Early in 2019, Alexandra Cârstea lost her mother, Victoria, to cancer. Knowing that there was a commonly used treatment in other European nations, she watched her suffer. This motivated her to advocate for Romania’s medical cannabis legalization. But there have been ongoing challenges to her attempts. When it comes to implementing progressive measures, this country is still far behind its neighbors. Alexandra describes her history and actions in an article for hotnews.ro.
She also elaborated about her path and her mother’s history in our interview “Alexandra Carstea: medical cannabis advocacy in Romania”.
A personal battle as an advocacy
“I didn’t expect this to take so long,” Alexandra told HotNews.
She has read research, talked to medical professionals and patients, and discovered the health advantages of cannabis throughout the years. Alexandra wishes to spare others from experiencing what her mother went through.
She has presented scientific findings to state representatives and joined global groups that advocate for medical cannabis and shared information with them. Afterwards she instructed Romanian physicians after taking courses on the topic.
She has also pushed for debates in Parliament and hosted conferences. Progress has been excruciatingly slow, though. The legislation is still stuck.
Politics and fear as the main medical cannabis blockers
Alexandra thinks politicians need to be courageous. “People should come first, regardless of their philosophy. The Romanian government needs to accept accountability and provide patients with legal protection.
According to a poll she did two years ago, around 70% of Romanians were in favor of legalizing medical cannabis. Since the majority of responders were middle-aged or older, they probably prioritized health advantages over recreational use.
She expects that in 2025, lawmakers would expedite the bill’s passage and implementation rather than simply brushing it off. She urges, “Now is the time to act.”
Europe moves forward, Romania stands still
While Romania is hesitant countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain have already legalized medical cannabis under relevant regulations. There, patients use it to treat adverse effects from chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic pain.
Romania’s hold-up is reflective of a greater resistance to change. Politicians are still hesitant in spite of public backing and scientific data. Patients are denied access to treatments that can change their lives because of their inaction.
However, Alexandra Cârstea denies to give up. People, not politics, are at the center of her battle. Other European countries show that legalization is possible when understanding leads policy.
Romania is still stuck for the time being. But until people receive the care they are entitled to, Alexandra and other advocates will not give up.