Greece set to allow medical cannabis use
Athens, Jan 14 (AFP) Greece's parliament is expected toapprove the medical use of cannabis in the coming weeks, adeputy minister said today, adding that the change wouldattract investment to the country.
"In a few weeks' time, an amendment will be brought toparliament to define the legislative framework for thecultivation and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products basedon medical cannabis, which will open the way for Greek andforeign investments," deputy agricultural development ministerYannis Tsironis told AFP.
Tsironis said the legalisation of medical cannabis couldattract investments of 1.5 to 2 billion euros ( $1.8 t0 2.4billion), with Greek, Israeli and Canadian companies alreadyexpressing interest.
The deputy minister, along with other governmentofficials, attended Greece's first medical cannabis trade fairthis weekend.
Over 100 local and foreign businesses took part in theevent, which was held near Athens.
The government last year authorised the import of severalpharmaceutical products based on medical marijuana, as well ashemp cultivation for industrial purposes.
Hemp can be used to make construction materials, paper,textiles and food.
Over a dozen EU countries have authorised the use ofmedical cannabis. (AFP)KIS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.