Santos approves law for the supply of medicinal cannabis in SUS

Working Group and Regulation to be formed in 30 days to facilitate access to products based on the plant

Published on 12/21/2023

Santos aprova lei para fornecimento de cannabis medicinal no SUS
Leandro Maia

Santos begins the process of implementing the law for the supply of medicinal cannabis in SUS - Unified Health System - after Mayor Rogério Santos (REP) approved the bill proposed by Councilman Lipe Albino (PSB).

The newly sanctioned legislation establishes the creation of actions aimed at promoting the Municipal Policy of Medicinal Products derived from plants based on cannabidiol, including other cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol. These medications will be made available exceptionally and free of charge by the Executive Power in municipal public health units and in private institutions contracted with SUS.

Deputy Caio França is a great inspiration for the creation of the law for access to medicinal cannabis in SUS of Santos

Lipe Albino, councilman

Councilman Lipe Albino highlights the importance of the measure for the health of the population. "There will be medicinal cannabis in Santos. Another step has been taken. Health has won. Now, it’s time to regulate. Let’s work together until the medications reach the homes of those who need them most.”

Working Group and Regulation in 30 Days

The City Hall now has a deadline of 30 days to present a working group responsible for regulating the law in the city. This crucial step will define the guidelines for the effective implementation of Medicinal Cannabis in the SUS of Santos, aiming to provide effective treatment to patients whose diagnosis indicates the need for this type of intervention.

Objective of the Law and Focus on Integrative Health

The objective of the legislation is to diagnose and treat patients whose treatment with medicinal cannabis has proven scientific backing or scientific production that encourages treatment. The products must contain cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol in their formulation, two fundamental components for the therapeutic benefits associated with cannabis.

What does the Health Department say?

The Health Department of Santos informs that law 4.431/2023, published this Thursday (21), provides for the creation of a technical group for discussion and creation of a protocol for the acquisition and dispensing of cannabidiol-based products by the City Hall of Santos. This committee will still be formed, and the protocols will follow the available scientific evidence.

In a second stage, a decree will be published to regulate the law published this Thursday, with the rules for supplying cannabidiol-based products.

Regarding the already existing state law, there is no relation to the municipal law. The state law provides for the acquisition and supply of the product only by the State, not extending to municipalities.

Main professional and scientific fair in Latin America on the medicinal use of Cannabis

May 23, 24, and 25, 2024 at Expo Center Norte/SP

Medical Cannabis Fair (MCF) – It is the largest and main scientific-professional and B2B fair in Brazil and Latin America on the medicinal and industrial use of cannabis. The MCF is aimed at health professionals, public agents, investors, and entrepreneurs. The fair takes place concurrently with the Brazilian Congress on Medicinal Cannabis in São Paulo.