Currently, in Brazil, medical cannabis is not legalized. Although, there are different judicial instruments for patients to access it. An example of this is the preventive habeas corpus through which they can grow the plant or through the authorization of ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency) to import their cannabis-based treatments with a medical prescription. Often, such processes are not as simple as they seem, and patients go through many difficulties to obtain them.
However, the state of Rio Grande do Sul recently announced good news for medical cannabis patients. Thanks to the Law No. 11.055 of 2022, which decreed to guarantee the right not only to access treatment but also to promote education, research, scientific production, and technological development.
This law ensures any person’s right to have treatment with cannabis-based products as long as there is a prescription by a licensed health professional and complies with the provisions of ANVISA. The state of Rio Grande do Norte may enter into partnerships with patient associations, universities, and public and private institutions.
The government wants to encourage scientific and technological advancement along with economic and social growth. Generating employment and income, and the proper use of available natural resources to help the environment.
In conclusion, the country has made progress amid so many difficulties in legalizing cannabis. There is still a long way to go, like many other countries, but this news proves how the fight against stigma has been worthwhile, while hope is kept alive concerning the use of this plant.