Article type
Abstract
"Background: The Colombian Ministry of Health needed to establish the enforcement limits of THC for medicinal cannabis products, considering potential consequences for the industry, institutions, health professionals, and patients while also considering the implications on the supply and availability of therapeutic options and the safety of medicinal cannabis users.
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a knowledge translation strategy to support evidence-informed decision-making in the formulation of medicinal cannabis (MC) policies by the Ministry of Health.
Methods: To support the Colombian Ministry of Health in the formulation of MC policy, a knowledge translation strategy was conducted: 1) An evidence brief was developed on three options to address the problem, 2) a citizens panel was convened to capture values and preferences on the issue; 3) a policy dialogue was held. Eight months later, semi-structured interviews with key decision-makers were conducted to assess the impact of the process and the strategies used.
Results: Four key actors were interviewed, and we found that knowledge translation strategies helped improve regulatory and normative practices. The products resulting from this process served as support for the presented technical concept of the Ministry of Health for decree 811 of 2021 development on the regulation of the import, export, cultivation, production, and commercialization of the dry flower of cannabis. The process also contributed indirectly to the development of resolution 2808 of 2022, which specifies the indications under which medical cannabis is covered in Colombia, allowing safe access to the population.
Conclusions: Knowledge translation strategies help inform public policies. This is an example of how reviewing available global and local evidence and deliberative dialogues with key stakeholders and citizen panels can impact the formulation of better social and health policies for the Colombian population.
"
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a knowledge translation strategy to support evidence-informed decision-making in the formulation of medicinal cannabis (MC) policies by the Ministry of Health.
Methods: To support the Colombian Ministry of Health in the formulation of MC policy, a knowledge translation strategy was conducted: 1) An evidence brief was developed on three options to address the problem, 2) a citizens panel was convened to capture values and preferences on the issue; 3) a policy dialogue was held. Eight months later, semi-structured interviews with key decision-makers were conducted to assess the impact of the process and the strategies used.
Results: Four key actors were interviewed, and we found that knowledge translation strategies helped improve regulatory and normative practices. The products resulting from this process served as support for the presented technical concept of the Ministry of Health for decree 811 of 2021 development on the regulation of the import, export, cultivation, production, and commercialization of the dry flower of cannabis. The process also contributed indirectly to the development of resolution 2808 of 2022, which specifies the indications under which medical cannabis is covered in Colombia, allowing safe access to the population.
Conclusions: Knowledge translation strategies help inform public policies. This is an example of how reviewing available global and local evidence and deliberative dialogues with key stakeholders and citizen panels can impact the formulation of better social and health policies for the Colombian population.
"