Building medical cannabis knowledge in Romania
February 12, 2026 | IN NEWS | BY Kate Thorpe
This week, the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society delivered training for healthcare professionals in Romania, with the aim of improving clinical understanding of cannabis-based medicines in preparation for an anticipated change in law to improve real-world access for patients in need.
Led by Professor Mike Barnes, the Medical Cannabis Masterclass: Romania trained 57 clinicians across a wide range of specialties – including oncologists, ophthalmologists, gynaecologists, family medicine doctors, orthopaedic surgeons, psychiatrists, haematologists, dentists, paediatric neurologists, dietitians, GPs, pharmacists and nurses.
Medical Cannabis in Romania: the law, the reality, and the gap in between
Romania’s current legal framework offers no clear, workable pathway for medical cannabis in clinical practice. While some cannabis derivatives are referenced in existing law, THC remains classified as a high-risk substance with no recognised medical use, effectively blocking access to THC-containing medicines.
The “Victoria” Law (PL-x 631/2019), developed by Asociația Victoria Mea, aims to close this gap. First introduced in 2019, it is still awaiting final parliamentary debate.
At the same time, CBD regulation remains unclear. EU rules permit hemp varieties with up to 0.3% THC, but Romanian authorities often apply a zero-tolerance standard for THC in finished CBD products. This has caused uncertainty for both medical CBD and the broader hemp sector, highlighting the urgent need for credible clinical education and open, evidence-based discussion.
Training to support clinical confidence and reform
This training focused on what the Society does best: equipping clinicians with the knowledge, tools and confidence to practise safely and responsibly. The session covered core clinical topics, including cannabinoid pharmacology, the endocannabinoid system and practical prescribing, all tailored to support Romanian clinicians as they work alongside campaigners to improve access.
The training was organised in partnership with Alexandra Carstea, the Society’s International Ambassador to Romania. A legal educator and founder of Asociația Victoria Mea, Alexandra is reshaping how medical cannabis is understood in Romanian policy and clinical practice. Through her work with the Society, she is ensuring Romanian clinicians have access to the same quality of evidence and education as colleagues in more established systems.
Asociația Victoria Mea is also the organisation that initiated and advanced the ‘Victoria’ Law proposal (PL-x 631/2019), a key legislative effort aimed at creating a workable medical cannabis access framework in Romania.
Professor Barnes explains, “Proper training is the foundation of safe and effective prescribing. As interest in medical cannabis grows worldwide, clinicians need clear, evidence-based education they can trust.”
Alexandra Carstea said: “The turnout for this training – doctors and healthcare professionals across so many specialties – signals something important: Romania is ready for serious, evidence-based clinical education in cannabinoid medicine, just as patients are ready for solutions that reflect real medical need.
Together with MCCS and Professor Barnes, we will continue delivering these training sessions every 2 – 3 months to strengthen clinical confidence, support destigmatisation, and contribute constructively to a more informed national conversation. Our aim is clear: Romania needs a workable, responsible framework and we will keep building the professional and scientific foundation that makes meaningful reform possible.”
Global clinical expertise, shared internationally
This training is part of the Society’s growing international programme, led by our International Ambassadors.
Across Europe and beyond, clinicians are facing many of the same issues: expanding evidence, rising patient demand, and legal frameworks that lag behind both. Many are looking for independent, clinically grounded support to practise safely and advocate effectively.
Wherever you’re based, MCCS can support your team with bespoke training, clinical guidance and peer-to-peer support. We also offer licensed training materials, resource translations, and international training delivery for clinical teams, institutions and organisations.
We have, so far, trained clinicians in Greece, Malaysia, Panama and Malta, in addition to Romania.
International clinicians are welcome to join the Society and access expert education, prescribing guidance, peer support and professional development.
To explore training programmes, translations, or licensed use of our materials, or to learn more about international membership, contact the Society at [email protected].
We’re proud to be the independent voice for medical cannabis clinicians and we look forward to supporting colleagues around the world.