Recife City Council approves policy for distribution of cannabis-based medicines

The Recife City Council approved, on this Monday (4), in a second and final vote, bill no. 207/2022, which establishes the guidelines for the creation of the Municipal Policy for the Use and Distribution of Cannabis-Derived Medicines. With 20 votes in favor and one against, the project now goes for the mayor's sanction.

During the debates, councilwoman Michele Collins declared her opposition, stating that she supports the use of cannabidiol (CBD) medicines, a substance extracted from various strains of the Cannabis sativa plant, but expressed doubts regarding the control of the plantations and the registration of producing entities. She also questioned the City Council's authority to legislate on the matter, emphasizing that the issue is being discussed in the National Congress through bill 399/2015. “I believe that the Recife City Council should refrain from discussing this topic while Congress has not taken a position,” Collins declared.

In contrast, councilman Rodrigo Coutinho (Republicans) disagreed with Collins' position, highlighting that the project was extensively debated and analyzed by various council members before being brought to the floor. "This legislative house has a team of competent consultants, and the project went through all the executive committees. If adjustments were needed, the appropriate time for that would have already passed," Coutinho stated. He also emphasized the importance of considering families who depend on the medication, arguing that the City Council should not submit to other levels of government in this regard.

Ivan Moraes (PSOL) requested the floor and criticized Michele Collins' statements, highlighting that some parliamentarians are not modest in the debate by distorting facts out of prejudice. “There are no scientific or legal doubts about the use of cannabis-derived medicines,” Moraes reassured, reiterating the technical support for the project.

Councilwoman Liana Cirne (PT) also requested a point of order, correcting Collins' legal interpretation. "There is a misunderstanding regarding legislative competence. In health matters, the competence among municipalities, states, and the Union is concurrent. Therefore, there is no legislative overlap. Our project aims to ensure that the municipal SUS can provide the medication free of charge, democratizing access to the benefits of medicinal cannabis in Recife," Liana concluded.

With information from Recife City Council