Anvisa's regulation is on the right track

Anvisa's delay in complying with the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) decision should be seen positively. Any decision made hastily, especially when driven by economic pressures from large companies, runs the risk of being poorly crafted and harmful to society. As an association, we understand that Anvisa's new board is adopting a responsible and thorough stance.

Despite criticism from media sectors and the "cries" of companies seeking to use cannabis only as an opportunity for enrichment, we see a real advancement in the agency's commitment to building a fairer and more democratic regulation. Instead of concentrating the market in a few economic groups, regulation should strengthen national production in a decentralized manner — involving states, family farming, small and medium-sized farmers, compounding pharmacies, and regional laboratories. This is the most ethical, fair, and sustainable path.

If for those who have been waiting for years, six more months represent impatience, for us, who have been following the issue from the beginning, this time is a sign of regulatory maturity. It is a necessary period to build a solid, transparent rule based on science and dialogue with civil society. We have the opportunity today to do something unprecedented in the world: create a truly Brazilian regulation — the “jabuticanábica” — that can serve as a global reference.

A regulation that puts Brazil at the forefront of scientific and medical cannabis production, ensuring sovereignty, national development, and democratization of access. It is not about serving market interests, but ensuring that everyone has the right to treatment, research, and production — and that the country advances in an intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable manner.