Malaga, Spain: An increasing number of Spaniards with terminal and/or chronic diseases are using
cannabis therapeutically, according to a report published in June 2006 in an El Sur newspaper.

Use of cannabis for medicinal purposes among the Spanish population may be increasing by as much as 20% annually, the report said. Though medicinal cannabis is not available legally in Spain, possession of cannabis is not defined as a criminal offense under federal law.

Last year, Spanish health officials approved the importation and use of Sativex, an oral spray consisting of natural cannabis extracts, for select patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), neuropathic pain, and other conditions.

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500.