The week started hot backstage at cannabis. Among BRCann (Brazilian Association of Cannabinoid Industries) affiliates, the climate was one of restrained embarrassment. Outside this circle, entrepreneurs, lawyers and even doctors voiced fierce criticism of the entity.
The widespread discomfort was triggered by statements by Bruna Rocha, executive president of BRCann, on the decriminalization of drug possession, published in the Panel of the Sheetlast weekend.
“There are several demonstrations against legalization on this side, precisely because of the implication that this can have on the credibility of the market”, she said in the aforementioned interview, guided by society’s expectation of the judgment of the STF (Federal Supreme Court) on the subject . It is worth remembering that this is an action on a specific case of conviction for possession of marijuana.
After a meeting with the associates, BRCann elaborated a note of clarification, transmitted this Tuesday (13) to the blog cannabis inc. The entity writes that “the term ‘drug release’, used in the title of the article, was not the subject of in-depth discussion throughout the conversation between the entity and the newspaper”. And he continues: “The indication made and now reiterated is in the sense that we will await the decision of the STF for an eventual position, even if the subject does not fall under our direct competence.” At no time, however, does the entity deny the BRCann representative’s statements. The full note is published at the end of this article.
“The debate is really complex and multifaceted,” said Bruna, in an interview with cannabis inc last Monday (12). “The bottom line today is that we consider the available evidence, carefully weigh the risks and benefits, and strike a balance between restrictive approaches and public health policy to effectively and responsibly address this issue on a national scale.” The clarification was necessary to minimize the negative repercussions.
Claiming that the legalization of drug possession could disrupt the industry “is a manifestation without any support in studies or substantiated projections of the market”, said lawyer Emílio Figueiredo, partner at Sinapse Social, a business consulting firm in cannabis. “It is not possible to guarantee the health of a society that is experiencing a war, as is the drug policy based on the criminalization of the user.”
Sector entrepreneur and activist, Patrícia Villela Marino recalls that “market opportunism cannot take precedence over a cause that defends lives, well-being and historical reparation with sustainable and dignified economic gains”. Patrícia is the founder of Humanitas360, an entity that develops projects, facilitates coalitions of social organizations, professionals and public managers focused on reducing violence.
“We haven’t spoken and never mentioned the release of drugs, because they are already legal. Every day we have news of a new drug arriving in the country by the hand of organized crime,” she said.
Legalization is the correct word that aggregates almost the entire sector, today, responsible for moving the national cannabis – whether as a patient, doctor or entrepreneur. “Talking about releasing it is to bring confusion to the democratic debate on economic access to medicines and the green economy through the cultivation of hemp”, explains Patrícia. “What organized civil society, legal operators and PL 399-2015 legislators defend is the regulated legalization of the use of cannabis medicine and hemp.”
- Note of clarification from BRCan in full:
“In view of the controversy produced by the article published by the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, on the last June 10th, with the executive president of BRcann, Bruna Rocha, the Association would like to share some clarifications.
The term “liberation” from drugs, used in the title of the article, was not the subject of in-depth discussion throughout the conversation between the entity and the newspaper. The indication made and now reiterated is in the sense that we will await the decision of the STF for an eventual position, even though the matter is not within our direct competence. Our association is exclusively focused on the institutional representation of companies that operate in the medicinal market of cannabis.
In the context of recreational use, it is worth noting that what concerns us, in a concrete and urgent way, is the apparent deviation from the purpose of RDC 660/2022, by Anvisa, with regard to the importation of flowers of WAnnabis with medical prescription for adult use. Such deviation has unfortunately been observed recurrently in our country, including reckless publicity and propaganda campaigns. This damages not only the reputation of our industry, but also the credibility of a legitimate public health agenda – which is the cannabis medicinal.
BRcann will continue to be committed to the development of the sector and respect for the journey of patients, employing its best efforts in consolidating a perennial legislation on the medicinal use of cannabistogether with health professionals, research centers and civil society, so that the products available on the Brazilian market are safe, effective and pharmaceutical grade.”
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