Preparing the first Cannabis Expo in Argentina

On October 4th, 5th and 6th, the first Cannabis Expo Argentina will take place in La Rural de Buenos Aires. This event, "designed for the whole family", will bring together specialists from around the world who will disseminate progress in the therapeutic use of the plant, the latest advances in scientific research, technological developments and economic opportunities. She offers. A growing industry. Workshops will also be organized for the cultivation and preparation of oils, creams and foods, "both for those who wish to take their first steps" and for "those who wish to continue to develop their relationship with safe and responsible ".

"Inform, it's empowering. That's why Expo Cannabis was born from the need to inform all Argentineans, from civil society to public officials, of the impressive benefits of cannabis, "said Sebastian Basalo, director of THC magazine. One of the organizers of the event. During the Expo – free for children under 10 years accompanying their parents – stands, workshops, conferences, art exhibitions and meeting points with NGOs, including Mamá Cultiva. On the other hand, there will be no sale of "plants, oils or seeds," Basalo said.

The lectures will cover topics ranging from "how to talk about cannabis with your kids" to "using cannabis during pregnancy", "the influence of the plant on dreams", "the use therapeutic to treat insomnia "and" therapeutic use to treat stress and depression. "

The exhibition will have two main focuses: the use of cannabis for the health and development of the industry around this plant. "The therapeutic use of cannabis is increasingly proven, so it's essential to know what it's used for, how to use it properly," Basalo explained about the previously demonstrated potential of this herb to treat pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, osteoarthritis, insomnia, autism refractory epilepsy, depression, lupus, asthma, anxiety, glaucoma, schizophrenia, psoriasis and inflammation.

The organizers explained that the second focus of the Expo was focused on the development of the cannabis industry at the local level. According to Basalo, this industry is one of the "most powerful in the world" and includes everything from drugs, cosmetics, foods, non-alcoholic beverages, beers and technological devices for the cultivation / use of cannabis, stationery, textiles and design products.

In the United States, the industry generated $ 27 billion last year and created 300,000 registered jobs. Although Argentina is a nascent industry, it has experienced strong growth over the past four years "despite the difficult economic context in which we live," Basalo said. "During these four years, 200 stores specialized in culture articles were opened and new factories producing pots, showers, lamps and other items for the cultivation of cannabis", has -he declares.

In Argentina, although the legitimacy of cannabis has changed in recent years – in accordance with the World Health Organization which recommended "to eliminate cannabis and cannabis oil from list IV" of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, which includes narcotics dangerous to human health – much more needs to be done in terms of regulation for both consumption and industry.

"There is a lack of serious and deep regulation. The medicinal uses of cannabis are barely recognized in the country but access is not regulated. In turn, a federal law continues to sanction the possession and cultivation of cannabis. There is also no, says the specialist, "a regulation of the commercial sector of the industry. There is an industry in which thousands of families live who need the state to fulfill its regulatory function. Growing stores, for example, are struggling to register because when they register as a nursery, they struggle to sell paper. And when they register as kiosks, they have trouble selling their land. These stores want to be registered but they encounter these difficulties. "

Society and culture, for Basalo, "are way ahead of the law". That is why the Expo is a major challenge for him: "We will invite officials to find out how cannabis is regulated in Uruguay and other countries, to know its consequences, its impact on reducing drug trafficking. drug "Basalo said, while stressing the importance of being in La Rural because" because of the potential of cannabis, at the medical and industrial levels, this event deserves to appear in the most important center of the world. exhibition of the country ".