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Argentina has hosted its first international cannabis conference, following the legalisation of the drug for medicinal use in the country earlier this year.

LatinoameriCANNA, the 2017 International Conference on Cannabis’ Endocannabinoid and Medicinal System, took place in Buenos Aires on October 24 and 25.

The event was organised by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which said that the decision to host the event in South America was “motivated by Argentina’s privileged potential”, namely its varied climate and ecosystem, alongside the country’s “undeniable scientific capacity and endowment, that includes two Nobel prizes in medicine and one in chemistry, by the regional and international standing of its universities, and by its leadership in the expansion of its citizens’ rights”.

Discussions covered topics such as the regulation of marijuana use, the drug industry, as well as the effects of cannabis on the brain.

In August, the Argentine government passed a law in favour of the medicinal use of cannabis, stating: “This law aims to establish a regulatory framework for medical and scientific research of medical, therapeutic or palliative pain of the plant of cannabis and its derivatives use, guaranteeing and promoting comprehensive healthcare.”

rachael.pells@timeshighereducation.com