Back in the summer of 2021, Panama’s national assembly unanimously approved a measure that sought to regulate the use of medical cannabis. The approval of the medical cannabis legalization measure was historic for both Panama and the region at the time.

Unfortunately, implementation of the measure has languished ever since, with lawmakers and regulators struggling to set up the framework to launch a regulated medical cannabis industry in the Central American nation. Thankfully, a big implementation milestone was recently achieved in Panama.

“The Ministry of Health (Minsa), through the National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs, issued Resolution No. 372 of September 26, 2025, which establishes the requirements to opt for the exception to the sanitary registration of products containing medicinal cannabis and its derivatives.” reported La Estrella De Panama in its local coverage (translated from Spanish to English).

“According to the resolution, finished products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exclusively for medicinal use may qualify for this exception. Authorization will be granted under the guidelines of the National Program for the Use of Medicinal Cannabis, administered by the National Drug Control and Drug Administration (DNFD).” the outlet also reported.

In January 2024, Panama’s government approved medical cannabis manufacturing licenses for seven companies. However, just because those companies were granted licenses to produce products, there still needed to be regulations in place to register finished products before they can be sold in the emerging legal market.

Currently, banking, commerce, and tourism are major sectors of Panama’s economy. A significant contributor to Panama’s economy is the Panama Canal, with the Canal making Panama a major player in international trade and logistics. A successful medical cannabis industry will further boost economic opportunities in the Central American nation.