Brazil’s Cannabis Industry Advances Amid Legal and Research Developments

1.3 min readPublished On: April 2nd, 2025By HCN News Team

LOS ANGELES- Brazil is witnessing significant progress in its cannabis industry, marked by legal reforms and dedicated research initiatives. The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has authorized the importation, manufacturing, and sale of cannabis-based medicines, expanding patient access to treatments. However, domestic cultivation remains prohibited, necessitating reliance on imported products or extracts.

In November 2024, the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice mandated that the federal government establish regulations for the cultivation and importation of cannabis with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content within six months. This decision aims to enhance patient access to medicinal cannabis and support domestic industry growth.

Complementing these legal advancements, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) has initiated a 12-year research program focused on cannabis cultivation. The program’s objectives include creating a cannabis seed bank, adapting plant varieties to Brazil’s climate, and identifying regional production hubs. Embrapa’s collaboration with domestic and international partners seeks to explore cannabis applications across medical, food, and industrial sectors.

The medical cannabis market in Brazil is experiencing rapid growth. In 2024, approximately 672,000 patients received treatment with cannabis-based products, marking a 56% increase from the previous year. Revenue from medical cannabis reached BRL 853 million (around USD 140 million), up 22% from the prior year. Projections indicate that the market could exceed BRL 1 billion (approximately USD 164 million) by 2025.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. A significant portion of cannabis-based products continues to be imported, leading to higher costs for patients. Clear and comprehensive regulations for domestic cultivation and production are anticipated to address these issues, potentially reducing costs and fostering industry growth.

About the Author: HCN News Team

The News Team at Highly Capitalized are some of the most experienced writers in cannabis and psychedelics business & finance. We cover capital markets, finance, branding, marketing and everything important in between. Most of all, we follow the money.