The Resolution of the Federal Council of Medicine no. 2,324/22 releases the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of epilepsies related to Dravet, Doose and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes in children and adolescents who resist conventional treatments. The doctor is prohibited from prescribing CBD for any other therapeutic indication, except in cases of clinical study authorized by the National Commission of Ethics in Research and Research Ethics Councils (CEP/CONEP).
CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis sativa plant widely studied for its medicinal action that does not alter the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). This stems from studies attesting to the presence of antioxidant, neuro and cardioprotective, ansiolytic, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Although cannabinoid receptors are widely distributed in the body, CBD acts differently and specifically on each receptor and it is because of these mechanisms that antiepileptic actions can be explained.
The prescription of other Cannabis compounds prohibited
Knowing that the cannabis plant contains another 80 compounds capable of damaging or altering the behavior of the CNS, so the guideline has prohibited the prescription of cannabis in natura for medicinal use, as well as any derivatives other than cannabidiol. In addition, the degree of purity and its form of presentation of CBD must follow anvisa’s determinations.
CBD prescription prerequisite
The patient must meet the criteria of indication, contraindication and sign the consent form, recognizing that he/she has been informed about the other treatment options, in addition to being aware of the possible risks or health problems, such as complications and allergic reactions. Among the most well-known undesirable effects to date are drowsiness, weakness and changes in appetite. Furthermore, cannabidiol may interfere with the effect of other medications, which can decrease their efficiency or increase their undesirable side effects.
Access to the drug by SUS
Even though there is the possibility of importing, the process is still considered very bureaucratic in Brazil. In addition, the high cost prevents access for most patients. Thus, the distribution of cannabis-based drugs free of charge in the SUS was approved in the state of São Paulo for patients with medical prescriptions.
referencesBody
Study suggestion:
Cannabis-based drugs will be available at SUS in São Paulo – Science Play
Watch the video on Science Play with Leandro Medeiros:
Therapeutic use of cannabinoids: from the bases to the prescription
Article: Jîtcă G, Ősz BE, Vari CE, Rusz C-M, Tero-Vescan A, Pușcaș A. Cannabidiol: Bridge between Antioxidant Effect, Cellular Protection, and Cognitive and Physical Performance. Antioxidants
. 2023; 12(2):485. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12020485
