On Wednesday, the government of Argentina decided to tackle operational inefficiencies, including licensing delays, by involving the Regulatory Agency of the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry (ARICCAME) for one year through Decree 833/2024. The intervention, led by Dr. Ignacio Ferrari, aims to improve ARICCAME's operations, ensure compliance with Law No. 27,669, and reorganize the agency's structure.
Dr. Ignacio Ferrari, a specialist in ophthalmology and cannabis therapeutics, has been appointed to oversee this intervention. Ferrari, who has international certification in the medicinal use of cannabis, is the founder and president of the NGO Cannaradix and serves in the ophthalmology area of the Argentine Medical Association's course on endocannabinology and cannabis therapeutics.
The intervention also sees Gabriel Giménez's departure. Giménez had served as Director of ARICCAME and played a key role in implementing Law No. 27,669, which regulates the hemp and medicinal cannabis industry in Argentina. Giménez faced significant challenges in managing the growing demands from the private sector and operational inefficiencies, which prompted the government's decision to reorganize the agency.
For the duration of the intervention, the Ministry of Economy will provide administrative and financial support to ARICCAME, ensuring its proper functioning. The Office of the Chief of Ministers is also expected to reallocate budget items to cover the costs of this measure. The government aims to address the challenges in ARICCAME's operations to promote the development of the hemp and medicinal cannabis industry in Argentina and position the country as a key player in the sector at a regional level.