Can cannabis-based products be shipped by the Post Office? See the rules in Brazil

Updated at 6:47 PM

Can cannabis be transported by the Post Office? The short answer is: no. The shipment of cannabis-based products by the Post Office, even for medicinal use, is prohibited in Brazil, but with some exceptions. 

The prohibition occurs because the country is a signatory to the United Nations Conventions of 1961 and 1971, which impose strict control over substances considered prohibited, such as Cannabis sativa, a plant used since ancient civilizations for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. In Brazil, the species and its derivatives are listed in categories E and F2 of Annex I of Ordinance SVS No. 344/1998, which severely restricts their use and circulation.

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), responsible for regulating controlled substances, prohibits the transportation of these medications through postal channels. This includes products containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

According to Anvisa, only four exceptions to the rule are allowed:

- Research and scientific use: agencies and institutions authorized by Anvisa may transport cannabis exclusively for scientific research or the formation of analytical stock.

- Registered medications with CBD or THC: products with up to 30 mg/mL of THC and 30 mg/mL of CBD are allowed, provided they are registered with Anvisa.

- Import for personal use: individuals may import cannabis-derived products for personal use, with a medical prescription and based on RDC No. 660/2022.

- Authorized industrialized products: products manufactured or imported according to RDC No. 327/2019 are permitted, as long as they meet the criteria for sanitary authorization, prescription, dispensing, and oversight.

According to Anvisa, even in authorized cases, the transportation of cannabis-derived products must be carried out by companies with Special Authorization from the agency, as defined in Ordinance 344/1998 and RDC No. 16/2014.

Fernanda Vanzeli, commercial manager of Courier Brasil Express, explains that according to Ordinance 344, after the nationalization of the product, courier companies with special authorization can use the postal structure. “After the nationalization of the product and the release by Anvisa, the items can indeed be sent by the Post Office directly to the patient's residence,” she states.  

She emphasizes that the courier company must have a contract with the Post Office for the process to be feasible. The manager also highlights that, according to RDC 660, only courier companies are authorized to carry out international express shipments containing cannabidiol. 

“This is an issue that still generates many doubts in the market, both among patients and between companies and e-commerce, but it is supported by legal and technical advice, in addition to the competent regulatory bodies,” reinforces Fernanda.

In 2024, 601 companies were registered under RDC 660, able to import products into Brazil. Of the 672 thousand medicinal cannabis patients in Brazil that year, 315 thousand (47%) use products regulated by the resolution. 

Barriers and challenges of the process

Given the restriction of the Post Office, specialized companies offer "door-to-door" - solutions from the sender's door to the recipient's door, or "end-to-end" - all phases of delivery, carrying out the transportation of medications in a controlled manner and in compliance with the legislation. These must follow the same control and oversight procedures applied to conventional medications.

According to Sandro Nogueira, executive director of Memphis Courier, the biggest challenge lies in regulation. Among the barriers are specific sanitary licensing, product registration, and traceability.

In addition, integration with the Integrated Foreign Trade System (SISCOMEX), the computerized system of the Brazilian government that integrates the activities of registration, monitoring, and control of foreign trade operations and Anvisa systems, also complicates the process.    

Another point highlighted by Sandro Nogueira is the operational challenges. Currently, the transportation of products at controlled ambient temperatures (between 15°C and 30°C) is allowed, which faces difficulties at certain points along the land route, especially in remote areas or with poor infrastructure.

"We have some gums, for example, that if transported at very high temperatures end up 'sticking' together inside the packaging, which already causes an uncomfortable perception for the patient," he explains.

Progress and a different future

For Ricardo Teixeira, executive director of TriStar Express, the last two years have represented significant advances in the transportation of these products. "Anvisa has implemented effective improvements in the release processes, making the flow more efficient and predictable".

According to Teixeira, the advancement in the technical knowledge of public agencies on the subject and the consolidation of the legal framework for the importation of these products have considerably reduced the obstacles faced in internal transportation.

Storage, traceability, and commitment to the patient

For companies registered under RDC 660, one alternative is to operate with bonded warehouses abroad. TriStar Express, for example, maintains a structure in Miami (USA), approved by the FDA, and conducts fulfillment operations (refers to the set of processes involving the receipt, storage, separation, packaging, and shipping of products to the final customer) for the B2B market.

Sandro Nogueira emphasizes the importance of real-time traceability — from customs clearance to delivery to the patient, with updates via SMS, email, and apps.

The average delivery time, according to representatives, is 10 days, depending on the location. This ensures a standard comparable to that of other controlled medications.

“Investing in total traceability and regulatory compliance is a concrete demonstration of logistical excellence and commitment to public health,” concludes Sandro Nogueira.