Sorocaba introduces identification card for medical cannabis patients

New law aims to ensure legal security and prevent embarrassment for therapeutic plant users in the city

Published on 10/09/2025

Sorocaba cria carteirinha de identificação para pacientes de cannabis medicinal

Identification Card for Medical Cannabis Patients was approved in the first discussion in Sorocaba. Image: Sorocaba City Council

The city of Sorocaba has established the Identification Card for Medical Cannabis Patients, according to Law No. 13,333, published on October 6, 2025. The measure aims to provide a legal and free certificate for individuals who use the substance in therapeutic treatments, with a medical prescription.

The main purpose of the card is to identify the holder as a medical cannabis patient, serving as legal proof of therapeutic use. The initiative also seeks to promote social awareness on the subject and, most importantly, ensure the legal security of patients.

With the document, the intention is to prevent embarrassment or legal issues related to the possession and use of cannabis-based medications.

According to the new regulation, the document must contain essential patient data, information about the treating physician, and product details. It will also include the issuance date, validity, and the medication's registration number with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Competent authorities will be responsible for defining detailed procedures for issuing, renewing, and securing the card to prevent counterfeiting.

 

End of embarrassment for patients

 

The law's rationale highlights that many patients still face difficulties and embarrassment when carrying cannabis-derived products, even with a medical prescription. With the card, the legitimacy of the treatment can be quickly proven in everyday situations, such as police encounters or airport checks.

 

Advancements in Sorocaba's policy

 

The card's creation follows other advancements on the subject in the city. In June, the City Council had already approved the creation of the Municipal Policy for the Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes (PMUCFM).

The proposal, from the same authorship, establishes guidelines for the therapeutic use of the plant in the municipality. The project now awaits the decision of Mayor Rodrigo Manga (Republicanos), who may sanction or veto the new policy in the coming days.