Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the compounds derived from Cannabis, A Controversial Plant which has caused a global revolution in the area of health, generating discussion and breaking social paradigms.
Today we know that CBD is recognized worldwide for its therapeutic benefits, arousing the interest of patients, doctors, and researchers across the country. But it wasn't always like that.
In this guide, we will show you what Brazilian history, science, and law have to say about cannabis. You will learn the history behind this substance, understand the scientific advances that have shaped its use in modern medicine, and discover how Brazilian legislation deals with the topic. Have a good read!
Summary
History of cannabis in Brazil
Before starting the history of cannabis in Brazil, it is worth mentioning an interesting fact: the plant has its medicinal roots recorded in the oldest pharmacopoeia in the world, that of the Chinese emperor Shen Nung
That is, in ancient China, around 2700 BC, the emperor known as the “Father of Chinese Medicine” was already prescribing marijuana tea to treat a variety of conditions, such as gout pain, rheumatism, and even memory maintenance.
As these practices proved effective, the popularity of cannabis as a medicine began to spread, traveling through trade routes through Asia, the Middle East, and even reaching the shores of the eastern coast of Africa.
Colonial period
But cannabis only arrived in Brazil during the colonial period, brought by African slaves. The plant quickly spread among the Indians and, later, among the whites. Oddly enough, the Portuguese Crown even encouraged its cultivation.
In the 18th century, more precisely in August 4, 1785, the Viceroy sends a letter to the Captain General and Governor of the Captaincy of São Paulo, recommending the planting of hemp because it is of interest to the Metropolis. Sixteen bags containing 39 bushels of cannabis seeds were sent to the port of Santos.
Twentieth century
In the 1930s, the repression against the use of marijuana gained strength in Brazil. This was probably influenced, in part, by the prejudice of the cultural use of the black population.
The total prohibition of the planting, cultivation, harvesting and exploitation of cannabis by individuals throughout the national territory occurs On November 25, 1938, through Decree-Law No. 891 of the Federal Government.
The global prohibition of cannabis throughout the 20th century made it significantly difficult to carry out scientific research on the plant. However, even in the face of these restrictions, scientific interest never ceased.
At the end of the 20th century, Discovery of the Endocannabinoid System marked a crucial turning point.
This system, which includes a network of receptors and neurotransmitters in the human body, revealed how phytocannabinoids, such as CBD, interact with the body to regulate essential functions such as pain, mood, and the immune system, naturally.
2014: Anny Fischer, ANVISA and Tendência
The year 2014 marked a turning point in the history of cannabis in Brazil.
Katiele de Bortoli Fischer and her husband illegally imported cannabidiol (CBD) to treat their daughter Anny, who suffered from a rare syndrome that caused up to 80 seizures a week. With promising results from the first use, the family fought in court to bring the substance legally into the country.
In 2014, the Fischer family obtained pioneering authorization to import CBD, paving the way for the medicinal use of cannabis in Brazil. This decision had a significant impact, leading the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) to reassess its position on cannabidiol.
In January 2015, ANVISA decided to remove CBD from the list of banned substances in Brazil, reclassifying it as a controlled substance. Months later, the Internal Revenue Service simplified the import process, a victory for all families that relied on the drug.
The case of Anny Fischer inspired other families across the country, causing strong pressure from public authorities and regulatory agencies across the country.
In 2016, the story of the Fischer family was portrayed in the feature film”Unlawful“, which ignited the discussion about the medicinal use of cannabis and addressed the bureaucratic and legal difficulties faced by patients' families.
Scientific Advances on Cannabis
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
Did you know that your body has a naturally specialized system for interacting with cannabinoids? Oddly enough, the endocannabinoid system was identified for the first time only in the 1960s, which shows that we still have a lot to learn about our own body.
The endocannabinoid system (SEC) is an extensive network of chemical signals and cell receptors distributed throughout the brain and body. This system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, such as mood, appetite, sleep, memory, pain perception, and immune response.
The SEC works as a kind of natural regulator, acting directly on a wide spectrum of physiological reactions. It is comprised of cannabinoid (CB) receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are the two main types of receptors in the endocannabinoid system, functioning as “stations” or binding sites present on various types of cells throughout the body.
To better exemplify, it's as if cannabis speaks naturally to the human body, regulating the nervous system with fewer side effects compared to conventional medications.
Does cannabis treatment have recreational effects?
When talking about medical cannabis, it is essential to understand the difference between its two main components: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis, especially in varieties cultivated for this purpose, and may represent a high proportion of the plant in certain types. It has anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects, among others.
In addition, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system on its own, modulating CB2 receptors and other neurochemical systems, offering therapeutic benefits for conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's, chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
On the other hand, THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis. It binds directly to CB1 receptors, predominantly found in the central nervous system, which explains why THC can cause the feeling of being “high”, while CBD generally does not cause this effect.
Despite these differences, THC also has significant medicinal properties, depending on the dosage. It can act as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiviral, hypotensive, and neuroprotective agent, in addition to being effective in controlling nausea and vomiting, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Where to consult scientific evidence?
Scientific advances related to cannabis have been remarkable. The University of São Paulo (USP) stands out as the institution that publishes the most articles about CBD in the world.
Researchers such as Francisco Silveira Guimarães, Antonio Waldo Zuardi, José Alexandre Crippa and Jaime Hallak, all from the Ribeirão Preto Medical School (FMRP) USP, are among the ten researchers in the world who publish the most on the subject.
Globally, there is an evidence map on the effectiveness of medical cannabis, prepared according to the standard AMSTAR 2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews).
This is a rigorous tool that assesses the quality of systematic reviews of research in the health area, ensuring standardization and high quality of evidence.
To consult all the evidence of cannabis's high standards, Click here.
What does Brazilian law say about cannabis?
Cannabis treatment is currently legal and authorized in Brazil.
Brazilian legislation has undergone significant changes in recent years. Since 2015, it has been possible to observe a considerable evolution in the regulatory framework for the use of cannabis products for medicinal purposes. You can find a lot of these products on the shelves of pharmacies.
It is also possible to import your medication through authorization. Imports remain the most used access route in Brazil. That is, individuals can obtain individual permits to import products derived from cannabis for their own use, upon medical prescription, as established in RDC No. 660, dated March 30, 2022.
Individual imports of cannabis products authorized by Anvisa grew 69% in 2023, reaching an impressive 69% 136,663 authorizations, compared to 80,413 in 2022.
If you already have a prescription, read our guide: How to import cannabidiol (CBD) to save money? See the Step by Step.
It is important to emphasize that, despite these advances, there is still a need for more political effort to make access to this product more accessible to those who are unable to afford treatment costs.
How do you know if CBD is for you?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise in treating several health conditions, but how do you know if it's the right option for you?
The decision to use CBD must be made based on a medical evaluation, considering the particularities of each individual and the specific conditions to be treated. Below are some examples:
1. Anxiety: CBD is renowned for its anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce anxiety symptoms without the side effects often associated with traditional anti-anxiety medications. Studies indicate that CBD may act by modulating serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
2. Burnout Syndrome: Chronic stress related to burnout can be debilitating. CBD can help manage stress and exhaustion, offering natural relief for symptoms of mental and emotional fatigue. However, it's critical to discuss with a healthcare professional the integration of CBD as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan, which may include therapy and lifestyle changes.
3. ADHD symptoms: (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): While research on the use of CBD to treat ADHD is preliminary, some patients report improvements in concentration and reduced hyperactivity. Still, the most effective approach to ADHD may involve a combination of behavioral therapies, management strategies, and in some cases, allopathic medications.
4. Chronic Pain: Patients with chronic pain, such as those caused by fibromyalgia or arthritis, may find relief with CBD. This cannabinoid interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate pain perception and inflammation. However, depending on the cause and intensity of the pain, it may be necessary to combine CBD with other treatments.
5. Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can have a profound impact on physical and mental health. CBD has been explored as a tool to reduce stress response, promoting a state of relaxation. Still, it's essential to discuss all options with a healthcare professional, who can suggest additional interventions, such as stress management techniques and, if necessary, medications.
6. Insomnia: For those who struggle with insomnia, CBD may help improve sleep quality. It is renowned for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, which can facilitate falling asleep and maintaining sleep. However, the underlying cause of insomnia must be identified, and treatment must be personalized accordingly.
The first step is a doctor's consultation
As stated earlier, while CBD offers a number of potential benefits, it's good to remember that it may just be one of the means of treatment. Depending on your individual condition, you may need to combine CBD with behavioral therapies, lifestyle changes, or even allopathic medications.
The best way to determine if CBD is right for you is through a consultation with a specialist doctor. A health professional will be able to assess your condition in an integrative and personalized way, consider your specific symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment for your case.
Schedule an Online Medical Appointment
If you're considering using CBD to treat a health condition, scheduling an appointment with a doctor is the first step.
Experienced health professionals can guide you on the benefits and potential risks, helping you create a personalized and safe treatment plan.
Make an appointment online With One of Our Doctors at Yinflow.Life to find out if CBD is an option for you.
But after all, what is the difference between cannabis And marijuana?
The term Cannabis it is widely used in scientific, medical and regulatory contexts and is derived from the scientific name of a plant genus - Cannabis sativa, whose judicious use of its parts and substances has therapeutic potential. Already the name Pot is often associated with recreational use and carries pejorative connotations. However, both refer to the same plant.
Plant Glossary
Next, discover the most common terms in the cannabis universe and their meanings.
Cannabis: Scientific name of the plant. It refers to a plant genus that includes three main species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. It is widely known for its active compounds, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have psychoactive and therapeutic properties.
Cannabis sativa: One of the best-known species of the Cannabis plant, characterized by its energizing and stimulating effects. It is widely used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. It is also cultivated for hemp production, due to its low THC content.
Marijuana: Popular name for Cannabis. Broadly pejorative, it generally refers to the dried flowers of the Cannabis plant that contain high levels of THC, responsible for their recreational effects.
Medical cannabis: It refers to the therapeutic use of the Cannabis plant or its compounds, such as CBD (cannabidiol), in the treatment of various health conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. Unlike recreational cannabis, medical cannabis is controlled and prescribed by doctors.
Phytocannabinoid vs. Endocannabinoid
- Phytocannabinoids: These are natural compounds found in Cannabis plants, such as THC and CBD.
- Endocannabinoid: These are substances produced naturally by the human body, which bind to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, regulating functions such as mood, pain and appetite.
Hemp: A variety of Cannabis sativa cultivated for its fibers and seeds, which have low levels of THC. It is used in the production of various industrial products, such as fabrics, biofuels, and food.
Cannabis Sativa X Cannabis Indica: For medicinal purposes, the distinction between “sativa” and “indica” varieties has become less and less relevant. After all, what really matters is the chemical profile of the plant, which is determined by the hybridization of both varieties, resulting in a unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, according to Patrícia Montagner and Adán de Salas Quiroga in “Treatise on Endocannabinoid Medicine”. These specific chemical compositions are what define the therapeutic effects, allowing for more precise and personalized treatments. Therefore, the old classification based on morphological characteristics (C. sativa, C. indica, and C. ruderalis) or general effects (energizing vs. relaxing) lose importance in modern clinical practice, which focuses on efficacy and therapeutic results.
