In August 2020, Brazilian lawmakers submitted a draft bill to Congress proposing to allow Brazilian farmers to cultivate Cannabis for medical and industrial applications. This bill aimed to replace the 2015 PL 399/2015 draft bill, which only authorized the trading of medication made from Cannabis. The proposal signifies a significant shift in Brazil’s stance on Cannabis, aligning with global trends towards legalization for specific purposes.
While non-medical cannabis remains generally illegal in Brazil, data on cannabis use and related health/social outcomes are limited. Research efforts have combined MeSH-index terms related to cannabis, geography, and subtopics like use, health, and mortality. These studies provide insights into cannabis use and its implications in Brazil.
Health implications following the legalization of medical marijuana in the U.S. have shown mixed outcomes. On one hand, there has been a reduction in opioid prescribing, especially where cannabis dispensaries are legal. On the other hand, there are reports of increased tobacco sales and cardiac mortality rates in these states.
Brazil’s Cannabis sativa L. production, particularly in the northeastern region, accounts for about 30% of the nation’s market. The trend of indoor cultivation, popular internationally, is also observed in Brazil, with the Brazilian Federal Police increasing efforts to intercept cannabis seeds sent via mail.
The global perspective on cannabis shows its status as the most commonly used illicit drug, with over 200 million users worldwide. In the Americas, the highest rates of cannabis use and associated diseases are in North America, where an estimated 32 million people used cannabis in 2010.
State experiments with marijuana liberalization in the U.S. began in the 1970s with decriminalization policies, followed by medical access laws in the 1990s. Despite federal prohibition since 1937, these policies reflect an evolving perspective on cannabis use and regulation.
Cannabis can be consumed in various ways, including smoking in joints, blunts, or bongs, and infusing in edibles or drinks. The rise of these consumption methods further highlights the evolving landscape of cannabis use and its legal status.
For more detailed information on Brazil’s initial hemp report, visit USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. To explore cannabis use risk behaviours and harms in Brazil, see the study at PubMed. For a comprehensive view on the implications of cannabis legalization, the article at PMC provides valuable insights.
