Cannabidiol has experienced exponential growth in popularity among patients in recent years, in addition to experiencing increased interest among non-medical consumers for other cannabidiol (CBD) products, such as CBD-infused cosmetics.

In many ways, Uruguay is an international leader in modernizing its approach to cannabis public policy, serving as a shining example of how to do things the right way. A recent example is the proposed major expansion of CBD access in the South American nation.

“The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) of Uruguay announced an important package of measures. The changes include the inclusion of cannabidiol (CBD) in the national therapeutic formulary and improvements in the regulation of adult use, aiming to meet the growing demand.” reported Sechat (translated from Portuguese to English).

“The announcement took place during the Latin American Regulatory Affairs Symposium, where a five-year strategic plan was detailed. The main focus is to incorporate CBD into the therapeutic formulary of the National Health System (SNIS), although the proposal still needs to undergo technical evaluations.” the outlet also reported.

Uruguay made history in 2013 when lawmakers implemented the world’s first-ever national adult-use cannabis legalization measure. Adult residents in Uruguay can choose to either cultivate cannabis in their private residences, join a cultivation association, or make legal recreational cannabis purchases from a registered pharmacy.

With so much public and media focus on adult-use cannabis in Uruguay, medical cannabis access, especially CBD-related access, often takes a backseat. However, Uruguay’s approach to medical cannabis access is also better than it is in most other countries, and if the proposed CBD measure is implemented, Uruguay’s medical cannabis access will get even better for patients.