The use of medicinal cannabis has been growing increasingly in the country, being used by several patients in clinical conditions considered critical, to reduce problems such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and to reduce pain from fibromyalgia and advanced cancer, among other diseases.
This progress was largely due to the Resolution issued by Anvisa, which authorized the direct import of cannabidiol-based products in 2015. However, families still face difficulties in obtaining these products, given their high cost and the lack of registration with Anvisa, which results in government and health insurance plans refusing to supply them.
As a result, an increasing number of patients are filing lawsuits, supported by a medical prescription, in order to obtain cannabidiol-based products or even for habeas corpus for the artisanal production of cannabis sativa, seeking protection from possible arrest since Brazilian law considers such an act a crime.
On this topic, Bill 399/2015 is awaiting approval in the Chamber of Deputies, which aims to legalize the medicinal, scientific and industrial cultivation of cannabis sativa.
This project, if approved, will help patients who need cannabidiol due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments, as they will have access to a cheaper and more accessible medicine.