Decree Makes Access to Cannabidiol through SUS More Difficult in Santa Catarina, Warns Deputy

The Decree No. 988, published on Thursday (15) in the Official State Gazette of Santa Catarina, establishes the State Policy for Free Supply of Cannabis-Based Medications for medicinal purposes. However, according to state deputy Father Pedro Baldissera (PT), the measure bureaucratizes and makes free access to cannabidiol through SUS more difficult, contrary to the spirit of the law approved in December 2024.

“The decree, signed by the acting governor, does not clearly show the path that the citizen of Santa Catarina should follow to obtain the medications. And when they find it, after a not-so-intuitive navigation on the Health Department's website, they come across an excessive requirement: the prescribing doctor needs to present ‘robust scientific documentation,’ with ‘updated scientific studies that prove efficacy, epidemiological data, contraindications, adverse reactions, and risks,’” says Father Pedro to the Legislative Assembly (ALESC).

Requirements Hinder the Prescription of Cannabidiol through SUS

According to the deputy, the requirement for scientific proof places an unnecessary obstacle to the free supply of cannabis-based products, in addition to discouraging health professionals.

“If the intention were really to facilitate access, a medical prescription would suffice. The professional is responsible for their patient; they are not conducting experiments. They know what they are doing when prescribing cannabidiol,” defends the parliamentarian.

Deputy Proposes Suspension of the Decree

In response to the regulation, Father Pedro is drafting a Project for Suspension of Act (PSA), aimed at preserving the original intent of the law sanctioned in 2024, which provided for the free and bureaucratized supply of cannabis-based medications through the Unified Health System.

“Instead of regulating the law, the decree creates new requirements, exceeding the limits of regulatory power. This constitutes an abuse and should be combated by the Legislative through the suspension of the act,” he concludes.

With information from ALESC