The cannabis sector in Brazil has entered a new chapter with the announcement of a strategic partnership between Embrapa, The Green Hub, and Instituto Ficus. The initiative, named HEMPTECH BRASIL, focuses on structuring strategic intelligence processes, fostering research, and stimulating innovation to develop the cannabis production chain sustainably in the country.

The agreement comes at a decisive moment, as the Union has until September 30 to regulate national hemp production, following a ruling by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). The regulatory scenario will be crucial in determining the space Brazil will occupy in the global market.

Bruno Pegoraro, president of Instituto Ficus, emphasized the importance of revising Ordinance 344/1998 as a key point: "The crucial change that will define when and to what extent Brazil enters the global hemp market is the revision of Ordinance 344/1998. If it makes an exception for cultivation only for the pharmaceutical industry, the opportunities will be very limited, and the benefits will be reaped, at best, over a quite long period."

He stated that ideally, Anvisa would recognize the jurisprudence of IAC 16 and allow the cultivation of varieties with less than 0.3% THC, regardless of the purpose, in addition to creating clear rules for research and input imports. "With the current bureaucracy and lack of transparency, research on Cannabis is unfeasible in Brazil at the moment," he said.

Pegoraro also warned about the risks of overly restrictive regulation: "Excessively restrictive regulation can become ineffective. The 0.3% restriction, typical of temperate climate countries, poses a risk. Restricting the pharmaceutical market, as Anvisa indicated in the two draft amendments of Ordinance 344 released in the last two months, also significantly limits development opportunities."

As alternatives, he mentioned the regulatory models of Uruguay and Colombia, which offer a greater variety of licenses and market opportunities. According to him, the challenge goes beyond regulation: it is necessary to invest in science and technology to develop cultivars adapted to the Brazilian climate and ensure competitiveness.

At this point, Embrapa's contribution is seen as strategic. Daniela Bitencourt, a researcher at Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, highlights the Brazilian potential but points out current obstacles: "Brazil has all the conditions to be a major hemp producer: suitable climate, fertile soils, and millions of hectares of degraded pastures that could be restored with this crop. But the first challenge is regulation. Without a clear and robust regulatory framework, it is not possible to structure the production chain securely."

She explains that, in addition to regulation, it is essential to ensure quality seeds, adapted varieties, and industries prepared to absorb production. "Planting is already viable, the main obstacle lies in unlocking this mechanism that connects science, field, and market."

Regarding the role of agricultural research, Bitencourt recalls how the history of soybeans in the Cerrado shows how science and innovation can turn challenging crops into agribusiness engines: "Research is the bridge between opportunity and reality. Embrapa has extensive experience in turning challenging crops into engines of Brazilian agribusiness, soybeans in the Cerrado being perhaps the greatest example."

The economic potential is broad and goes beyond medicinal use: "Hemp is a versatile crop, and that's what makes it so special. It can generate fibers for the textile sector, seeds and oils rich in terpenes, essential amino acids, and omegas for the food industry, raw materials for cosmetics, and even inputs for the construction industry, such as sustainable blocks and bioplastics."

The researcher also emphasizes the inclusive nature of the crop: "Both large industries and cooperatives and family farmers can find in hemp a new source of income. It is an opportunity for productive diversification that connects the field with different sectors of the economy, generating innovation, employment, and positive impact on the environment."

Marcel Grecco, founder and CEO of The Green Hub, also celebrated the partnership: "We are excited to join forces with Embrapa and Instituto Ficus to boost innovation and scientific research in the cannabis sector in Brazil. We believe that together, we can create a favorable environment for the development of new technologies and sustainable business models."