Luis Mauricio: Brazil could be a leader in the use of cannabis fibers and biomass.
The president of ABCCI highlighted at an event hosted by Brasil 247 and Conjur the need to broaden the legislative scope to unlock the economic potential of cannabis.
247 - The president of the Brazilian Association of Cannabis and Industrial Hemp (ABCCI), Luis Mauricio, highlighted that the debate on the decriminalization of cannabis possession began with the struggle of mothers seeking medication for their children, evolving to include associations that have not yet been fully considered in the Court's decision.
Mauricio, bassist and founder of the reggae band Natiruts, spoke on the panel "Medicinal Cannabis in Brazil: Its Applications and Potential Benefits for the Health System," during the event "The National Drug Policy: A New Paradigm," held by Brazil 247, TV 247 e Counsel, with support from the Prerogativas group, in Brasília (DF).
He emphasized the importance for the national economy of fully exploiting the plant's potential, since 90% of it, such as biomass and fibers, is not utilized. "The fiber is multi-purpose, and Brazil, as a major agricultural power, could be taking a leading role in this, developing products, benefiting many people, generating jobs and revenue for the country," he stated.
Mauricio celebrated the progress made by the Supreme Court's decision, but criticized the racial and social criteria that historically define who is a trafficker and who is a user, advocating for a broader approach that involves democratizing access to medication, lowering treatment costs, promoting national production, and ensuring social justice.
"We are making progress, but we need agility and speed in regulation, and above all, social justice," he concluded.
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