Panama is preparing to take a new step in public health regulation with the upcoming distribution of medical cannabis products in authorized pharmacies nationwide. The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Health of Panama (Minsa) and follows the completion of final import and regulatory procedures.
What Is Being Introduced First
According to Uriel Perez, director of Pharmacy and Drugs at Minsa, the first phase will focus on non-controlled medical cannabis products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) with therapeutic activity. These products will be legally available to the public without the need for a medical prescription.
The initial range includes:
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Creams and topical ointments
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Oils and oral drops
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Gummies and syrups
These products are intended for topical or oral use and are commonly associated with symptom relief for inflammation, pain, anxiety, and other conditions where CBD has shown therapeutic potential.
A Phased and Regulated Rollout
Panama’s approach is intentionally gradual and structured. While CBD products will be available first, items containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will be introduced at a later stage. THC-based medicines are subject to stricter international oversight, including controls established by the International Narcotics Control Board.
Health authorities confirmed that THC products will only be announced once the finished formulations formally enter the Panamanian market and all regulatory approvals are in place.
In the second phase of the program, controlled medical cannabis products will be distributed exclusively through medical prescription. These will be limited to patients who are officially registered in Panama’s medical cannabis program and monitored under established health protocols.
Benefits for Patients and the Health System
This policy expands the range of legally regulated therapeutic options available to patients in Panama. By allowing access to CBD products without prescription, authorities aim to reduce barriers for individuals seeking alternative treatments, while still maintaining oversight through licensed pharmacies and import controls.
From a regulatory standpoint, the initiative strengthens Panama’s pharmaceutical framework by:
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Ensuring product quality and traceability
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Limiting distribution to authorized pharmacies
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Aligning national policy with international health and drug control standards
The model prioritizes patient safety while recognizing the growing global acceptance of cannabis-derived medicines when used under clear medical and legal guidelines.
Moving Forward With Oversight and Compliance
Health officials emphasized that all products will comply with existing sanitary regulations and will be monitored to ensure safe use. The rollout reflects a broader effort by Panamanian authorities to modernize health regulations without compromising control, transparency, or public safety.
As distribution begins in the coming days, Panama joins a growing list of countries in the region adopting regulated frameworks for medical cannabis, balancing patient access with institutional oversight.
Article written on: December 28, 2025
