Exclusive: Caio França states that government and health secretaries of SP are in favor of medicinal use of cannabis

By João R. Negromonte

In an interview with Live Sechat last Tuesday (17), State Deputy Caio França (PSB), author of the Bill that aims to enable the distribution of cannabis-based products in the SUS of the state of São Paulo, stated that government secretary Gilberto Kassab (PSD) and health secretary Eleuses Paiva (PSD) are in favor of including medicinal cannabis in the state's public health system, through Bill 1180/19 (click to read the full Bill).

To become law, the project depends on the approval of Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), who has until early February to decide whether to sanction or veto the project.  

See the statement by Deputy Caio França:

During the interview, França also highlights that Eleuses confided that he has a rare disease case in his family and believes that the medicinal use of cannabis could help. 

Another point worth noting was the deputy's explanation of political disagreements related to the agenda.

“There is no saying that those who supported Lula in the 2022 elections are in favor of the project and those who supported Bolsonaro are against. We are dealing here with a public health issue and, at this moment, the only side that exists is that of the people,” he states. 

The project was delivered to Governor Tarcísio, who has until February third to sanction or veto the Bill. In case of a veto, the project returns to the Legislative Assembly, which will decide whether to override the veto or not. 

For França, “we have never been so close to approving the Bill and the mission now is to gather strength to have it sanctioned. Counting on a veto override is risky,” highlights the deputy who launched a petition to pressure the state government to approve the measure. 

Access the document here.

Watch the full interview:

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