The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) published on Tuesday (21) Recommendation No. 18, dated October 17, 2025. The document presents a series of suggestions to ministries of the Brazilian government aiming at regulating and expanding access to medical cannabis.

The proposals include integrating cannabis therapy into the Unified Health System (SUS), creating differentiated police protocols for patients, and regulating certification for organic production of the plant. According to the CNDH document, the suggestions were formulated after analyzing constitutional aspects, public health, national and international regulatory frameworks, and the right of association.

The council states that the guidelines are aligned with the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, developed by members of the UN, WHO, UNAIDS, and UNDP.

Universal access to medical cannabis in SUS

The focus of the Health recommendations is to guarantee universal access to therapy. The CNDH suggests the effective integration of medical cannabis into SUS, with its inclusion in the High-Cost Medication Program (PMAE) to transform it from an "economic privilege into a universal right".

The council recommends the creation of Specialized Centers in Cannabis Therapy, to be registered in the National Health Establishments Registry System (SCNES).

These centers would provide technical support to specialist doctors and would allow the accreditation of patient associations as specialized providers of SUS, through partnerships.

In addition, the document calls for the recognition of the "Whole Plant" without artificial limitations on cannabinoid concentration, such as the restriction of 0.3% THC.

The CNDH argues that such a limit has no scientific basis for medicinal use. It also suggests incorporating the therapy into Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICS).

Organic production and promotion

To the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA), the main recommendation is the publication of a Normative Instruction to regulate the participatory certification of organic production of Cannabis sativa L. for medicinal purposes.

The objective is to establish criteria and procedures for Participatory Guarantee Systems (SPG), ensuring quality, traceability, and sanitary safety of products.

For the Ministry of Agrarian Development (MDA), the suggestions aim to support the implementation of certification models. The CNDH recommends the development of SPG pilot projects and national training for Cannabis Associations on the technical procedures of these systems.

Education and research on cannabis medicine

In the Education field, the CNDH proposes the inclusion of content on the endocannabinoid system and cannabis medicine as mandatory in the National Curricular Guidelines of all undergraduate courses in the health area.

It also recommends the creation of specialized residency programs in cannabis medicine, both in the medical and multiprofessional modalities. Finally, it suggests promoting scientific research on medical cannabis through specific calls from CAPES and CNPq.

Protection for medical cannabis patients

Aiming to protect medical cannabis patients and associative leaders, the recommendation to the Ministry of Justice (MJSP) focuses on creating differentiated police approach protocols.

These protocols should include mandatory steps, such as careful verification of medical and legal documentation. They also include specific prohibitions for agents, such as presuming illegality without verification or ignoring valid documentation.

The CNDH also points out the need for specialized and mandatory training for public security professionals on the legal and medical aspects of medical cannabis.