The trade network of psychoactive drugs in the city of Diadema and its interest for Public Health, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The popular trade of herbal drugs without quality assurance implies a health risk./ This study analyses the commerce network of psychoactive herbs in the streets of the city of Diadema, state of São Paulo, and the risks associated with their consumption. Data presented here are part of a project conducted in collaboration with other research areas. Several ethnopharmacological methods, including participant observation, informal and semi-structured interviews, were used to develop field work among dealers. Vernacular names of the commercialized herbs, their formulae, utilized parts, contraindications, doses, origin were recorded, and also how they were obtained, manipulated, stocked, packaged and used. The study registered 63, herbs, which were categorized according to their possible psychoactive actions. The stimulants (67%) and the depressants (27%) predominated. Shortcomings were observed in the stock, manipulation and packaging of the drugs, exposing their customers to health risks. These findings aid in the understanding of aspects related to the quality and safety of herbs that are informally traded in Diadema, and show the need to promote a dialogue between this system and the formal health system.