With texts from 42 experts, book expands debate on cannabis in Brazil

The debate on cannabis in Brazil, often focused solely on medicinal issues, gains a new and comprehensive academic and cultural contribution. The book “Marijuana in Contemporary Brazil - Volume II” is now available for free download.

The book is organized by Thiago F. P. Pereira, a professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), and journalist Matias Maxx, with Editora Vista Chinesa. The book is the result of the "Seminar on Marijuana in Contemporary Brazil" (UERJ, 2024), transforming lectures by 42 experts into chapters.

According to Thiago Pereira, the main objective of the work is to "democratize access to quality knowledge and information about marijuana in Brazil". The target audience, he explains, is vast but has strategic focuses. "Our perspective as a target audience is the general civil society in a quest to break prejudices and show new possibilities for approaching the subject," says the organizer.

However, the project also aims at regulation. "In a more direct way, it is clear that if we can reach policymakers and the legislative branch, we can achieve more immediate results," Pereira points out.

Interestingly, the professor sees academia itself as a hard-to-reach audience. He mentions a "prejudice" from academic sectors towards more diverse formats. "The Academy, by placing itself in this entrenched position, often has a prejudice regarding this product," he laments.

The structure of the cannabis debate

The construction of the book reflects the structure of the seminar that originated it: 42 speakers in six thematic panels, including legislation, business, tourism, culture, and research.

Pereira admits that the short speaking time at the event - about ten minutes - does not allow for in-depth analysis. However, he emphasizes that the limitation became a strength, turning the meeting into a "great exchange event".

The "guiding thread," according to him, is the premise of going "beyond medicinal cannabis". Pereira criticizes the exclusive focus on medicinal discussion, and the book seeks to give voice to other areas, such as culture, economy, and social impacts. "Our perspective was precisely to provide a platform for these different actors in the cannabis scene who are not necessarily heard," he explains.

From education to "bursting the bubble"

Asked about surprising contributions, Pereira mentions the diversity of the work, highlighting texts on legislation, historical reparations, business, and carnival. A highlight is a text on "drug education," a topic that is "very rarely addressed," according to him.

The organizer also highlights the theme addressed by journalist Anita Krepp, who summarizes the main motivation of the project, "bursting the bubble". "It is to bring this information to people who are not in the cannabis universe daily," says Pereira. "People who, perhaps, by having access to this information, may change perspectives."

The gaps in the cannabis debate in Brazil

Despite its breadth, Pereira points out a gap that the books “Marijuana in Contemporary Brazil” have not yet fully filled: the protagonism of Black individuals. The organizer talks about "putting historical reparations into practice" and recognizing the role of those who suffer the most from the "racist drug war in Brazil".

"We have a significant role of Black individuals in the cannabis scene, and we need to recognize that. I think one of the main gaps is the erasure of Black individuals throughout the history of cannabis in Brazil, always portraying these individuals as criminals," says Thiago Pereira.

He informs that the gap "is not going unnoticed" and that there is a proposal to create a specific panel on the topic in the next edition, similar to what was done with the prominence of women in 2025.

Service:

Book: "Marijuana in Contemporary Brazil - Volume II"

Organizers: Thiago Pereira and Matias Maxx

Publisher: Vista Chinesa

Access: Volumes II and I are available for free download at the link: https://forms.gle/o4v2pJihB7EMo4Aj6