Evidence on the use of cannabinoids in Psychiatry and the challenges for their incorporation in Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2026.v16.1661Keywords:
Brazil, Mental Disorders, Cannabinoids., cannabisAbstract
Introduction: Mental disorders represent one of the leading causes of global disability and remain a critical challenge for healthcare systems. Concurrently, there is a growing public and scientific interest in the clinical use of Cannabis-based products. Objective: To synthesize the most recent international findings regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabinoid use in psychiatric conditions, as well as to discuss the scientific, regulatory, and healthcare challenges for their eventual incorporation into public and private healthcare contexts in Brazil. Method: This is a brief communication based on a synthetic review of recent international scientific literature regarding the therapeutic application of cannabinoids in mental health and the analysis of the Brazilian regulatory scenario. Results: Currently available scientific evidence remains insufficient and heterogeneous, failing to support the formal or routine indication of cannabinoids for the treatment of mental disorders. Furthermore, significant methodological gaps in existing studies are identified, alongside complex regulatory and healthcare delivery barriers to their implementation in Brazil. Conclusion: Despite the growing demand and therapeutic expectations, the use of cannabinoids in psychiatry lacks robust scientific support. The incorporation of these substances in Brazil requires the advancement of rigorous clinical research, as well as the consolidation of safe regulatory and healthcare guidelines.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natália Fernandes Knoerr, Tatiane Caroline Boumer
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