Embrapa and Instituto Fícus Document Proposes Regulatory Advances for Hemp in Brazil

The debate on hemp in Brazil has gained new chapters with the launch of a report prepared by the Embrapa Working Group and the Instituto Fícus. The document, which presents regulatory measures to structure the plant's production chain, was presented during the seminar “Regulatory Paths for Hemp in Brazil”, held on Wednesday (10).

Clenio Nailto Pillon, Director of Research and Development at Embrapa, opened the event by highlighting the barriers that still limit the sector's advancement. “Embrapa's mission is to conduct research. Today there is a set of regulations that does not allow companies like Embrapa to fully exercise their mission regarding cannabis,” he stated.

According to him, the institution is already working on three fronts: the creation of a germplasm bank and two breeding programs aimed at medicinal and industrial applications. “Based on this, we are conducting internal and external discussions and mobilizations, seeking to advance as soon as possible in regulation,” he added.

Overview of Research in the Country

Next, Daniela Bittencourt, a researcher in Genetic Resources and Biotechnology at Embrapa, presented an overview of the ongoing scientific initiatives. Currently, there are 31 research groups on cannabis in Brazil, most focused on health.

“We have the potential to bring the topic to agricultural science as well, which still appears in smaller numbers,” said the researcher.

According to Daniela, Embrapa's research program encompasses four axes: cultivar development, management practices, post-harvest, and public, economic, and zoning policies.

“We need to think about cannabis from seed to final product, understanding the purpose of that product,” she emphasized.

Regulatory Strategies for Hemp

The presentation of the strategic plan was led by journalist Tarso Araújo, columnist for the Sechat Portal and representative of Instituto Fícus. He detailed the suggested steps for the consolidation of hemp in Brazil.

In the short term, the Plan foresees the publication of the Initial Regulatory Framework, through a presidential decree or inter-ministerial ordinance, defining industrial hemp as a permitted crop under control, in compliance with the STJ decision (IAC 16), with a deadline of September 30, 2025. 

Another key point in the short term is the update of Ordinance 344/1998, to exclude the cultivation of industrial hemp from the controls of the Drug Law (11.343/2006).

In the medium term, the document foresees action aimed at a controlled expansion of commercial cultivation, with the issuance of the first licenses, prioritizing projects integrated with cooperatives and with environmental responsibility.

Additionally, the start of exports of hemp raw materials and incorporation of derivatives into national production chains.

Long-term Perspectives

Among the future goals highlighted by the report are the consolidation of the hemp sector as competitive, the generation of measurable socio-environmental benefits, technological advancement, and the production of high-value inputs, as well as the continuous adaptation of the regulatory framework.

The document also recommends the creation of a specific commission to monitor and constantly update cannabis policies in Brazil.

“This is something essential in this market, as hemp is a crop in rapid technological and productive development,” concluded Araújo.

The seminar also featured experts such as Sergio Barbosa (Federal University of Viçosa), Rafael Arcuri (National Hemp Association), Luís Maurício Ribeiro (Brazilian Cannabis Association), Bruno Pegoraro (Instituto Fícus), and Sergio Vazquez Barrios, agronomist from the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries of Uruguay.