Public hearing in SP discusses the legal aspects of cannabis
“Given the omission of some powers, mainly at the federal level, patients and associations constantly seek the judiciary to ensure the protection of their right to health,” highlights Dr. Cristiano Maronna, one of the event's speakers
Published on 05/18/2022
By João R. Negromonte
The public hearing, which took place yesterday (17) at the São Paulo State Legislative Assembly and was organized by the Parliamentary Front in Defense of Medicinal Cannabis and Industrial Hemp and by the Institute of Social and Economic Research of Cannabis (IPSEC), addressed how the judiciary has been positioning itself regarding the applications of cannabis in Brazil.
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The debate, moderated by State Deputy Sérgio Victor (NOVO), also featured the participation of figures such as Dr. Cecília Galicio, a lawyer who is part of the Legal Network for Drug Policy Reform and a columnist for Sechat, Dr. Fernanda Balera, Public Defender of the State of São Paulo, Dr. Leonardo Sobral Navarro, full member of the Special Commission on Medical Law and Health (OAB/SP), Dr. Gustavo Roberto Costa, Prosecutor of the Public Ministry in São Paulo, and Dr. Cristiano Maronna, representative of OAB-SP in the Municipal Council on Drug Policies of the City of São Paulo (Comuda).
Addressing topics such as legal uncertainty for healthcare professionals prescribing cannabis, constitutional guarantees, preventive habeas corpus, and democratization of access to medications, the jurists emphasized the importance of the discussion not only in the legal sphere but also in the legislative and executive branches.
According to Dr. Maronna: “Given the omission of some powers, mainly at the federal level, patients and associations constantly seek the judiciary to ensure the protection of their right to health. In this way, hundreds of thousands of people now have access to cannabis-based medicines at low cost.”
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The lawyer also highlights the important role of patient associations in democratizing access to these medications: “Patient associations are at the forefront of the regulatory advancement of cannabis use in Brazil, thanks to the sensitivity of judges and courts. Faced with the high cost of imported medication and the domestically available ones in pharmacies, there will only be inclusive and democratic regulation if there is authorization for self-cultivation and shared cultivation.”
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The hearing, which lasted over two hours, also included testimonies from legislators, patients, and the public opinion present at the venue. For those who want to learn more about the legal aspects of cannabis in Brazil, or even get acquainted with the topic, check out the full broadcast here:
