Caio França: Governor Tarcísio Will Sanction Cannabis Bill Today in SP
The Bill provides for the distribution of cannabis-based medicines through the SUS of the State of São Paulo
By editorial team Sechat
State Deputy Caio França (PSB) confirmed that Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) will sanction, this Tuesday (31), the Bill (PL 1.180/2019) that provides for the distribution of cannabis-based medicines through the Unified Health System (SUS) of the State of São Paulo.
Even with the indication that the medicinal cannabis agenda will advance, França still cannot say whether the project will be sanctioned in full or if it will undergo any changes. The sanctioning act is expected to take place at an event at the Palácio dos Bandeirantes.
Understand Bill 1.180
After approval in the São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp), the Bill 1.180/19, which guarantees free access for patients to cannabis-derived products through the Unified Health System (SUS) in the state network of São Paulo, was delivered to the Executive on January 13, with a deadline of 15 business days to decide on the approval or rejection of the project.
According to one of the authors of the project, Deputy Caio França, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas showed interest in the project during a meeting: "he was sensitive to the cause and guaranteed that the project will be approved.”
França also emphasizes that the sanction is a victory for science, life, and especially for families. “São Paulo must be at the forefront of these issues, and it could not be different. I am very happy, but this is not a final point. I will continue to advance this agenda, including to monitor the distribution of the medicines!”
Currently, the state of São Paulo allows the free distribution of these types of products only through judicialization, which, according to the deputy himself, burdens public finances and does not solve the problem.
Thus, if the project is approved today, the law has 90 days to come into effect. The State Health Department has one month to implement all the guidelines provided. In addition, it will be responsible for registering all patients. In the form, which should be available online, the person needs to prove that they cannot afford to buy the medicinal cannabis treatment in the private network and provide all medical reports that attest to the pathology to be treated.
The distribution of the medicines will be done solely for the purpose of treating diseases for which the use of cannabinoids is indicated in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). There is already scientific evidence that the substance brings benefits to autistic individuals, those with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and other rare diseases.
The registration of patients eligible to receive cannabinoids through the SUS will be valid for one year and can only be renewed upon presentation of a new medical report containing the evolution of the case after the use of the medication and a new prescription with dosage, necessary quantity, and expected treatment duration.
The editorial team of Sechat contacted the press office of the São Paulo government, which stated that it has not yet received a position from the governor on the matter.