Patient Association Gains Recognition from Anvisa

By João R. Negromonte

“I need to acknowledge that families have been benefited and feel welcomed by initiatives like this, which is the purpose of Apepi [Association for the Support of Research and Patients of Medicinal Cannabis].” With this statement, the director of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), Alex Machado Campos, took a significant step towards recognizing the medicinal use of cannabis produced by patient associations in Brazil.

Campos also emphasized, at the first Public Ordinary Meeting of the Collegiate Board of 2023, that attention is needed when dealing with such an important subject. Check out the director's full statement:

Who is Apepi?

At the initiative of family members and patients, the association works to expand knowledge about the benefits of using cannabis for those suffering from various diseases and needing alternative treatment.

To facilitate patients' access to the medicine, Apepi offers guidance on regulation, legal aspects, and is close to universities and educational centers, providing information through lectures, symposiums, and events, and encouraging research on the use of the medication. 

On the organization's website, you can follow real stories of people who have made progress in treatment through medication.

For Margarete Brito, founder of Apepi and mother of a patient, Campos' statement was a small but significant victory, as, despite still facing lawsuits at the Agency, “it is time to encourage Anvisa and congratulate them for recognizing the work of the association.”

Today, many patient associations have their products seized by the post office and the Federal Police. Upon receiving the occurrence, Anvisa then notifies the associations through an administrative process, stating that they cannot do any of the activities they engage in and, if they do not stop, fines will be imposed or even the closure of these entities will occur. However, Margarete explains that Apepi follows all established criteria.. 

Check out the video that tells a bit about the history of Apepi, demonstrating the processes carried out by the association to ensure that their cannabis-based products meet all regulatory parameters.