A cannabis medicinal is a product obtained through the extraction of cannabinoids, substances present in Cannabis sativa, which act in various places in the body, including the brain. Although cannabis and marijuana are often used interchangeably, the medicinal form of the plant is grown and processed specifically for therapeutic purposes and has no relationship to recreational use.
In Brazil, medicinal cannabis is used to treat chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, depression, sequelae of cancer, and even side effects of treatments such as .
In pharmacies across the country, it is possible to find two forms of the medicine: CBD isolate, which only has cannabidiol in its composition, and full spectrum, composed of both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocarbinol (THC), in addition to other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN).
CBD is responsible for the relaxing effect of cannabis and is therefore widely used in medicine and pharmaceuticals as an analgesic, sedative and anticonvulsant. THC, on the other hand, is more associated with the effect of “euphoria”, and can be used in therapy as an antidepressant, appetite stimulant and anticonvulsant.
What is medicinal cannabis for and what are the known benefits?
Several studies have already highlighted the beneficial potential of medicinal cannabis, mainly for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and chronic pain.
Some research has also suggested the plant’s benefits for treating autism. In 2018, a published in the journal Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry observed an improvement in social interaction, in addition to a reduction in symptoms such as insomnia and However, the authors emphasize that there is still a lack of clinical tests to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Another study, published in , followed 188 ASD patients treated with medicinal cannabis between 2015 and 2017, and showed that 28 patients reported a significant improvement in autism symptoms. The authors stated that cannabis “appears to be a well-tolerated, safe and effective option for alleviating symptoms associated with ASD.”
Is using medical cannabis safe?
The use of medicinal cannabis, when done under medical supervision, is safe and effective. The specialist will advise on the dosage and correct form of use, minimizing risks.
In Brazil, although there is no required specialization, doctors must follow the regulations of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM) to prescribe cannabis-based products. Therefore, it is necessary to seek additional training to familiarize yourself with the appropriate indications, dosages and forms of use, like any medication.
Medicinal cannabis in Brazil
In Brazil, the import of cannabis-derived products for therapeutic purposes was approved in 2015 by Anvisa. In the same year, the agency removed THC from the list of banned substances. In 2019, the agency regulated the sale of cannabis-derived products in pharmacies, based on a prescription filled and signed by a doctor.
In 2020, the United Nations (UN) recognized the therapeutic properties of cannabis and removed it from the list of dangerous substances. Several clinical studies attest to the plant’s effectiveness in treating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and chronic pain.
In 2023, plant-based medicines began to be distributed free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS) in the state of São Paulo. Another 24 federative units have laws in force or in progress to guarantee the supply of the compound by the SUS.
This Wednesday (13), the first Section of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) with low THC content, as long as it is aimed at the production of medicines or industrial use.
*With information from Brazil Health
