Medical use of cannabidiol authorized in Brazil
The scientific literature shows the benefits of the substance in the treatment of illnesses
Anvisa, the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, approved today (Jan 14) the reclassification of cannabidiol as a prescription drug from its previous status as an illegal substance. The decision was unanimously made by the agency's executive committee, in Brasília.
Most directors mentioned the existence of no addiction reports associated with the use of cannabidiol, and that the scientific literature shows the benefits of the substance in the treatment of illnesses like severe epilepsy.
Directors also pointed out that the ruling prevents families from doing something illegal, and also encourages researchers interested in studying the topic.
In May 2014, Anvisa launched a discussion on the possibility of changing the status of the substance, which resulted in no definitive decision at the time. After that, however, the agency has been authorizing the import of cannabidiol on an exceptional basis.
Thus far, the federal government has received 374 import applications for personal use, of which 336 were granted, 20 are pending the fulfillment of requirements on the customer's part, and 11 are under technical analysis. Seven other cases have been closed—three court rulings already put into effect, two cancellations, and three cases in which the patient died after the application was submitted.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Medical use of cannabidiol authorized in Brazil
