchez y Tépoz informed that, once the guidelines to regulate this particular field were established, the institution received a total of 43 requests, out of which 38 met all requirements and did not go above 1% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels, which is the main psychoactive substance found in cannabis.
“This is a historic moment. The use of products containing cannabis had been forbidden in the country for 90 years. Since the General Health Law was recently modified, these products can be sold for scientific, medicinal, and industrial purposes. Today, we grant the first authorizations.
Let us do so responsibly, while keeping the health of our citizens in mind.” Seven pharmaceutical companies –four from Mexico, two from the United States, and one from Spain- will start selling foods, supplements, and cosmetics derived from marijuana: Med Mex, Aceites Orgánicos de América (Organic Oils of America), Endo Natura Labs, Farmacias Magistrales (Master Pharmacies), Finat Mexico, CBD Life, and CBD Science. Whoever wishes to consume these products may do so without a medical prescription.
For the time being, only one pharmaceutical company is authorized to import raw materials for the production of medicine with THC. “The first company authorized to commercialize this type of product is Farmacias Magistrales. Furthermore, they will be allowed to import the raw matter they need for the production of medicine with THC; however, in these cases, medical prescriptions will be necessary for the purchase of these products,” he claimed.
Food supplements derived from cannabis will aid in the treatment of epilepsy, arthritis, stress, and anxiety. They may also be used as relaxants, pain killers, and to treat insomnia. Other sub-products are balms and body creams for specific illnesses. Sánchez y Tépoz clarified that the approval of these sub-products does not equal a permission for the recreational use of marijuana.
He commented that there were certain health concerns, which is why the institution has decided to fund information campaigns for people to learn that cannabidiol (CBD) has no psychoactive effects. Regarding the recreational use of marijuana, Sánchez y Tépoz celebrated the initiative promoted by the incoming Minister of Interior Olga Sánchez Cordero. “There should be comprehensive regulations for its different uses.”
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