Brazil needs to think like an action country, but act like a thinking country

In an article, columnist Marcelo De Vita Grecco highlights that the country presents a serious contradiction, as it has regulated the commercialization of cannabis-based medicines, recognizing their therapeutic effects, but not cultivation, hindering research.

10/02/2026 15h00

Column by Marcelo De Vita Grecco*

Politics has finally aligned with science regarding the classification of cannabis on a global scale. Last week, the United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs removed cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Drug Convention. Thus, the plant is removed from the group reserved for the most dangerous drugs under strict control. This move comes nearly two years late compared to the recommendation made by the World Health Organization (WHO), which at the time recognized the medicinal properties of cannabis. Better late than never.

The result of the historic vote is a milestone to be celebrated, and the decision is fundamental for progress towards better days in the medium and long term. Only in Brazil, millions of people could find better quality of life through the medicinal use of cannabis. Still, the negative note of the vote is precisely the stance of the Brazilian government, which voted against the new classification.

This new classification does not have an immediate effect on the global scenario, as each country continues to have its own jurisdiction over the classification of substances. However, the result of the historic vote is a milestone to be celebrated, and the decision is fundamental for progress towards better days in the medium and long term. This new classification should create a more favorable environment for cannabis research, remembering that there is already a significant body of evidence regarding the results of its active principles in treating diseases such as Parkinson's disease, sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic pain, and cancer. Only in Brazil, millions of people could find better quality of life through the medicinal use of cannabis. Still, the negative note of the vote is precisely the stance of the Brazilian government, which voted against the new classification.

On more than one occasion, President Jair Bolsonaro has cited the saying that “worse than a poorly made decision is indecision.” According to him, there is a possibility of error, but with the aim of doing the best for Brazil.

It is very good for the president to signal that we have an action-oriented government. However, in acting, the government needs to show that it thinks. This is essential, and both fronts need to coexist in a connected manner. Without this, governmental decisions can lead us backward. In this sense, it is necessary to consider that the references that underpinned the previous classification of cannabis at the UN were reports from the 1950s, something that was not minimally fair or even reasonable.

On more than one occasion, President Jair Bolsonaro has cited the saying that “worse than a poorly made decision is indecision.” According to him, there is a possibility of error, but with the aim of doing the best for Brazil. It is very good for the president to signal that we have an action-oriented government.

Looking ahead, we need to consider that the reclassification of cannabis by the UN will have a positive impact on the legal cannabis industry, especially medicinally, on a global scale. Currently, more than 50 countries have regulations for the medicinal use of the plant. This number is expected to grow, as many nations base their policies on global conventions.

The fact is that there has been an explosion in the market ecosystem related to the medicinal use of cannabis in recent years, and the UN's decision is indicative of a new boom. This perspective should have a positive impact on more mature markets, such as those in North America and Europe, but the broader range of opportunities lies in countries that have yet to develop this market. This group includes many countries in Asia and the Caribbean region. Brazil is among them and presents a serious contradiction, as it has regulated the commercialization of medicines, recognizing their therapeutic effects, but not cultivation, hindering research and preventing access to products for the vast majority of the population.

Brazil is among them and presents a serious contradiction, as it has regulated the commercialization of medicines, recognizing their therapeutic effects, but not cultivation, hindering research and preventing access to products for the vast majority of the population.

This Brazilian delay falls on the executive and legislative branches, after all, the processing of Bill 399/2015, which regulates the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial use, is stalled in parliament. The decision of the international body could be taken into account to accelerate this process.

In more developed markets, products based on cannabis derivatives such as cannabidiol (CBD), a compound with no psychoactive effects, have entered the wellness market in large volumes. Even more importantly are the millions of Brazilians who could benefit from cannabis-based medicines. This right to health prevails under any analytical perspective.

However, we cannot disregard that a conservative and ideological stance not only deprives the right to better health and quality of life but also leaves us on the sidelines of a billion-dollar market, already explored in several countries. In the United States alone, projections indicate that the medicinal use of cannabis could generate up to $34 billion by 2025.

This Brazilian delay falls on the executive and legislative branches, after all, the processing of Bill 399/2015, which regulates the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial use, is stalled in parliament. The decision of the international body could be taken into account to accelerate this process.

The Brazilian president states that making decisions is essential. However, just as important as taking a stance is basing it on facts and scientific evidence. This is the best way to avoid mistakes. The international community has given a historic and clear signal for the future possibilities of cannabis. With its new classification at the UN, Brazil, more than ever, needs to think like an action country, but act like a thinking country.

*Marcelo De Vita Grecco is co-founder, head of Business at The Green Hub, and columnist for Sechat

The opinions expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sechat.

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