The Santa Catarina Legislative Assembly is holding a public hearing this Monday (25), from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, to discuss legal, medical, social, and health aspects of medicinal Cannabis use. The event is organized in partnership between the Health Committee and Deputy Paulinha, author of the law that established the State Policy of Free Supply of Medicines and Products based on Cannabis.

Although the law was sanctioned in 2024, the regulation published in 2025 by decree nº 988/25 has been receiving criticism from parliamentarians, experts, and patient associations. The main point of contention is the exclusion of associations as suppliers by the Unified Health System (SUS) and the limitation of access only to three rare diseases: epilepsy, generalized epileptic syndromes, and tuberous sclerosis.

For entities linked to the issue, the restriction disregards already consolidated scientific and clinical evidence on the therapeutic use of Cannabis in conditions such as fibromyalgia, autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, anxiety, chronic pain, and cancer. According to sector representatives, the measure leaves thousands of patients unassisted, even in the face of state legislation that guarantees supply.

In the same context, Deputy Paulinha recently presented Bill (PL) 563/2025. The proposal provides for the allocation of Cannabis sativa plants seized in Santa Catarina for scientific purposes and for the production of medicines, in accordance with federal legislation.

The public hearing is expected to bring together authorities, health experts, jurists, patient associations, and family members. The goal is to broaden the discussion on the effectiveness of the state policy and to discuss ways to ensure safe and democratic access to Cannabis-based treatments in Santa Catarina. Watch it here.