Senator advocates for medicinal use of cannabis
"The regulation of cannabis and free access through the Unified Health System (SUS) are essential steps," said Teresa Leitão
Published on 11/29/2023
By João Negromonte with information from Agência Senado
Senator Teresa Leitão, representing PT-PE, reinforced her commitment to implementing public health policies based on scientific research during her speech in the Plenary last Tuesday (28). Her focus was the strong defense of the medicinal use of cannabis, supported by studies that prove the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC.
See an excerpt from the Senator's speech
In her words, the senator highlighted the importance of adopting evidence-based approaches, stating that science points to the safety and benefits of using these substances in the treatment of various medical conditions, from chronic pain to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.
"We need to produce public policies based on scientific evidence. If science points to the safety and benefits of using cannabinoids for the treatment of certain diseases, perhaps we need to face the fact that the substance is not a moral problem, but rather the current agenda and legislation, as many states are doing," emphasized the senator.
Teresa Leitão emphasized the relevance of the bills currently under consideration in Congress, such as PL 4.776/2019, which addresses the medicinal use of the plant. She made an appeal for the approval of these proposals, highlighting that the topic, often treated with "prejudice and misinformation," requires a cautious approach and proper training for health professionals.
"The regulation of the national production of cannabis-based medicines and free access for the population through the Unified Health System (SUS) are essential steps. It is necessary to enhance the training of doctors and other health professionals so that they can have updated knowledge, prescribe, and treat with more confidence this medication. In order to produce these medicines in our territory, as Uruguay does, it is necessary to first regulate this possibility. It cannot be random; it must be regulated for medicinal use, because this has only been made feasible by judicial decisions," concluded the senator.
