Cannabis is currently illegal in Latvia, although the production of industrial hemp is permitted in some instances. Cannabis is listed as a narcotic under Schedule I of the Law on Procedures for Legal Trade in Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and Medicines (Narcotics Act).

In Latvia, cannabis offenses are divided into two categories: ‘small quantities’ and ‘large quantities. ‘ Violations of each category result in different penalties, which can increase with subsequent offenses.

Earlier this year, members of the nation’s Progressives party sought to advance medical cannabis legalization in Latvia. The proposal would legalize ‘capsules, extracts, and tablets,’ with the lawmakers backing the proposal urging the nation to make medical cannabis part of Latvia’s healthcare system.

“Patients do not discuss the issue with their health care providers and can choose wrong dozes or an unsuitable product, thus harming themselves,” representatives of the Progressives party stated back in April, according to local reporting by The Baltic Times.

Leadership of Latvia’s State Police has indicated recently that while they oppose legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes, they would accept medical cannabis legalization ‘if experts see benefits from it.’

“The State Police is generally against decriminalizing the use of marijuana, as it can pose safety risks, but if professionals in the field see benefits of its use for medical purposes and the substance is prescribed by doctors, then this would be acceptable, police representatives said.” per The Baltic Times.

Last month, Frontiers in Oncology published the largest meta-analysis ever conducted on medical cannabis and its effects on cancer-related symptoms. The meta-analysis was conducted by a team of health researchers affiliated with the Whole Health Oncology Institute and the Chopra Foundation. The analysis determined the following:

• Cannabis reduced cancer cell proliferation
• It inhibited metastasis, limiting cancer spread
• It increased apoptosis (natural cancer cell death)
• It has a profound anti-inflammatory effect, a critical factor since inflammation is linked to over 80% of the world’s most debilitating chronic diseases

“The consistency of positive sentiments across a wide range of studies suggests that cannabis should be re-evaluated within the medical community as a treatment option. The findings have implications for public health research, clinical practice, and discussions surrounding the legal status of medical cannabis.” the researchers concluded.