Developments of the 2022 Elections
What to expect in the coming years regarding the cannabis agenda and what some lawmakers say about the development of the topic from now on
By João R. Negromonte
With the victory of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) by 50.9% against 49.1% of valid votes over current president Jair Bolsonaro, there have been many speculations about how the new government will address the cannabis agenda.
Thinking about this, the Sechat portal sought out some legislative representatives to find out what they think about the new government and what the population can expect regarding the cannabis use agenda in Brazil.
What to expect in the coming years?
For Mara Gabrilli (PSDB), senator of the Republic from the state of São Paulo, representative of Brazil in the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a patient using medicinal cannabis, the important thing is to work even harder in the Federal Senate, advancing the agenda with the new government and ensuring access for all who need this therapy, especially the poorer population.
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“We cannot turn a blind eye to the pain of others and ignore the evolution of scientific research that increasingly robustly demonstrates the numerous benefits of cannabis use,” the senator emphasized.
For her, there is no doubt that cannabis has already dismantled its medicinal capacity, given the studies that reveal its efficacy in treating numerous diseases of the body (epilepsy, cancer effects, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain) and the mind (Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, insomnia), a fact that has been decisive for the decriminalization of the substance around the world.
“Brazil cannot experience further setbacks like the one we recently faced with the decision of the Federal Council of Medicine, which, fortunately, was revised. A government that claims to be progressive, that cares for the poorest, must expand access to cannabis-based medications and show that it cares about the health of Brazilians,” emphasizes Mara Gabrilli.
When asked how civil society can contribute, Mara replies: “The Brazilian population is a fundamental part of this development. We have just experienced the peak of the democratic process in this country, a free, clean, and direct election. The population must be active and demand that their elected representatives prioritize agendas like cannabis, which are of public interest, in the Legislative Houses.”
Another who also gave her opinion was Federal Deputy Sâmia Bomfim, leader of PSOL in the Chamber of Deputies. According to her, the elected president, in a way, avoided the subject by not proposing it for the next government; however, this does not mean that he cannot discuss the topic and seek progress. “It is necessary to demystify prejudices and show society the benefits of legalization,” emphasizes Sâmia, who reinforces: “Associations, families, and health professionals can mobilize and present data and examples to pressure institutions to advance the project; we cannot just sit back while people need this type of treatment.”
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When asked what could be an obstacle, Sâmia is direct: “I believe that fake news, misinformation, and prejudice are fundamental issues. Fundamentalism distorts serious and extremely important agendas for civilization.”
Personal Commitment
Another who also commented was lawyer and federal deputy Paulo Teixeira (PT/SP), an advocate for ending drug repression policies. “Regarding cannabis, I have a personal commitment to the topic, as I advocate that we need to end the 'war on drugs' policy and transform it into a harm reduction policy and a commitment to health. However, these premises do not involve either the PT or Lula, but rather the Brazilian people,” says the deputy.
We must not forget that there are some bills regarding cannabis being processed both in the Senate and in the Chamber of Deputies, such as the PL399/15, authored by Deputy Fábio Mitidieri (PSD/SE), with Teixeira as the president of the special commission, the same one that approved the project in June 2021.
According to the deputy, Brazilians have the right to treat their ailments as they wish; therefore, regulating the medicinal use of cannabis is necessary and urgent. “PL 399 was approved in the special commission, which had a terminative character. However, a resource was made for the plenary, and it is now pending a vote. I suggest that everyone ask their deputies to reject the resource, which will make the PL go directly to the Senate,” proposes Teixeira.
Even with a Congress that is mostly conservative, giving up on the agenda is not an option, after all, many patients depend on cannabinoid therapy to ensure their well-being and quality of life.
“Ideological positions cannot override science and the pain of those who suffer. We cannot bureaucratize access to prescriptions for medications containing cannabis derivatives in their formulation,” reveals Senator Mara Gabrilli. “A country that prides itself on advances in research, that prides itself on having the Unified Health System, must review unnecessary barriers, democratize access to medications, and not restrict it to those who, for economic reasons, can pay to mitigate the adverse effects of diseases and minimize pain. Every Brazilian who suffers, with whatever pain they have, must have their right to medication respected, and science must prevail over discrimination, ideology, and even ignorance,” Gabrilli concludes.