Brazil Cannabis Law

Brazil is one of the most strategically significant emerging cannabis markets globally, with a population of 215 million and a rapidly growing medical cannabis patient base. ANVISA (Brazil's health regulatory agency) has progressively liberalized the medical cannabis framework since 2015, most recently through Resolution RDC 660 (2022), which established a pathway for Brazilian domestic manufacture of cannabis products — not just importation.

Brazil's domestic production authorization under RDC 660 represents a transformative shift: international cannabis companies can now seek ANVISA manufacturing authorization and partnerships with Brazilian pharmaceutical manufacturers to supply the domestic market. Brazil's robust pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure, federal research investment in cannabis, and growing patient advocacy ecosystem create a compelling long-term opportunity.

Bob Hoban has advised US and international cannabis companies on the ANVISA regulatory pathway, joint venture structuring with Brazilian pharmaceutical partners, and investment analysis of the Brazilian medical cannabis market. Key advisory areas include RDC 660 manufacturing authorization, ANVISA import licensing, Brazilian corporate law for cannabis joint ventures, and the interplay between Brazil's federal cannabis framework and state-level enforcement practices.