São Paulo at the forefront of health

The recent decision by the City of São Paulo to expand the offering of cannabis-based medications within the Unified Health System (SUS) marks an important and necessary step towards a fairer public health policy. The measure, based on State Law 17.618/2023, expanded access to medications for over 30 conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), chronic pain, and epilepsy.

The initiative in São Paulo is a nod to science, ahead of ignorance. A decision that will reduce the burden on the judiciary system, allowing treatment to be obtained more swiftly through the public network, with dignity for patients. It is a recognition that access to quality healthcare cannot be a privilege for a few.

It is worth noting that imported CBD oil bottles can cost over R$ 2,000, making treatment unfeasible for the vast majority of Brazilians. Even with court decisions guaranteeing free supply, the process is still slow and bureaucratic, causing unnecessary suffering.

By including cannabis-based medications in the SUS, São Paulo gives voice and dignity to patients who will be able to receive treatment without depending on the judiciary or their own pockets. A gesture that should serve as an example for other states. This is, in fact, one of the objectives of our PL 5511/2023, which creates the Medicinal Cannabis Regulatory Framework: to make access to healthcare a reality for all Brazilians who use the Public Health System.

The project is currently under review in the Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Commission (CRA) of the Senate, under the rapporteurship of Senator Professora Dorinha, and discussions on the text have been progressing promisingly.

Discussing the medicinal use of Cannabis and the cultivation of industrial hemp in the CRA is also recognizing the enormous agricultural potential of Brazil. We have the full capacity to produce, with quality and scale, the inputs necessary for the manufacturing of plant-based medications.

The proposal meets the desires of patients and producers who wish to invest, create jobs, and drive the national economy. In addition to the direct impact on public health, we are facing a huge economic opportunity. Brazil has all the conditions to become a leader in a rapidly growing global market.

An example of this is the United States model, where 38 states and territories have already regulated the medicinal use of Cannabis. Industrial hemp production was federally legalized in 2018, still during Donald Trump's administration. Only in 2022, the American market moved US$ 13.2 billion. According to reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the industrial hemp market continues to grow significantly, reaching the value of US$ 291 million, representing an 18% increase compared to 2022. In 2024, this movement was even greater, jumping to US$ 445 million, a 40% growth compared to the previous year.

These numbers demonstrate the robustness and economic potential of the sector, reinforcing the argument that Brazil has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in this expanding global market.

Brazilian society has matured enough for this debate. Now, it is up to the Parliament and the government to set ideologies aside and advance on the topic in a mature and responsible manner.

The challenge is still great, but São Paulo's example showed courage and commitment to science. It is what gives us hope for better days for those in pain and who know how much this plant can alleviate suffering.

With modern legislation, based on evidence, well regulated, and safe, it will be possible to transform the lives of thousands of people and position Brazil at the forefront of health innovation.

The city of São Paulo has taken the first step, showing that pain cannot wait. And science cannot be ignored.