Proposal brings together coordinated measures with the objective of normalizing all steps, ensuring medicinal and scientific access from production to the treatment of patients
The federal government took a significant step last Monday (19) by presenting to court an action plan to regulate access to drugs derived from . This movement aims to establish clear guidelines for the regulation and supervision of these products, ensuring both the quality and safety for patients who need them. The entire regulatory process is expected to be completed and the new legislation published by September this year. Since 2015, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) already allows the importation of cannabis -based products, provided there is a prescription.
It is currently estimated that more than 670,000 Brazilians depend on cannabis-based medicines to treat severe medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and chronic pain. Access to these treatments in Brazil has largely been made possible through court decisions. Since 2022, the It has already served about 820 court decisions that guarantee the offer of these products to patients. Despite the absence of formal regulation, several associations have achieved judicial authorization to produce these medicines, filling an important gap in the health system.
The federal government’s initiative seeks to formalize and facilitate access to these medicines, ensuring that patients have safe and regulated access to the necessary treatments. The proposed regulation represents a crucial step for the consolidation of cannabis medicinal use in Brazil, reflecting a global trend of recognition of the therapeutic benefits of these products. With the regulation, it is expected that Brazil may not only meet internal demand, but also position itself as a potential leader in the production and export of cannabis medicines.
In addition to directly benefiting patients, regulation can open new economic and research opportunities in the country. The development of a national cannabis -based drug industry can generate jobs and foster innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, regulation can encourage scientific studies that deepen the knowledge about the therapeutic effects of cannabis, contributing to the advancement of medicine and the well-being of the population.
*With information from Aline Beckety
*Report produced with the aid of AI
