Recently, Anvisa approved the import of three new products based on cannabis. Is it an indication that there is a release in the country for this type of drug?Now we have more than ten products in this condition, but the price of imported medicines is still very high and our fight is for the release of cultivation in Brazil for medicinal purposes, which is still not happening due to a lot of prejudice.
Where does this prejudice come from?It exists on the part of both physicians and patients. But awareness has greatly increased in recent years. Scientific research has already shown that it is a safe path. The main counterargument is still that the release of cultivation will lead to unrestricted use. We have to fight against those who are afraid of the unknown and do not seek to know it.
There are even scientifically proven benefits of cannabis for the treatment of diseases?Yes. As evidenced by recent research, it has enormous potential as a medicine. It has low side effects, zero overdose deaths, is potentially inexpensive, and can replace many unsatisfactory drugs, such as in the treatment of chronic pain.
Is there any real chance of changing Brazilian legislation to allow cultivation here for medicinal purposes?There is a bill in a special committee of the Chamber of Deputies, PL 399 of 2015, which has not yet advanced, has been stalled for years. There needs to be a mobilization among the deputies. It is worth remembering that, at no time, we talk about releasing recreational use, nor about creating premises for this to be done.
What is the role of your company, Dr. Cannabis, in this pro-liberation movement?Dr. Cannabis schedules appointments between patients who need the treatment and doctors willing to use it. She also offers the products and takes care of the bureaucracy, going through prescription, permission and importation until the medicine arrives at the patient’s home.
How did you get involved with this subject?I found out at the end of 2017 that there were doctors prescribing cannabis since 2015, but to a small number of patients. I realized that many people did not know about the existence of the drug, and that this was a communication problem. Having a degree in public relations, I bet I could solve this problem by creating the platform.
You use cannabis for any treatment?I use cannabidiol oil for anxiety control, it helps me sleep. I also have pain in my hands from using my cell phone and keyboard so much, so I use a cannabidiol-based cream that helps me a lot on crisis days.
Published in VEJA of March 9, 2022, issue no. 2779
