The Cannabis sativa, also called marijuana, is a plant originating in Asia, specifically from the Himalayas regionthat since ancient times It was used as medicine through the elaboration of different preparations, and also as a psychotropic substance; which generated that most Western societies prohibited their cultivation, consumption and marketing.
during Almost the entire 20th century cannabis consumption constituted a taboo theme in most western societies and their consumption was strongly penalized, only during the 80s began to change the concept of its use And there were several jurisprudential resolutions that considered that cannabis consumption was not punishable when it was exclusively personal; although cultivation and marketing continued to penalize.
With the Arrival of the new century, more forceful voices rose and different groups began to openly ask for decriminalization of marijuana consumption and cultivation, with a series of scientific arguments that finally had legislative echo, reaching important reforms in different parts of the world.
Parallel, There is another parallel current that promotes the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes; In this case, the use of CBD is promoted, which is not psychoactive and that according to several studies can contribute to the improvement of severe pathologies Like epilepsy, while other varieties can help reduce the effects of oncological treatments, in addition to being a powerful anesthetic and to control anxiety.
Basedly, this current It began to grow worldwide and several countries were regulating through legislation the use and consumption of cannabis sativa. In Argentina, in 2017 Law 27,350 was promulgated which establishes the Bases for medical and scientific research of the medicinal use of the cannabis plant and its derivatives and creates the national Program for the study and research of the medicinal use of the cannabis plant; and in 2022 the law 27,669, which establishes “the regulatory framework of the national production and marketing chain and/or for export purposes of the cannabis plantits seeds and its derived products affected to medicinal use, including scientific research, and industrial use; thus promoting the national development of the sector production chain “and adds that” the crops and projects provided for and authorized in the framework of Law 27,350 are excluded from this regulatory framework, which will be governed by the rules issued by the authority of the application of said law and the parameters set by its regulations. “
Precisely, During the pandemic the origin was born in parchment, whose objective is the production of quality medicinal products with cannabis sativa as raw material: it is a group of producers who associated to exchange experiences and provide knowledge.
During the last edition of LIVE: Diarionucle.com, which is broadcast on Tuesdays at 19 through the Fana Digital streaming signal, Matías García, president of origin, provided a lot of details about cannabis such as medicine and about the activities carried out by the cooperative, as well as the products it elaborates.
What is the Origin Cooperative and how did its link with medical cannabis arose?
Origin is a work cooperative that was born in 2021, post pandemic. Several of those who form it, including me, we are cannabis users. For example, I am a regular consumer and I am also a teacher. From my personal experience and knowing the benefits of cannabis, especially through a doctor in Rosario who taught me to make oil, we saw the need to create a cooperative that could offer quality medicinal products.
What is cannabis oil?
Cannabis oil is a way to administer certain plant components for medicinal use. It is important to clarify that cannabis is not an oilseed. It is a plant that contains various compounds, mainly cannabinoids and terpenes. Among cannabinoids, the best known is THC, which is psychoactive, but also has medicinal effects. Then there is the CBD, which has great therapeutic potential without being psychoactive. The key is in the dose and the combination of these components.
Is there a double standard in relation to marijuana consumption?
Exactly. There is a very marked double moral. Cannabis is demonized while the consumption of psychoopármacos such as benzodiazepines in Argentina is very high. And until recently, they got very easily. It also gets into all “drugs” in the same bag, without distinguishing their effects and addiction levels. If you investigate, you are surprised to see that substances such as sugar and flour can be more addictive than cannabis.
What is the difference between smoking and using medicinal oil?
Oil is much better. Smoking always generates damage to combustion and smoke that enters the lungs. While smoking cannabis is less detrimental than smoking tobacco, the oil administration eliminates that risk.
How does cannabis work in our body at the biological level?
Our body has an endocannabinoid system, with CB1 and CB2 receptors, and produces substances similar to THC and CBD. This system helps regulate various functions. By stress, poor diet and the current rhythm of life, sometimes the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids. Then, by incorporating cannabinoids of the plant, as through oil, it seeks to regulate those systems. The THC acts mainly in the nervous system through the CB1 receiver, while the CBD has a broader reach throughout the body.
What product range does it offer origin?
We investigate, we dictate workshops and make medicinal products. We have medicinal oils that are only dispensed under medical recipe, since they require professional supervision. We also elaborate ointments for topical use, some pain soothing and other healing regenerators, which often combine cannabis with other medicinal plants to enhance its effects.
What is the legal framework in Argentina for cannabis consumption as medicine?
Law 27,350 of Medicinal Cannabis of 2017 allows the use of cannabis for patients with certain pathologies and the possibility of cultivating for personal use through reproown (cannabis program registration). However, there are currently delays of more than a year in the approval of these permits and there are no legal varieties to buy. This generates a paradoxical situation where someone can have the authorization to plant, but cannot legally acquire seeds or cuttings.
What is the importance of reproaching?
Reproann is a right that we should not lose. It allows patients to cultivate their own medicine, avoiding depending on a market that, in other countries where cannabis is illegal but regulated, usually has very high prices. It is worrying that the current government has stopped the records of new varieties and the previous records of cannabis products, returning to a situation of uncertainty.
Where can the oil be purchased?
The oil sold in pharmacies can cost around 300 thousand pesos for a small container, and there are patients who need several per month. We offer an artisanal alternative, elaborated in a homemade way, which best retains other substances of the plant. This generates what is known as “entourage effect”, where all components together work better than isolated.
How can they contact the Origin Cooperative?
They can follow us on Instagram: Cooperativa.origen. There you will find all our means of contact.
