Can Physiotherapists Prescribe Cannabis? Understand the Legislation and the Limits of the Profession

The use of cannabis products for medicinal purposes has gained prominence in Brazil, bringing discussions about the legality of prescribing these products by health professionals, including physiotherapists. Current legislation allows physiotherapists to prescribe drugs and phytopharmaceuticals, including cannabis, as established in various regulations. Article 5 of the Brazilian Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice any profession, provided that legal qualifications are met.

The Federal Council of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (COFFITO) also recognizes this possibility. Resolutions such as 380/2010 and the ruling COFFITO 611/2017 confirm that physiotherapists are qualified to prescribe phytopharmaceuticals, as long as the relevant regulations are respected. Additionally, ANVISA's RDC 660, dated March 30, 2022, defines criteria for prescribing cannabis-derived products, stating that these must be prescribed by professionals qualified for health treatment.

Despite the legality, the practice still faces significant challenges. Hugo Zamponi, a physiotherapist with over 23 years of experience, highlights the difficulty in breaking the "culture" that assigns the right to prescribe exclusively to doctors. 

"In practical terms today, physiotherapists do not have autonomy to prescribe any medication that requires a blue prescription. However, medications that require a white prescription are supported by law, granting physiotherapists this prerogative," explains Zamponi, who continues:

"We know there is a whole culture, a resistance surrounding this issue of prescription by other categories beyond medicine. However, what is more relevant, in my opinion, is being qualified for it. Having deep knowledge about the subject, its objectives, and its applicability involving pros and cons. This healthy debate is extremely important and essential for professional growth, for greater multidisciplinary integration, with the goal of increasingly providing better treatment to our patients."

These difficulties are reflected in the resistance of some professionals and the misinformation about the role of physiotherapists in prescribing cannabis. Additionally, the fear of possible legal repercussions may inhibit physiotherapists' actions in this area, even though the legislation allows such practice.

Therefore, although the legal basis for the prescription of cannabis products by physiotherapists is well established, it is evident that overcoming cultural barriers and promoting professional training are fundamental for this practice to be widely recognized and utilized for the benefit of patients.