The Brazilian medical cannabis market continues to grow

The Brazilian medical cannabis market continues to grow, driven by an increase in the number of patients, a steady rise in imports, and gradual changes to the regulatory framework. With more than 873,000 patients identified by the end of 2025 and import permits up by nearly 29% in the first half of 2026, Brazil is reaffirming its status as one of the leading medical cannabis markets in Latin America.

Imports of medical cannabis are rising by nearly 29%

Anvisa, the Brazilian health authority, has issued 116,372 individual import permits for cannabis-derived products during the first half of 2026, an increase of nearly 29% compared with the same period in 2025.

The average number of monthly permits was nearly 20,000, reaching 23,199 in March alone.

Although these figures include various forms of cannabinoids, the CBD-based medications play a dominant role in the Brazilian pharmaceutical market. A study by Close-Up International had previously indicated that products based on’CBD isolate accounted for 52% of cannabinoid-based products, compared with 48% for cannabis extracts in the broad sense.

More than 873,000 patients using medical cannabis

The increase in the number of patients in Brazil is further evidence of the sector’s growth. According to the consulting firm Kaya Mind, the country had more than 873,000 patients using medical cannabis in November 2025, after a a 56% increase in the number of patients between 2023 and 2024.

The Brazilian medical cannabis market generated approximately 953 million reais (170 million euros) in revenue by 2025. However, access remains unequal. Approximately 40% of patients are estimated to have relied on imported products, along with the associated international procurement costs and administrative procedures.

Anvisa Extends the Shelf Life of Medical CBD Products

On October 13, the’Anvisa issued Resolution RE No. 3,981, extending the retention period for the Cannabidiol Herbarium, a 20 mg/mL oral solution, for 24 months. The approval covers a 30 mL bottle supplied with a dosing syringe and an adapter, which allows the product to remain within its approved shelf life for a longer period.

Another resolution, issued on October 5, introduced changes regarding the Farmanguinhos Cannabidiol, developed by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), one of Brazil’s leading public health research institutes. The regulatory authority approved two additional commercial presentations of the 200 mg/mL formulation, packaged in 30-mL vials accompanied by two or three dosing syringes. It also renewed the authorization for the existing presentation containing one syringe.

These three formulations have a shelf life of 24 months, providing patients with extended access.

National cannabis cultivation opens a new chapter

Beyond product approvals, Brazil has begun to redefine its approach to domestic cannabis production. Following a ruling handed down in 2024 Following a ruling by the Superior Court of Justice, Anvisa established a regulatory framework in 2026 authorizing the strictly controlled cultivation of cannabis containing no more than 0.3 % of THC for medical and pharmaceutical purposes.

These rules also establish procedures for importing cannabis-based raw materials intended for research and manufacturing, which could promote local pharmaceutical development.

Products containing higher concentrations of THC remain subject to stricter prescription requirements.