Bill Authorizing Medical Cannabis Cultivation Advances in Brazilian Congress

A commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved on Tuesday, June 8th, a bill that legalizes the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.

The text, however, still has a long and tortuous journey ahead of it in a legislative body dominated by conservative forces. In addition, the ultra-right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro warned weeks ago that he will veto it in case it is approved by both chambers.

The so-called PL 399/15 authorizes only companies, NGOs, and patient associations to cultivate the cannabis plant – from which marijuana is extracted – for “medicinal, veterinary, scientific and industrial purposes.”

It also regulates the marketing of cannabis-based medicines and authorizes the production and marketing of products made from industrial hemp, such as cosmetics, personal hygiene products, and paper.

It also allows the import and export of seeds, plants and cannabis derivatives “for medicinal and industrial purposes”.

The text was the subject of a close vote (18 in favor and 17 against) in a special commission. Opposing deputies argued that the text is one more step towards the liberation of cannabis in Brazil and called the text a “legal framework for cannabis.”

If you want to find more details about the cannabis bill adopted in Brazil and to find the most important cannabis news from around the world, download for free the Hemp.im mobile app.

The bill is focused on the medical properties and uses of cannabis

The rapporteur of the bill, deputy Luciano Ducci, defended however that the bill is focused on the medicinal application of cannabis, present according to him in 50 countries.

“It was never a premise to discuss the legalization of marijuana for adult or individual use,” he declared.

After being approved by the special commission, the bill could jump directly to the Senate, where it must pass through commissions and the Plenary.

But if a minimum of 52 deputies require it, it will be analyzed before by the plenary of the Chamber, which will probably happen in view of the controversy raised by the issue in Brazil.

This Tuesday morning, Bolsonaro ironized about the project and said that if the leftist Workers’ Party (PT), of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, returns to power “he will plant marijuana” in the gardens of the official residence.

Marijuana cultivation is prohibited in Brazil, but supported by a 2006 law the justice system has authorized some individuals or families to plant cannabis in their homes after justifying medical necessity.

In 2019, the Brazilian health regulator approved the manufacture of cannabis-based products and their sale in pharmacies for medicinal purposes and under professional prescription.

But in order to manufacture and sell it, it is necessary to import the inputs.

__

(Featured image by LhcCoutinho via Pixabay)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in EL ECONOMISTA, a third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.