Cannabis in SUS SP: 2-Year Review Debated at Alesp
Alesp evaluates two years of cannabis in the Paulista SUS. See the law's advances, access challenges, and a R$ 1.75 million call for proposals for projects.
The distribution of cannabis in SUS SP marks two years of implementation under debate at Alesp. The Cannabis Parliamentary Front is holding a public hearing this Thursday (13) to evaluate bottlenecks, clinical advances, and the next steps for treatment through SUS.
In this article you will see:
- How the hearing on medical cannabis in the Paulista SUS works
- The impact of State Law No. 17.618/2023 on access to cannabidiol-based medications
- Main challenges: medical training, logistics, and the inclusion of new conditions
- R$ 1.75 million call for proposals for cannabis research and innovation projects
- Event service details at Alesp
2 Years of Medical Cannabis in the Paulista SUS: Review and Challenges
The Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (Alesp) hosts the 3rd public hearing of the Parliamentary Front for Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp. The meeting, scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Teotônio Vilela Auditorium, aims to account for the practical application of the state health policy.
The initiative is coordinated by State Representative Caio França (PSB) with co-coordination by State Representative Eduardo Suplicy (PT). The event brings together state managers, doctors, and associations to analyze supply data and public care.
"Ever since the law was implemented two years ago, we have held this review meeting to provide transparency, monitor what has already advanced, and discuss the remaining challenges. Public policy needs to be permanently evaluated to better serve those who rely on it", highlights Representative Caio França.
How Does the State Law Guarantee Cannabidiol-Based Medications?
Established by State Law No. 17.618/2023, the São Paulo policy set guidelines for the free provision of cannabis-derived products for specific conditions backed by scientific evidence and regulatory approval.
The discussion panel features the participation of Dr. José Luiz Gomes do Amaral, coordinator of the Cannabidiol Working Group (GT) of the State Department of Health, alongside specialists such as pediatric neurologist Dr. Karen Baldin (Unicamp) and Bruno Pegoraro, president of Instituto Ficus.
Among the main topics under discussion are:
- Expansion of Eligible Conditions: Discussion on including new clinical conditions beyond those provided in the initial protocols.
- Medical Training: Training public healthcare professionals for safe prescribing and therapeutic monitoring.
- Red Tape Reduction in Delivery: Streamlining workflows at the state's High-Cost Pharmacies.
R$ 1.75 Million Call for Proposals for Research on Cannabis and Hemp
In addition to reviewing the law's two years, the Parliamentary Front announced that applications are open until August 25 for the call for proposals funding medical cannabis and industrial hemp projects.
The fund totals R$ 1.75 million, made up of parliamentary amendments from Caio França (R$ 1 million) and Eduardo Suplicy (R$ 750 thousand). The public call covers proposals from public bodies and the non-profit sector focused on:
- Applied scientific research and technological innovation;
- Health education and communication programs;
- Sustainable economic development and social inclusion projects.
Applications take place directly through the Front's official platform:
[www.fpcannabis.com](https://www.fpcannabis.com).br.
Event Info: 3rd Public Hearing of the Parliamentary Front
- Theme: Two years of cannabis implementation in the Paulista SUS: where should this public policy head next?
- Date: August 13 (Thursday)
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Location: Teotônio Vilela Auditorium – Alesp (São Paulo - SP)
- Admission: Open to the public and officially broadcast on Alesp channels