SANTIAGO – Chile has become the first country in South America to sell cannabis-based medicines at pharmacies.
The pilot program was launched yesterday at two pharmacies in capital Santiago, which will sell the T100 and TC100 chronic pain-relief medicines made in Canada.
It is the first time such treatments have been offered by drug stores in South America, the companies behind the launch said.
The program is financed by an alliance between Chile’s Alef Biotechnology and Canada’s Tilray under the supervision of the Chilean National Health institute.
Alef Biotechnology President Roberto Roizman says the viability of the program will be evaluated in six months to determine if it can be produced in Chile and exported.
Tilray is a pioneer in the research, production and distribution of cannabis-based medicines.
Chile legalized the use of medical marijuana in 2015 and has been joining an international trend of easing restrictions on marijuana for medical or personal use.
