It seems that the U.S. can learn a thing or two from our friends across the pond as that seems to be the case in the latest political showdown for our next presidential election as mentions of looking to countries in Europe that are leading the way on plenty of topics such a healthcare, education and legalization of cannabis.
Last Thursday, became the first day of legal consumption for medical purposes in Croatia, after the decision was made following a high-profile case where Huanito Luksetic, a multiple sclerosis patent was placed in jail last year for growing cannabis to ease his pain.
Luksetic, 37, was detained for growing cannabis in his garden in a village near Rijeka. Police seized around 44 pounds of marijuana from the multiple sclerosis patient, who said he used the plants to make cannabis oil.
Doctors and other patients spoke out in support of legalization after Luksetic made news, and a monthslong campaign was launched to legalize medical marijuana. “For us, patients, cannabis is one of the most important plants for our lives and health,” Luksetic told Agence France-Presse. “Everyone should have the right to choice and self-cure.”
Medicines that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be prescribed in Croatia starting Thursday to patients suffering from chronic health problems such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and AIDS. Regulations limit the quantity to 7.5 grams per month, and patients can receive a prescription of up to only 30 days. It remains illegal to grow marijuana at home.
Croatian Health Minister Sinisa Varga said medical marijuana will become available in the country’s pharmacies within the next few weeks but currently is offered through eight pharmaceutical companies. Cannabis legalization has won support in other European Union countries, including Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
