Cannabis associations gather for meeting in Ceará

Bridging science, care, and mobilization, Ceará is preparing to host a meeting aimed at bringing together those who live, research, and pave the way for access to medical cannabis. Fortaleza will host the second edition of the Encontro Nordestino de Associações Canábicas (ENAC), taking place on September 18 during the opening of Febre de Arte 2026.

The event will be held at the Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura, gathering representatives of cannabis associations from different states across the Northeast, alongside public authorities, researchers, patient advocates, and members of the Ceará Saúde Livre movement.

The schedule begins at 9 a.m. at Varanda dos Museus, featuring panel debates and cultural activities. The initiative aims to create a space for dialogue and exchange of experiences among cannabis associations, strengthening regional networking around medical cannabis.

Ceará seeks to advance medical cannabis policy

The selection of Fortaleza as the host city for the second edition of ENAC comes at a time of growing mobilization in the state. Ceará is home to more than 25 associations and is discussing the establishment of a state policy for the therapeutic use of cannabis through Bill 1014/2023 (PL 1014/2023), currently under consideration in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Ceará (ALECE).

Against this backdrop, the meeting aims to contribute to the development of a regional agenda, connecting the experiences and challenges faced by cannabis associations in healthcare access, education, and institutional organization.

The first edition of ENAC was held in April in João Pessoa during Festival Diamba, drawing associations from seven states.

According to Isabela Fernandes, production director of Febre de Arte, holding the event reinforces Ceará's standing as a hub for innovation, culture, and knowledge surrounding cannabis.

“Fortaleza is one of the largest cities economically and socially on our continent, and with its own dynamic, it is a recognized powerhouse in culture, art, and innovation. From an innovation perspective, the medicinal use of cannabis is new territory for most of the public seeking quality information while facing historical prejudice on the subject,” she stated.

Fernandes added that the goal is to align medical cannabis with an agenda grounded in knowledge and science, providing free access to information.

Integration among cannabis associations

Coordination among different organizations is also among the meeting's primary objectives. For Tayná Araújo, coordinator of the first ENAC edition and strategic management director at Acaflor, bringing together Northeastern cannabis associations can broaden knowledge sharing and strengthen the sector's advocacy.

“Political coordination among Northeastern associations as drivers of access to education and health is a fundamental step toward expanding the exchange of experiences in governance and management,” she highlighted.

Read More: Associations structure production and quality standards for medical cannabis in Brazil
 

Araújo also drew attention to the current regulatory landscape and the need for organizations to be prepared for shifts related to medical cannabis.

The event is expected to strengthen collaborative networks among cannabis associations, patients, researchers, and public officials, building bridges for future initiatives in the region.

Registration to attend the 2nd ENAC is free and now open. The event is part of the programming for the second edition of Febre de Arte, an art fair taking over Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura on September 18, 19, and 20.

Event Details

2nd Encontro Nordestino de Associações Canábicas – 2nd edition of Febre de Arte
Date: September 18, 2026
Time: starting at 9 a.m.
Location: Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura, Fortaleza (CE)
Admission: free

More information and schedule: Febre de Arte
Registration: official ENAC registration form