Rio de Janeiro approves research and cultivation of medical cannabis

Rio de Janeiro has decided to authorize medical cannabis cultivation and research by patient associations. To date, only 78 judicial authorizations have been issued in Brazil, allowing individuals to grow cannabis exclusively for medical purposes. Rio de Janeiro is the first Brazilian state to approve such a law.

Medical cannabis supplied by patient associations

The new law approved in the state of Rio de Janeiro regulates the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes by patient associations and in cases authorized by federal legislation. Patient associations can also organize conventions and partnerships with educational and research establishments, aimed at supporting the analysis of cannabis-based products to ensure standardization and safety in patient treatment.

The text also opens up the possibility of growing cannabis at home, provided it is for therapeutic or research purposes, with a medical prescription.

In addition to the 78 individual authorizations, only one patient association has a judicial authorization to plant cannabis in Brazil, Abrace Esperança, in the state of Paraíba. The permit, however, is a preliminary injunction and awaits a final judgment from the Federal Supreme Court (STF).

For most Brazilians who need cannabis derivatives to treat their illnesses, the most common form is importation, with authorization from Anvisa, the Brazilian medical authority. Two products are also available in pharmacies, the Sativex, which costs around €480, and Cannabidiol (CBD) marketed by Prati-Donaduzzi at €375. These price levels effectively make medical cannabis inaccessible to Brazilian citizens.

A close vote

41 deputies from the state of Rio de Janeiro voted in favor of the text, 15 against and 6 abstained. The text had been approved last March, then vetoed by the state governor, Wilson Witzel. Nevertheless, parliamentarians continued to support the project, notably after meeting children who had improved their quality of life with cannabis-based products.

Rio de Janeiro is the first state in Brazil to have a law to support the medical research on cannabis, and we'll have funds for that, which also determine support for families. Especially for children and teenagers who need cannabidiol, for which the Anvisa (Brazilian health agency) has given its approval, but which has to be imported and is very expensive. The project is therefore not about drug policy, but about health, research and social assistance. We're going to fight against obscurantism and prejudice, and support those families who have to go to court to plant cannabis at home», said declared Carlos Minc, who drafted the proposal.

The law comes into force immediately.