Brazil Moves to Regulate Medical Cannabis Cultivation to Reduce Imports
Brazil plans to regulate medical cannabis cultivation to reduce imports and develop a local industry, with new regulations under discussion
Key Points
- 1Brazil plans to regulate medical cannabis cultivation to reduce imports
- 2The Ministry of Justice seeks broader legalization beyond judicial decisions
- 3Anvisa is developing new rules for cannabis research and product safety
- 4Over 80,000 cannabis importation authorizations were granted in 2022
- 5Local industry growth and cost reduction are key government priorities
The Brazilian government, under President Lula, is taking significant steps toward regulating the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes. This move aims to reduce reliance on imported cannabis products. Currently, cannabis cultivation is only permitted through judicial decisions, but the Ministry of Justice is pushing for broader legalization. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry
In March, Brazil's Ministry of Justice requested the Superior Court of Justice to authorize domestic cannabis cultivation. The ministry emphasizes the need for a complete regulatory approach to manage the importation and cultivation of cannabis with low THC content for medical, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses. This strategy intends to streamline processes and reduce costs associated with cannabis-based products
Marta Machado, Brazil's National Secretary for Drug Policy, has identified cannabis cultivation legalization as a priority for the National Drug Policy Council. This council includes representatives from the Ministry of Health, Anvisa, the federal police, and other key agencies. Machado highlights the importance of creating a regulatory model that can lower the prices of cannabis products while ensuring quality and safety
The Brazilian justice system has already provided over 2,000 individual cultivation permits, though these lack stringent controls. Machado notes that various authorization models exist, ranging from those targeting the pharmaceutical industry to those supporting cultivation associations. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security is committed to developing a responsible regulatory system that supports local production and industry growth
Anvisa, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency, is concurrently working on new regulations to oversee cannabis cultivation for clinical research. The agency reported a significant increase in cannabis product importation authorizations, with over 80,000 granted in 2022, doubling the previous year's figures. Anvisa's resolution 327 facilitates the sale of cannabis products in pharmacies, contingent on rigorous quality and safety evaluations