Cannabis in São João de Meriti: Laws, Access, and Changing Attitudes

São João de Meriti, a densely populated city in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro, has a complex relationship with cannabis. While Brazil as a whole maintains strict cannabis laws, the plant remains widely consumed in cities like São João de Meriti, where access to marijuana is shaped by local culture, informal markets, and law enforcement practices.

Legal Status of Cannabis in São João de Meriti

Like the rest of Brazil, cannabis laws in São João de Meriti follow Law No. 11,343/2006, which outlines penalties for both users and traffickers:

• Recreational cannabis is illegal – Possession for personal use is not a criminal offense but can result in community service, mandatory drug education, or warnings.
• Drug trafficking carries harsh penalties – Selling or distributing cannabis is punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison.
• Medical cannabis is regulated – Patients can access cannabis-based treatments with authorization from ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), though legal access remains costly and bureaucratic.

One of the biggest issues is that there is no clear definition between personal use and trafficking. This means that someone caught with a few grams of cannabis could be arrested and charged as a dealer, depending on the police’s discretion.

Where and How Cannabis is Accessed

Despite strict laws, cannabis remains readily available in São João de Meriti. Some common sources include:

1. Prensado (Compressed Brick Weed) – The most commonly available type of cannabis, this low-quality product is typically smuggled from Paraguay and sold in favelas.
2. High-Quality Strains – A small but growing number of users have access to better-quality cannabis, often obtained through personal connections or discreet sellers.
3. Home Cultivation – While illegal, some individuals grow cannabis at home to avoid dealing with black-market risks and law enforcement.

Law Enforcement and Public Perception

São João de Meriti has a heavy police presence, particularly in areas with high crime rates. Cannabis-related arrests are not uncommon, and police often conduct stop-and-search operations in certain neighborhoods. However, enforcement can be inconsistent, with some users facing harsh consequences while others are let off with a warning.

Public perception of cannabis varies:

• Older generations and conservative residents still see marijuana as a dangerous drug.
• Younger generations and activists are pushing for decriminalization and medical cannabis expansion.
• Medical cannabis has growing support, especially among families of patients with chronic illnesses.

Risks and Challenges for Cannabis Users

• Police Crackdowns – While possession is technically decriminalized, being caught with cannabis can lead to harassment, fines, or arrest.
• Poor-Quality Cannabis – The unregulated market means users risk buying contaminated or low-quality weed.
• Social Stigma – Despite progress, many workplaces and social groups still associate cannabis with crime and irresponsibility.

The Future of Cannabis in São João de Meriti

As Brazil debates cannabis legalization, São João de Meriti could see policy changes in the coming years. With increased pressure for reform and shifting public attitudes, future regulations may offer a more controlled and safer market for cannabis users in the city.