"There is no reason, outside of a moralistic perspective, to deny the effectiveness of treatment with medicinal cannabis," says candidate for mayor of Aracaju

Candidate for mayor of Aracaju, the capital of Sergipe, a pioneering state in the distribution of cannabis-based medications through the Unified Health System (SUS), Niully Nayara Santana Campos (PSOL) advocates for the implementation of a broad regulatory program for the use of medicinal cannabis at the municipal level. For the candidate, the current protocols should be improved, and the number of assisted pathologies should be expanded.

Currently, Sergipe has two cannabis treatment protocols. The first serves more than 50 patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsies, classified under specific diseases: Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). The second assists individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

According to the candidate, it is necessary to advance the regulation of the production of medications and the implementation of municipal assistance programs. "Guided by a democratic, just, diverse, and sustainable Aracaju, we want to count on popular participation in strengthening councils, associations, and public management to better meet the needs of the people," comments Niully.

According to her, "There is no reason, outside of a moralistic perspective, to deny the effectiveness of treatment with medicinal cannabis." Therefore, the lawyer and professor believes in a broad and educational debate on all issues involving the topic of cannabis.

"We need to address the issue in an educational manner. Bring teachers and education professionals to the dialogue. This debate should take place within schools and universities. We have a vulnerable youth that needs support," explains the candidate, who also emphasizes the importance of holding public hearings and events about marijuana.

Decriminalization of Cannabis

In 2022, when she ran for the government of Sergipe, Niully proposed, in her government program, the decriminalization of all illicit drugs. Today, as a candidate for mayor of Aracaju, she maintains her position. "We need to advance as a society. Our country and its prohibitionist policy, mass incarceration, and war on drugs produce much more violence and criminalization of poor and black youth than solutions."

"Decriminalization is a national agenda and should be debated in this election, but not everyone is willing to speak about it. It takes a lot of moralism and hypocrisy to continue ignoring this issue and its impact on the lives of the most vulnerable population," comments the candidate while discussing the absence of the cannabis topic in the 2024 elections.

Cultivation as an Alternative

According to Niully, in 2023, Sergipe had about 360 authorized import requests, in addition to preventive Habeas Corpus requests for medicinal planting, two bureaucratic and judicialized processes. For the candidate, the best way to ensure the right to health democratically and practically is the regulation of cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes.

"Cultivation is the best way to ensure equality for all people, ensuring that they no longer depend on preventive HC or illegality to obtain a fundamental right, such as health. Therefore, we need to regulate and ensure clear state control, with great responsibility and pedagogy," she emphasizes.