Bosnia and Herzegovina sets August 2026 deadline for cannabis medicine regulation

Representatives from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, pharmacy chambers, the Association of Child Neurologists and patient groups met to review the stalled implementation of changes to the regulation of cannabis‑based medicines. Although the Council of Ministers approved amendments to the narcotics list in December 2025, the detailed Rules on prescribing and dispensing cannabis medicines remain missing, preventing Bosnia and Herzegovina from meeting its obligations to the International Narcotics Control Board and from estimating annual needs for import and patient access. The participants reaffirmed the need for a fast‑track regulatory framework covering indications, authorized specialties, physician and patient registries, dosage forms and dispensing procedures. The Federal Ministry of Health committed to draft the revised Rules by 1 August 2026 and to hold a coordination meeting with relevant experts within the next 15 days.