For the last ten months Argentina’s provincial government, the National University, and the National Secretariat of Science and Technology have worked on launching a medical cannabis research effort.
That ten-month effort culminated with Argentina’s Ministry of Science and Technology recently signing an agreement with a local government, the National University, and other entities.
As cannabis laws continue to be reformed across the globe the stigma surrounding medical cannabis is fading. More and more patients are turning to the cannabis plant for relief.
In addition to medical use, there is a worldwide spike in interest in the emerging cannabis industry. Argentina’s effort will research both facets.
What will Argentina’s research project involve?
Most medical cannabis research efforts fall into one of two categories. The first involves researching the therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant for various conditions.
The second one, which is a smaller body of research focus, explores the medical cannabis industry and its impact on various areas of society.
Argentina’s medical cannabis research effort will look at both the therapeutic side and the emerging medical cannabis industry, especially at the local level.
“It is an important project not only from a scientific point of view, but also because of its social impact in terms of job creation and in particular in regional economies,” Secretary of Science and Technology Lino Barañao stated according to Argentina’s national news agency.
“We are supporting everything that is diversification of rural production, it is a global challenge and this is an alternative,” he added.
The information that Argentina’s research effort will compile will help the South American nation position itself to become a major international exporter of cannabis.
Agriculture currently makes up 54% of Argentina’s exports, with the main agricultural export being wheat.
It will be very interesting to see what role technology plays in optimizing Argentina’s medical cannabis industry.
A Boost in Funds for Technological Advancement in Rural Areas
A robust medical cannabis industry would benefit Argentina in many ways. As Argentina’s Secretary of Science and Technology pointed out, the industry is a job creator.
In Argentina, local economies need every job that they can get. The demand for cannabis at the international level is already enormous and continues to grow.
A vibrant medical cannabis industry in Argentina would create jobs all over the country, including in rural areas where employment is particularly difficult to obtain for many people.
Technology is limited in rural parts of Argentina due to limited financial resources. However, the cannabis industry would dramatically change that dynamic.
International dollars would come to Argentina, in addition to the boost in local economies that domestic cannabis business would bring.
Also, workers would presumably be able to take advantage of safe access to a proven medicine (cannabis), and that would make them healthier, and in turn, happier and more productive.
Perfect Timing for the Continent
The timing of the research effort is perfect, with many countries in South America reforming their cannabis laws and looking to make significant pushes to get in on the cannabis export market.
A research project as ambitious as the one in Argentina will yield insight that every country in South America could possibly benefit from.
Many industry-focused research projects focus on North America and/or Europe. Every continent is different in regards to best industry practices.
What works in Europe may not work in South America. However, what works in Argentina may very well work in surrounding countries.
South America, including Argentina, is already a major source of agricultural products for the rest of the world. Just as that is true for wheat, so too will it be true for cannabis with the help of this new research effort.
