Imports of medical cannabis products in Brazil increase by 93%

In the last 12 months, Brazil saw a 93% increase in the importation of cannabis-based products for medicinal use, according to recent data released by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

In Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, recreational marijuana use remains illegal.

Importing unprocessed cannabis, parts of the plant, or flowers for medicinal purposes, previously permitted since 2015, has been prohibited by Anvisa from July 20 onwards.

However, the leading health authority in the country announced a 60-day transition period for the completion of ongoing orders, stating that permissions granted till the present date would remain valid until September 20 of the current year.

According to official Anvisa statistics disclosed by GloboNews, between July 2022 and June 2023, a total of 112,731 cannabis product imports were approved.

The uptick in medicinal cannabis use coincides with the emergence of a yet unexplored market in Brazil.

Consequently, the First Brazil ExpoCannabis was announced last week, set to take place in São Paulo on September 15, 16, and 17.

Originating in Uruguay, a country that has regulated recreational marijuana use and sales, the Brazilian exhibition will host companies from over 30 countries.

These companies will provide cannabis-based medicinal solutions and will feature stands from Anvisa and the government laboratory Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a renowned scientific research institution in Latin America.