The result was expected, given the official position of the PS against the reform, not least on the grounds that more time is needed to see how things develop in the two countries and handful of US states where similar reforms have been implemented.
The BE bill secured the votes in favour of its own MPs, that of the single PAN member, and those of 25 PS MPs. The Communist Party, Social Democratic Party (PSD), the People’s Party (CDS-PP) and eight PS MPs voted against, while most of the PS abstained, along with the Greens and one deputy who is not part of any grouping.
The PAN bill secured support from BE MPs and 26 PS MPs, but was opposed by the Communitst Party, PSD, PP and eight PS MPs.
Regulations were recently posted in the state journal for the production and sale of cannabis products for therapeutic use, following the approval last summer of legislation on that subject.