Portugal approves use of marijuana-based medicines

LISBON, Portugal – Portugal’s parliament has given final legislative approval for the use of marijuana-based medicines, which are already permitted in other European countries.

An initial parliamentary debate five months ago considered a provision allowing patients to grow and use marijuana, but that possibility was struck down when the bill passed through a committee stage and was not included in the final vote Friday.

All parties voted in favour of the bill except for the centre-right Popular Party, which abstained.

Marijuana-based medicines will be available only with a doctor’s prescription and sold only in pharmacies.

The law will come into force on July 1.