Brazil approves the use of medicinal marijuana
The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) has issued a statement approving the importation of marijuana-derived medicines for health treatments, with a prior medical prescription, and warning of the unknown effects they may have on patients. The approved products will contain the active ingredients of marijuana (cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC)).
According to the statement, “it is not possible to guarantee the appropriate dose or the absence of contaminants, nor can possible adverse effects be predicted, which implies certain unforeseeable risks for patients.”.
A year ago, Anvisa removed CBD (cannabidiol) from the list of prohibited substances in the country, allowing its use with special authorization and a medical prescription. Now, with the new announcement, this new regulation also extends to THC, increasing Brazil's flexibility regarding medicinal marijuana.
Several studies also highlight that cannabis derivatives do not cause any dependence, thus justifying their authorization.
Brazilian law punishes the cultivation, consumption, and possession of marijuana, although Congress is studying several bills demanding the legalization of marijuana and equating its regulation to that of tobacco or alcohol.
Fountain: The Century