Florianópolis takes a step forward: the city's first organic medicinal cannabis cultivation is born

The Federal Court of Florianópolis has authorized the Cannabis do Bem Institute to plant up to 996 plants per year for medicinal use.

The decision of the 1st Federal Court opens up space for local production of cannabis in a 100% organic system, with cultivation in aquaponics — a technique that integrates fish farming and plant cultivation, eliminating the need for pesticides, fungi, or contaminants.

According to the Institute, the sustainable model ensures greater safety and quality of the final extract, reinforcing the commitment to good environmental and public health practices.

Direct Impact on Patients

For Rodrigo Rosa, president of the Cannabis do Bem Institute, the authorization represents a significant change in the care of the members.

"An authorized cultivation is a successful cultivation. Now we will ensure higher quality in cultivation, and this directly impacts the health, routine, and confidence of the members," he explains.

Rodrigo also emphasizes that organic cultivation ensures that the medication is free of pesticide residues, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, an essential factor for patients with sensitive immune systems, chronic pain, or more severe pathologies.

In addition, the court decision also guarantees regularity in the supply, avoiding risks of treatment interruption.

"The routine of the members becomes more peaceful, knowing that their medication will always be available," he states.

He points out that the association will also start providing quality reports that prove the absence of contaminants, reinforcing the commitment to patients' health and the environment.

Challenges of Organic Aquaponics Cultivation

Despite the progress, the operation requires technical care and high investment. "Maintaining an organic cultivation presents many challenges," says the president.

The association aims to develop production through aquaponics, but the technique requires knowledge in fish farming, hydroponics, and agronomy, as well as structures such as tanks, greenhouses, and automated monitoring systems.

The Institute presented the Federal Court with reports that prove the need for 996 annual plants to serve the 62 members according to their medical prescriptions, a number that has almost doubled, increasing the challenge of scaling cultivation.

It also points out that the aquaponics system provides greater control over cultivation, resulting in a higher and more consistent profile of terpenes and cannabinoids, which should positively impact the quantity and quality of the final extract.