The Impact of Associations on Accessibility of Medicinal Cannabis in Brazil Looking at Fasciculated Roots of Policy and Access to Products

Abstract

This mini-review analyzes the crucial role of associations in improving access to medical Cannabis in Brazil. It highlights the facilitating role of social control, which paves the way for access to medical Cannabis in the country by promoting public debates and generating evidence from real-life experiences. These associations exert a significant influence on the development of policies and patient access to Cannabis-derived products. Despite the lack of specific regulatory frameworks, they are emerging as essential entities in the healthcare landscape, particularly for patients in need of Cannabis-based treatments. In addition to facilitating access to medicine through advocacy and legal support, these organizations are also involved in the production and supply of medical Cannabis. This review addresses the current challenges facing the associations, such as strict prohibitionist policies, the need for quality standards, and limited research. It also discusses potential opportunities in the absence of a robust regulatory environment, with growth supported by a fasciculated root system.