ENTRE A DESCRIMINALIZAÇÃO E A LEGALIZAÇÃO DO PORTE PESSOAL DE CANNABIS SATIVA : UMA NARRATIVA PARA O FUTURO DO DIREITO PENAL

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the evolving legal framework for Cannabis sativa in Brazil, tracing its history from commercial use during the colonial era to recent landmark decisions by the Supreme Federal Court (STF). Adopting a critical-historical approach, the analysis reveals how the criminalization of cannabis has been disproportionately enforced, severely impacting vulnerable populations while privileged groups have largely evaded punishment. The STF’s ruling on Extraordinary Appeal No. 635,659, which decriminalized the possession of a specified quantity of cannabis for personal use, marks a significant paradigm shift. AIMS: Drawing on international evidence that demonstrates the superiority of public health and harm reduction policies over criminalization, this research aims to analyze the legal, social, and health implications of the STF’s decision. It also examines the performance of the healthcare system, the challenges in accessing medicinal cannabis in Brazil, and compares various international models to inform the development of more equitable public policies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology is inferred to be qualitative, employing a comprehensive literature and documentary analysis. The research focuses on jurisprudence, particularly from the STF, comparative law studies, and data from both national and international public policies. RESULTS: The findings indicate limited progress, such as authorizations for importing and selling cannabis-based medicines, which are still inaccessible to most of the population. Legal uncertainty persists due to the reliance on case-by-case judicial rulings for home cultivation. Evidence from countries with legalized cannabis shows that while regulated medicinal use effectively reduces harm and crime rates, recreational legalization warrants a cautious approach, given reported cases of intoxication and associated risks for vulnerable individuals. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: No Brasil, experiências como a facilitação inicial via SUS para doenças raras demonstram o potencial medicinal, mas evidenciam a necessidade de regulamentação com urgência. A descriminalização representa um passo inicial, pois é fundamental construir políticas públicas integradas, superar preconceitos históricos e adotar um modelo capaz de alinhar o Brasil em matéria de saúde e justiça social.

KEYWORDS: Decriminalization; Stigma; International Analysis; Public Health; Cannabis sativa.