Brazil's first therapeutic cannabis treatment available

On January 16, Brazil's National Health Agency (ANVISA) announced that Mevatyl, manufactured by GW Pharmaceutical of England, would be put on pharmaceutical shelves. This cannabis-derived medicine will take the form of an oral spray and contain 27 mg/ml THC and 25 mg/ml CBD.

Mevatyl-based treatments will be available for major multiple sclerosis patients. However, patients will have access only if conventional treatments prove ineffective.

This treatment is theoretically available in France under the name of Sativex. Its distribution has been authorized since 2013, but it is still not available in pharmacies.

This decision follows a relative relaxation by the authorities on medical cannabis. In 2016, ANVISA had already authorized treatments based CBD. To obtain their supply, Brazilians were allowed to buy treatments abroad, but the prices offered could reach 1500$ per month.

Last Monday, the Brazilian courts authorized self-cultivation in certain cases. This mainly allows patients suffering from Dravet Syndrome (a rare epilepsy) to grow their own treatment. The judge declares: «In these cases, there is no doubt that cannabis cultivation is not associated with drug trafficking.»

Brazil's supply of medical cannabis is set to expand over the coming months. Canadian industry giant Canopy Growth has just opened a production site in Brazil. In partnership with the Brazilian PhytoLab group, the Canadians are set to launch an entire range of Bedrocan products.

Cannabis situation in Brazil

Brazil isn't exactly an Eldorado for cannabis smokers. Although a 2006 law decriminalized drug use, the number of arrests for possession and use has soared. Sentences for these offenses have risen from 3 to 5 years. According to the plus55, the prison population has increased by 339 % since the decriminalization law was passed. The website refers to the causality between this overpopulation and the recent events in Brazil. What's more, the authorities won't bother to find out whether you're a trafficker or a simple consumer. However, a few bundles of cash can save you from certain condemnation if the offence is minor.

Théo Caillart