Cannabis Distribution Law by SUS Takes Effect This Saturday (05) in Pernambuco

The Law No. 18.757, which guarantees the free distribution of medicinal cannabis-based medications through the Unified Health System (SUS) in Pernambuco, takes effect this Saturday (5). The regulation was promulgated at the end of 2024 by the president of the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco (Alepe), Deputy Álvaro Porto (PSDB).

Authored by deputies João Paulo (PT) and Luciano Duque (Solidariedade), the implementation of the measure now depends only on regulation by the State Government.

“The new legislation represents a significant step for access to health through medicinal cannabis, especially for patients who depend on these treatments,” says Deputy João Paulo, also president of the Parliamentary Front for Medicinal Cannabis and Medicinal Hemp in Pernambuco.

Next Meeting of the Parliamentary Front to Address Industrial Hemp

The Parliamentary Front will hold its 6th meeting on Monday (7) at 10 a.m. in the Ênio Guerra Auditorium at Alepe in Recife to discuss the topic “Regulation and Perspectives on Industrial Hemp.”

The meeting will feature a lecture by researcher Bruno Pegoraro, president and co-founder of the Ficus Institute, a national reference in cannabis science and technology. Leandro Stelitano, founder and president of CANNAB – Association for Research and Development of Medicinal Cannabis in Brazil, recognized for its work in innovation and research on the plant, will also be present.

The meeting next Monday continues the discussions held in the previous five editions of the Parliamentary Front, which addressed topics such as: scientific and therapeutic advances of cannabis; regulatory challenges for access and production; social and economic impacts of regulation; and the role of family farming in the production chain.

What is Industrial Hemp?

Industrial hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant with low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive substance present in higher levels in other varieties. Throughout history, hemp has been widely used for the production of fibers, food, paper, cosmetics, biofuels, and construction materials.

With its high versatility, hemp cultivation presents not only economic potential but also environmental benefits, as it is a low-impact and high-yield crop. In over 60 countries, cultivation is already regulated, promoting sustainable production chains and job creation.

The Sechat Portal editorial team contacted the Government of Pernambuco on Thursday (03) to understand the next steps for implementing the Law. However, by 3 p.m. on Friday, at the time of publication of this material, no response had been received.