“Good politics are made in defense of people,” says mayor of Bolsonaro's party about pioneering medicinal cannabis project in the interior of SP

At a time when Brazil is still taking its first steps in implementing public policies focused on the use of medicinal cannabis, the city of Ribeirão Pires (SP), in the ABC region of São Paulo, took a giant step, or as its mayor defines it, "a leap" towards democratizing access to this type of treatment. And what stands out the most: the initiative was led by Guto Volpi, affiliated with the Liberal Party (PL), a conservative-leaning party.

The inauguration of the country's first Public Medicinal Cannabis Clinic, carried out in partnership with the Flor da Vida Association, undoubtedly marks a new chapter in the history of Brazilian public health. 

Free and aimed especially at families in situations of social vulnerability, the service is already beginning to impact lives like that of young Ramon, only 4 years old, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epileptic seizures as we reported here on Sechat. 

“Good politics are made in defense of people, regardless of party positions. Having in Ribeirão Pires the country's first public medicinal cannabis clinic is a source of pride. We took a leap towards democratizing access,” says Guto Volpi.

Cases like Ramon's are not exceptions. The clinic already serves patients with epilepsy, ASD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and fibromyalgia, expanding the criteria adopted even by the State Government of São Paulo, which currently restricts the distribution of medications to specific syndromes.

Politics, prejudice, and courage

Despite the conservatism that marks part of his political base, Guto Volpi has shown that when the focus is on people, there is room for progress. He recalls that the first step was taken back in 2022 when, as a councilman, he signed the proposal that led to Municipal Law No. 6,737/22, the first in the state of São Paulo aimed at regulating public cannabis policy. 

“We faced resistance, yes. But Ribeirão Pires is a city that values human development. We had the support of deputies like Caio França and Eduardo Suplicy, who sent resources for the training of our healthcare professionals. With responsibility and legality, we showed that it is possible to do things differently,” he emphasizes.

Inspiring other cities

The experience is already inspiring other municipalities. Sorocaba and Cubatão sent teams to get to know the clinic's structure and management model up close. For the mayor, it is just the beginning of a journey that can transform public health in Brazil. “We are open to sharing our experience. Science is advancing, and the government needs to keep up. The future of the Unified Health System (SUS) also involves being open to these therapies that are already changing so many lives. And it's great that we are starting now.”

A fairer and more dignified future

Guto Volpi believes that the inclusion of medicinal cannabis in the national health policy is a matter of time and justice. “It is a chance to offer more dignity to people, especially to women who are caregivers and live this daily life. The transformation is not only for the patient. It is for the whole family,” Volpi believes.

With the courage to break taboos and the sensitivity to listen to families' pains, the mayor of Ribeirão Pires shows that party ideologies should not be barriers when it comes to taking care of people. And, who would have thought, one of the most daring and humane experiences in the country in the field of medicinal cannabis comes precisely from a PL leader.