Contrary to repression and marginalization, an initiative born in the heart of Bahia is illuminating paths once considered impassable for those living on the margins. The Association for Research and Development of Medicinal Cannabis in Brazil, Cannab, has just been awarded in the second edition of the Care Points grant, promoted by the Secretariat of Assistance and Social Development (Seades), and announces: it will expand its support to include people with alcohol and crack dependence.

With a history of providing free care to over 3,000 families in situations of social vulnerability, Cannab now aims at a new front, carrying with it the commitment to offer comprehensive care, reduce harm, and, above all, break the prejudices that still surround the use of medicinal cannabis in Brazil.

"It is a true turning point. It legitimizes our work and helps break stigmas. It is a huge investment from the Government of Bahia aimed at the vulnerable population, something we have never seen before," says Leandro Stelitano, president and founder of the association.

Treating with science, welcoming with respect

In practice, Cannab's expansion means more than new services. It means recognizing that problematic substance use is not just a clinical issue, but a social, affective, and community one. With nine volunteer doctors and a multidisciplinary team, the association advocates for an approach centered on listening, attention, and the therapeutic use of cannabis as a tool for emotional and physical rebalancing.
 

"Our focus is stigma-free care. Cannabis oil, when properly prescribed, has significant impacts: mood improvement, reduced anxiety and stress, as well as decreased relapses in cases of alcohol and nicotine dependence," explains Ana Carolina Fernandes, a psychologist at the association.

Among the already studied effects of medicinal cannabis are the improvement of epilepsy, Parkinson's, chronic pain, autism, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as relevant anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits, all important in the context of comprehensive care for people in situations of vulnerability and problematic substance use.

A network under construction

With the $430,000 grant secured by the grant, Cannab now seeks to engage with other of the 13 organizations awarded. Among them, the Terreiro de Lembá, the Indigenous Movement of Bahia, and the Black Initiative for a New Drug Policy, which has already begun discussions to establish lasting partnerships.

"We are designing strategies so that each organization can contribute with its specificities. The idea is to create a map of Care Points in Bahia to guide the population on where to seek help," explains Renata Nascimento, from the Black Initiative.

This networked action enhances the strength of each entity and signals a new care model: decentralized, affective, and rooted in the territories.

Cannabis as a tool for transformation

For the Superintendent of Drug Policy at Seades, Gabriel Oliveira, the recognition of community care is a fundamental step. "When the State recognizes the practices that already exist in the territories, a powerful window opens to build fairer public policies. The partnership with Cannab is about bringing the public power closer to successful experiences already validated by the population," he states.
 

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Social worker Beatriz Portela, who is also part of Cannab, highlights the challenges: “There is still much ignorance and many economic and legal barriers that keep the most vulnerable public away from access to medicinal cannabis. But we continue to insist, educate, care”.

Welcoming those who have been forgotten

At the forefront of this process are lives, often ignored, silenced, or repressed. That is why João Miguel Chaves Almeida, from the Superintendence of Drug Policies and Care for Vulnerable Groups at Seades, emphasizes that care for those living with chemical dependency needs to be diverse. “Care must be multiple. It involves research, affection, listening, and harm reduction strategies. Cannab fulfills this role with sensitivity and competence,” he highlights.