In a major policy step, Brazil’s health regulator ANVISA is seeking public input to update the country’s cannabis production rules — potentially opening the door for a more regulated medical cannabis industry.
Brazil Launches Public Consultations to Overhaul Medical Cannabis Rules
Brazil is taking a decisive step toward updating its cannabis regulation framework. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has announced that it will open two public consultations aimed at revising current rules on the production and sale of cannabis-based medicines. The move could significantly reshape Brazil’s medical cannabis landscape, signaling a shift toward broader access and tighter quality control.
The consultations are expected to gather opinions from citizens, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and researchers. This participatory process will focus on two key areas: cultivation for research and medical purposes, and the manufacturing standards for cannabis-derived pharmaceutical products.
Since 2019, Brazil has allowed the sale of cannabis-based medications under strict regulations. However, the lack of local production capacity has forced the country to rely heavily on imports, often resulting in high prices and limited availability. The proposed changes aim to ease domestic cultivation for medical use and improve access for patients who rely on these therapies.
If implemented, the new rules could encourage domestic investment, scientific research, and better oversight of the medical cannabis supply chain. While Brazil has not legalized recreational cannabis, these consultations show the country is edging closer to more progressive cannabis policy, aligning with global trends seen in countries like Germany, Colombia, and Canada.
The consultation period will run for 60 days, during which the public can submit suggestions through ANVISA’s online platform. The final decision will depend on both technical evaluations and the outcome of this participatory process.
