Henrique Fogaça advocates for cannabis access in the SUS

Chef Henrique Fogaça, a judge on the Masterchef program aired on TV Band, shared a strong message in a video posted on his social media account. He urges his followers to pressure authorities and the government to ensure that cannabis-based treatments are widely distributed through the Unified Health System (SUS).

“Let’s spread this message as much as possible, so it reaches public agencies and government officials,” appeals the chef.
 

“This is a matter of humanity”
 

Fogaça's action was motivated by requests for help he received. He stated that many people ask, “how can I get the medication?”

In response, he acknowledges that the medicine is expensive and advocates that “everyone has the right and must have access to the medication.” “This is a matter of humanity,” he preaches.
 

“We deserve an effective public health system”
 

The chef also points out the large amount of taxes paid in Brazil on “everything we do, everything is a tax fee.”

Therefore, Fogaça believes it is fair that not only those with good financial conditions can benefit from cannabis-based treatments: “I think everyone has the right and must have access to the medication.”

The purpose of the call, therefore, is “for public state agencies, municipalities, and cities to join in, and with the taxes we pay, to be able to have the medication in the SUS, so everyone can use it.”

In the post, he also lists several health conditions for which therapeutic use of cannabis could have good results, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, chronic pain, Dravet syndrome, and Tourette syndrome. Cannabis treatment requires specialized medical supervision.
 

Fogaça's daughter has been using medicinal cannabis for 6 years

Fogaça does not hide from anyone that his daughter Olívia, who has a rare syndrome, is being treated with the plant. On the contrary: he openly declares that he fights for cannabis oil.

According to the chef, his daughter has been treated with the herb extract for 6 years and has already “had a very significant improvement, improved practically 95%.” Henrique then asks: 

“if you are in favor and agree, share, give an OK here in the message, so we can gain strength, so everyone can have a good quality of life, just like Olívia, my daughter, is having.”
 

Watch the video: 
 

Cannabis in the SUS advances in SP

Fogaça's call comes in the week when the São Paulo State Legislative Assembly (Alesp) advanced with the Bill (PL) 954/2023, which includes cannabis oil in the Popular Medicine program, to be produced in a state laboratory.

The chef knows that “there is already a bit of medication rolling out,” but reiterates that “the door needs to open wider, so that everyone can have access” to cannabis treatment.