In Betim/MG, a bill presented in the City Council proposes that the city's SUS start distributing medical cannabis-based medications for free. The initiative aims to guarantee access to patients with refractory epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering an alternative treatment recognized by scientific studies and already adopted in other Brazilian states.

What the proposal entails

The bill, authored by councilman Toninho da Farmácia (PL), seeks to regulate access to medicinal products derived from cannabis in Betim. The measure prioritizes patients with refractory epilepsy and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who present severe symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, irritability crises, and self-aggression.

To receive the medication, a detailed medical report will be necessary, prescription by a public health network professional, and signing of a consent form. The supply must be integrated into an individualized therapeutic plan, accompanied by a multiprofessional team. The text also emphasizes that cannabis will not replace the conventional treatments already available in SUS.

Expected impacts and challenges

According to the author, the proposal is based on Anvisa resolutions and legislation from other Brazilian states that have already made progress on the subject. The expectation is to expand access for families who currently cannot afford the high costs of these medications and reduce the suffering of patients who do not find a satisfactory response in conventional therapies.

Among the positive points are the guarantee of equity in treatment, the reduction of debilitating symptoms, and the training of healthcare professionals to guide patients and families. However, the project also brings challenges, such as structuring the supply logistics, defining clinical monitoring protocols, and ensuring sustainable public funding so that the program is not interrupted.

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