Sergipe discusses expanding medical cannabis policy in SUS

The Sergipe State Health Council (CES/SE) held its 291st regular meeting. The main focus of the meeting was the presentation and discussion of the State Policy on Cannabis spp., which enables the provision of medical cannabis products and the strengthening of a complete care line in the Unified Health System (SUS).

Adriana Lohanna Santos, Communication Coordinator of CES/SE, highlighted the importance of the moment in an official statement. "We discussed the expansion of this protocol, as well as the continuity of the working group," she stated.

The coordinator also emphasized the role of civil society in the process. "We count on the participation of the social movement to promote a qualified debate on the needs and on the process of building this policy, which is so important for our state," added Adriana.

Advances in access to medical cannabis

During the meeting, the balance of the Specialized Therapies Reception Center (Nate) was presented, which currently serves 339 patients. The service has been essential in ensuring more health, well-being, and quality of life for the people of Sergipe who need medical cannabis.

The Executive Secretary of the State Health Department (SES), George Trindade, emphasized the state's pioneering role. "The State Policy on Cannabis represents a significant advance for Sergipe by ensuring qualified, safe, and evidence-based access to medical cannabis products through SUS," he pointed out.

Trindade also highlighted the structure offered by the public network. "We are pioneers in building a complete care line, which welcomes the patient from the clinical indication to specialized supply," concluded the secretary.

New medical cannabis protocols

Since the implementation of the public policy, two important clinical protocols have been incorporated. The first is aimed at patients with refractory epilepsy, covering conditions such as Dravet Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).

The second protocol focuses on treating aggressive behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Maynara Franca, coordinator of outpatient services at SES, explained the dynamics of the dialogue with the council.

"We engaged with the councilors and welcomed the contributions presented. The goal is to take these discussions to management and, based on them, develop actions that further strengthen and qualify the service provided to the population," Maynara highlighted.

How the treatment works

To access the medications, patients with a medical recommendation for the use of medical cannabis are advised to seek Nate. There, they are followed by a qualified medical team, both for epilepsy cases and for autism.

The follow-up is continuous, from entry into the service throughout the treatment, which can last for years. The focus is to stabilize the clinical condition and ensure dignity to families who often face a challenging routine.

Michelle Menezes, representative of the NGO Santo Amor de Sergipe, attended the meeting symbolizing the social union with science. "We discussed the possibility of reactivating the working group, responsible for the construction and updating of protocols that guarantee patients' access to medical cannabis treatment in Sergipe," she reported.

She concluded by reinforcing the commitment of the entity. "Our intention is for the treatment to reach more people in need," Michelle stated.

With information from CES/SE