Parliament Discusses Bill Allowing Use of Drugs for Scientific Purposes

The government presented a draft law for discussion in parliament for the second reading, which proposes to allow the use of drugs for scientific purposes. According to Armenpress, the package of draft laws on amendments and supplements to the Republic of Armenia's law on "Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances" was presented at the National Assembly session by Armenia's Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan.

"The draft aims to establish equal, strict control and licensing requirements throughout the entire chain from the production to the use of narcotic drugs. Licensing requirements were in place for certain segments of this chain. However, there was a gap regarding the licensing requirements for the use of these substances during scientific research and expert activities," said Avanesyan. She added that the bill will contribute to strengthening control in the field, making the entire chain of narcotic drug use more transparent, monitored, and strictly regulated.

Thus, it is established that the use of prohibited substances is allowed in cases specified in Articles 31.1, 31.2, and 33 of this law, and the import or export for this purpose is also permitted if licenses for the import or export of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or their precursors set by the government of the Republic of Armenia are available.