The entity had been waiting for the decision for 2 years; permission is restricted to scientific activity and prohibits any type of commercialization
The collegiate board of directors of the (National Health Surveillance Agency) approved, on Wednesday (19.Nov.2025), an exceptional authorization for the (Brazilian Agricultural Research Company), a body linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, to carry out research on the cultivation of cannabis. The permission is valid for activities with scientific purposes and does not allow commercialization.
In a statement, Clenio Pillon, director of research and development at Embrapa, said that Anvisa’s decision crowns work lasting almost 2 years, which began with a working group and evolved into an institutional guideline for the company’s contribution to public health.
“The agency’s decision adds to the recent approval of resources by Finep [Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos]at the beginning of this month, of more than R$13 million for research by Embrapa and partners with cannabidiol [CBD] of the country”he stated.
According to Anvisa, before starting the studies, Embrapa will undergo an in-person inspection and must comply with a series of requirements to guarantee the safety and control of the material. Anvisa may request additional adjustments.
The authorization does not allow the trade of cannabis. Embrapa may only send plant material for propagation to other duly authorized research institutions.
For Thiago Lopes Cardoso Campos, director of the 5th Board of Anvisa, and rapporteur of the process, the authorization reinforces the agency’s commitment to science, innovation and health security.
“It is science that must guide the country. This authorization allows Brazil to produce its own knowledge, strengthen its technological autonomy and fulfill its duty to public health and national development”he stated. Here is the rapporteur’s vote (PDF – 149 KB).
Beatriz Emygdio, researcher at Embrapa Clima Temperado, declared that the approval is a recognition of the technical robustness of the proposals presented by the Company. “It is the result of a collective effort that involves multidisciplinary teams, institutional coordination and constant dialogue with regulatory bodies”he said in a note.
LINES OF RESEARCH
The authorization granted by Anvisa will allow Embrapa to develop 3 lines of studies:
- conservation and characterization of genetic materialto ensure that Brazil has its own, structured and traceable base;
- agronomic research applied to cannabis medicinalto support the production of evidence that helps the country to make safe and technically based decisions;
- hemp pre-breedingto open the doors to fibers, seeds and industrial applications, with great potential for strengthening the national bioeconomy.
A cannabis is a plant that contains substances called cannabinoids, capable of interacting with functions of the human body, especially the nervous system. It can be processed in different ways and contains compounds such as CBD and THC, which have different effects on the body.
In addition to its recreational use, cannabis It can also be used for medicinal purposes, such as in the treatment of chronic pain, resistant epilepsy, nausea caused by chemotherapy and spasticity in neurological diseases.
In November 2024, the STJ (Superior Court of Justice) the import of seeds and the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes, with Anvisa responsible for regulation. The action was aimed at cannabis sativa, with a low THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) content, also known as hemp, and which does not produce psychotropic effects.
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