Ecuador’s government has voted in favour of legislation to make medicinal cannabis legal.

The Plenary of the National Assembly approved the reform of the Organic Integral Criminal Code (COIP) that allows the production, commercialisation, distribution, use and consumption of cannabis for medicinal or therapeutic uses in the country.

Of the 130 assembly members, 83 voted ‘yes’, with just 23 against the motion. One vote was returned blank, while 23 abstained.

Possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana for personal consumption is legal in the South American nation, although its sale is prohibited.

The Plenary vote in favour of medicinal cannabis is expected to pave the way towards a push for full legalisation in 2020.

Updates to follow.