doi: 10.56294/shp2024139

 

Short communication

 

Progress in health policies on CBD in Argentina and MERCOSUR

 

Avances en políticas sanitarias sobre el CBD en Argentina y el MERCOSUR

 

Vitor Nifoci1 *, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera1 *

 

1Universidad Abierta Interamericana, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Carrera de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

Cite as: Nifoci V, Cabrera CE. Progress in health policies on CBD in Argentina and MERCOSUR. South Health and Policy. 2024; 3:139. https://doi.org/10.56294/shp2024139

 

Submitted: 03-08-2023                   Revised: 13-11-2023                   Accepted: 30-03-2024                 Published: 31-03-2024

 

Editor: Dr. Telmo Raúl Aveiro-Róbalo  

 

Corresponding author: Vitor Nifoci *

 

ABSTRACT

 

Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from cannabis, was considered a promising therapeutic option for treating refractory epilepsy. It was shown that, when combined with conventional treatments, it significantly reduced seizures in syndromes such as Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut and Tuberous Sclerosis. In Argentina, its benefits were recognised and public policies were implemented to facilitate access, with the authorisation of the ANMAT and programmes of the Ministry of Health. At a regional level, MERCOSUR promoted joint strategies to improve access to high-cost medicines. However, serious adverse effects were observed, making strict medical supervision necessary. In general, CBD represented a relevant therapeutic alternative, although the need for further research into its safety and efficacy was emphasised.

 

Keywords: Cannabidiol; Epilepsy; Treatments; Policies; MERCOSUR.

 

RESUMEN

 

El cannabidiol (CBD), compuesto derivado del cannabis, fue considerado una opción terapéutica prometedora para tratar la epilepsia refractaria. Se demostró que, combinado con tratamientos convencionales, redujo significativamente las convulsiones en síndromes como Dravet, Lennox-Gastaut y Esclerosis Tuberosa. En Argentina, se reconocieron sus beneficios y se implementaron políticas públicas para facilitar el acceso, con la autorización de la ANMAT y programas del Ministerio de Salud. A nivel regional, el MERCOSUR promovió estrategias conjuntas para mejorar el acceso a medicamentos de alto costo. Sin embargo, se observaron efectos adversos serios, lo que hizo necesaria una supervisión médica estricta. En general, el CBD representó una alternativa terapéutica relevante, aunque se subrayó la necesidad de seguir investigando su seguridad y eficacia.

 

Palabras clave: Cannabidiol; Epilepsia; Tratamientos; Políticas; MERCOSUR.

 

 

 

Background

​Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from the cannabis plant, has emerged in recent years as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy, i.e., those whose seizures do not respond to conventional treatments.(1,2,3,4,5) Clinical studies have shown that the use of CBD, .(6,7,8,9,10,11) in combination with standard treatment, can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in specific syndromes such as Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.(12,13) For example, a review conducted by the Argentine Ministry of Health indicated that CBD could reduce the monthly frequency of seizures by 20,38 % compared to placebo, with moderate certainty in the evidence.(14)

In Argentina, recognition of CBD’s therapeutic benefits has led to the implementation of specific health policies.(15,16) The National Administration of Medicines, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT) has authorized the use of CBD-based products for the treatment of specific refractory epileptic syndromes.(17,18,19) In addition, the Ministry of Health has established programs to facilitate access to these treatments, ensuring their distribution in various provinces.(20,21)

At the regional level, MERCOSUR has promoted joint actions in the field of health, focusing on prioritizing diseases and analyzing high-cost medicines.(22,23,24) In November 2024, the health ministers of the member countries agreed to form a specific working group to address and develop strategies related to these medicines to obtain better prices and ensure equitable access to essential treatments.(25,26)

It is important to note that although CBD is effective in reducing seizures in certain patients, its use is not without adverse effects.(27,28,29) Some studies have reported an increase in the incidence of serious adverse events, including gastrointestinal disorders and drowsiness.(30,31) Therefore, it is essential that healthcare professionals supervise its administration and that patients be closely monitored during treatment.

In conclusion, cannabidiol represents a valuable therapeutic tool for patients with refractory epilepsy, offering an additional option when conventional treatments are ineffective. Health policies in Argentina and regional initiatives in MERCOSUR have advanced the regulation of and access to these treatments, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life of affected patients. However, it is imperative to continue research and surveillance to ensure the safety and efficacy of CBD in the clinical setting.

 

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FUNDING

None.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

 

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTION

Conceptualization: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Data curation: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Formal analysis: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Research: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Methodology: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Project management: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Resources: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Software: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Supervision: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Validation: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Visualization: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Writing – original draft: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.

Writing – review and editing: Vitor Nifoci, Cristian Emanuel Cabrera.