São Paulo – The government of São Paulo announced the start of public production of medicinal cannabis-based medicines, a landmark initiative that positions the state as a national pioneer in this field. The measure was presented by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas during a meeting with mayors, health secretaries, and state deputies at the Palácio dos Bandeirantes.

The project will be carried out through the Fundação para o Remédio Popular (Furp), which will use its industrial units in Guarulhos and Américo Brasiliense to produce cannabis-derived medications and other high-cost drugs. The initiative aims to expand production capacity from around 400 thousand to up to 3 billion units per year, generating estimated savings of R$ 270 million annually.

The announcement also included a transfer of R$ 379 million in additional health funding to the state’s 645 municipalities, reinforcing São Paulo’s investment in the public health network. The decision marks a policy shift, as the state government had vetoed a similar proposal ten months earlier.

If implemented, São Paulo will become the first Brazilian state to manufacture medicinal cannabis products under public control, reducing reliance on imports and improving access to treatment for patients with chronic and neurological conditions.

Source: Panorama Farmacêutico

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