This article discusses the role of Brazil's health agency Anvisa in regulating the use of Cannabis sativa for medicinal purposes and highlights significant concerns regarding its decisions. Critics argue that these regulations are based on fragile scientific evidence and have been expedited by institutional pressures, particularly following a ruling by the Superior Court of Justice that mandated the agency to establish rules for cannabis cultivation. This regulatory approach, critics contend, may set a dangerous precedent, increasing cannabis consumption and the number of dependencies, which could lead to a rise in related criminal activities.

The article emphasizes that approval for the use of medicinal cannabis has never been sanctioned by the Brazilian Congress, which raises questions about the legitimacy of Anvisa's decisions. It references a recent extensive review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that found insufficient scientific backing for the therapeutic use of cannabis, further complicating the narrative around its efficacy. This situation reflects broader tensions in public health policy where regulatory bodies act under legal pressure without comprehensive legislative frameworks.

Overall, the piece advocates for a cautious approach to the regulation of medicinal cannabis in Brazil, stressing that decisions should be systematically backed by strong clinical evidence rather than ad hoc regulatory measures. It underscores the need for a fully legislative process to address the complexities of cannabis use in medicine rather than prematurely expanding access based on limited scientific support.