Embrapa discusses hemp cultivation and challenges of medicinal cannabis in Brazil

In the 30th episode of the Deusa Cast podcast, we welcomed Beatriz M. Emygdio, a researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) and president of Embrapa's Permanent Cannabis Committee. We also welcomed Marcelo Grecco, co-founder of The Green Hub. In this episode, the guests discussed Embrapa's role and the regulatory challenges in the cannabis market in Brazil.

In 1996, in an interview with Diário Popular, Beatriz Emygdio was already advocating for the commercial use of marijuana, and during the episode, she explains in a very simple way the difference between hemp and cannabis. According to Emygdio, "they originate from the same species; the difference lies in the THC content. Material that has up to 0.3% THC is considered hemp, while that which has a higher percentage is considered marijuana. This is due to its intoxicating potential."

Hemp Cultivation

Hemp offers over 25,000 potential applications in industry. With all its versatility, it can be used in construction, the textile industry, paper and cellulose production, cosmetics, biofuel production, among many other applications.

The cultivation of industrial hemp in the country is a relevant topic and is being discussed more and more each day. According to the Embrapa researcher, there are good soil and climate conditions for cultivation to occur. However, adaptable cultivars are needed for the different Brazilian regions, considering that hemp is susceptible to photoperiod issues.

In this agricultural cultivation and development scenario, Grecco shares his vision of the ideal scenario in the episode: "It would be for the government to support research and agricultural development along with market development, managing to remove some points from Anvisa's Ordinance 344..." he explains.

Watch the full episode: 

Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation

The cultivation of medicinal cannabis was also discussed. Emygdio sees the exploration by small farmers, cooperatives, and associations positively: "Cannabis, especially medicinal, has the characteristic of being a crop that has a very high potential for value aggregation per area, meaning that in three or four hectares, one can have a production that meets the needs of 50,000 patients."

When asked about the ideal planting model in Brazil, the researcher explains that it is one that allows freedom for all links in the chain to operate in their respective areas. Emygdio states: "It's simple; it's like it happens in all other crops."

If you want to learn more about hemp data and regulatory issues, you cannot miss watching the full episode, available on YouTube and Spotify.