Cannabis Events in Brazil Surge, Redefining Regional Dynamics

Brazil is witnessing a remarkable surge in cannabis-focused events, particularly in the Northeast region, according to a new survey by the Center for Drug Tourism Studies at UERJ. While the Southeast remains the hub for these gatherings, hosting over half of the events, the Northeast is rapidly catching up, seeing its share increase from 15% to 25% between 2023 and 2024. This shift is marked by notable events such as Festival Diamba in Paraíba and the Febre de Arte fair in Fortaleza, which have become significant cultural fixtures

The expansion of cannabis-themed events in Brazil has been robust, with an annual growth rate exceeding 35% since 2023. The total number of cannabis-related events jumped from 123 in 2023 to 169 in 2024, a 37.4% increase. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro continue to lead in the number of events, but the Northeast's growth is a testament to the decentralization of cannabis culture in Brazil. This trend is part of a broader movement to diversify the geographic distribution of these events, making them more accessible to a wider audience

Researchers Thiago Ferreira Pinheiro Dias Pereira, Ale Cardoso Duarte, and Breno Machado de Oliveira from UERJ's Center for Drug Tourism Studies outlined these findings in their report, "Between Culture, Tourism, and Activism: An Analysis of Cannabis Events in Brazil (2023–2024)." According to Thiago Pereira, a co-author of the study, the themes of these events are evolving, with a noticeable shift towards cultural and recreational aspects of cannabis. In 2024, Cannabis Culture became the leading theme, surpassing medicinal cannabis content, which previously dominated the discourse

The implications of this shift are significant for the cannabis industry in Brazil, as it reflects changing public interests and potentially influences future policy and market dynamics. The rise of discussion circles and interactive formats at these events suggests a growing desire for dialogue and community engagement. This evolution could pave the way for more inclusive and comprehensive cannabis policies that address both cultural and recreational aspects, alongside medicinal use

Looking forward, the continued rise of cannabis events in Brazil is expected to further alter the cultural and economic landscape of the country. With João Pessoa and Fortaleza now hosting major events, the Northeast's prominence in the cannabis scene is likely to grow. As the full study is set to be released in November, stakeholders in the cannabis industry and policymakers alike will be watching closely to understand the broader implications of these trends. The ongoing decentralization of events from the Southeast to other regions could lead to a more balanced national conversation around cannabis, impacting legislative and market developments