HIGHLIGHTS
Medical cannabis discussed from a public policy perspective;
Efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in chronic pain;
Challenges and expectations concerning the inclusion of Cannabis sativa L. as a phytotherapic in the Farmácia Viva (Living Pharmacy) project and the Brazilian public health system (SUS – Sistema Único de Saúde).
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Pain is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated or not with real or potential tissue damage” which, when exceeding its protective function, beyond three months, is considered chronic pain, which in the long term can have its own clinical course. Given the scientific advances on the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, the article brings a proposal for reflection as the Brazilian public health system (SUS – Sistema Único de Saúde), through medical cannabis, could offer better therapies for the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain.
CONTENTS:
A narrative review was elaborated in databases such as Pubmed, Medline and Scielo. Considering the SUS Guidelines, the incorporation and access to medicinal cannabis can be understood as a strategy of social justice and reduction of inequities, because it is effective and safe in the treatment of chronic conditions, besides that the system already has strategies and policies aimed at regulating and distributing herbal medicines. Chronic pain is a prevalent condition, affects more than 2 billion people worldwide, and can be considered a global crisis. In Brazil, its prevalence varies between 23.02% and 76.17%, being higher in the elderly and female individuals. Despite this, in many cases, conventional treatments do not generate the analgesics effects expected, in addition to causing important adverse effects.
CONCLUSION:
Cannabis sativa L. has great potential to become one of the best alternatives for chronic pain to be incorporated into herbal access programs around the country, such as in the SUS’ Farmácia Viva project.
Keywords:
Cannabinoids; Chronic pain; Complementary therapies; Delivery of health care; Phytotherapy