Free distribution of medical cannabis by SUS in Criciúma expected to start in December

In Criciúma, medical cannabis has officially become part of public health. The Law No. 8,721/2025, authored by councilwoman Giovana Mondardo (PCdoB) – the youngest and most voted in the city – establishes the Municipal Policy for Free Supply of Cannabis-based Medicines by SUS.

Approved unanimously in July 2025, the measure represents a historic milestone and puts Criciúma at the forefront of public policies on the subject in Brazil. According to the councilwoman, the achievement was the result of debates and public hearings that demonstrated the positive impact of medical cannabis for patients and families.

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“Our mandate has been addressing medical cannabis for a long time,” explains Giovana. Since 2023, public hearings and meetings with the Health Department have been held to plan the program implementation. Now, in 2025, distribution is starting to become a reality, with strategies being defined to ensure that access is safe, efficient, and inclusive.

Breaking prejudices and providing information

Still in the planning phase, the program is expected to progress throughout the year. The councilwoman believes that by the end of 2025, there will be concrete news about the availability of the medicines. “We are working on training and all strategic definitions to offer medical cannabis responsibly through SUS,” she states.

Despite legal advancements, Giovana acknowledges that the topic still faces resistance. “Many people still have prejudices about the medicinal use of cannabis. But with information and real stories of overcoming, we can show that it is a medication that transforms lives,” she says. Educational campaigns and dialogues with the community are part of the plan to raise awareness among the population.

The positive impact of medical cannabis on patients dealing with chronic pain and other conditions reinforced the need for the law. For her, these testimonials were crucial for the project to be understood and approved quickly. “Knowing these transformation stories made all the difference so that we could build an efficient and humane law,” she concludes.