Teixeira projects improvement of PL 399 in the Senate focusing on SUS
Minister advocates that the text ensures the participation of associations and family farming in supplying the pharmaceutical industry
The Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture, Paulo Teixeira, advocated for the urgency in the processing of the PL 399/2015, a bill that regulates the cultivation and commercialization of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes in Brazil. In an exclusive interview with Portal Sechat, Teixeira analyzed the current legislative scenario and confirmed government support for scientific initiatives in the interior of São Paulo.
Previously approved in a special committee, PL 399 faces a procedural obstacle before moving to the Senate. A motion presented by the conservative wing requires that the text be voted on by the plenary of the Chamber, which keeps the progress of the agenda temporarily suspended, after entering the agenda in the plenary and remaining on the table.
For the minister, the way to unlock PL 399 is clear. Overcoming this step in the plenary. "What we need to do is defeat the motion. I believe we can defeat it," Teixeira stated, showing confidence in political maneuvering.
The minister notes a growing acceptance of the topic, both among parliamentarians and in public opinion. According to him, the PL has sufficient popular support to advance. "This matter has a majority in society and it also has a majority in the National Congress. However, it cannot be voted on without debate," he added.
The Senate and family farming in PL 399
Paulo Teixeira envisions the Federal Senate as the ideal stage to enhance the text of PL 399, incorporating fundamental social guarantees. The ministry's vision is to integrate the production of medicinal cannabis into public health policies, also strengthening small producers.
"I hope that in the Senate the proposals will be even more valued," the minister projected. As the processing in the Chamber is already advanced, Teixeira understands that the moment for fine adjustments will occur in the Revising House. "I think this is the new stage of PL 399. To guarantee a part of the production for associations, for SUS, and the supply of family farming to the industry," he pointed out.
Support for science aligned with the debate on PL 399
In addition to the political discussion about PL 399, the Ministry of Agrarian Development reinforced practical support for research. The focus is on the newly inaugurated Cannabis Research and Cultivation Center at the São Paulo State University (Unesp), on the Ilha Solteira campus.
The project, installed in an area of 5.5 hectares, aims to develop technologies for the management of the plant and the production of pharmaceutical inputs. The initiative aligns with the guidelines that PL 399 seeks to expand, treating cannabis as a public health and scientific sovereignty issue.
"We will support the Unesp Ilha Solteira project, because, besides drugs, it already exceptions the production for medicines and for scientific study. And this proposal from Unesp, there in Ilha Solteira, exactly combines scientific study with the production of medicines. So we will support it," the minister assured.