In October 2024, the Collegiate Board of Anvisa approved a measure allowing for the regularization of products based on cannabis sativa and prescription by veterinarians, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa). The decision, which amends the SVS/MS Ordinance 344/1998, represents a milestone for veterinary medicine in Brazil and paves the way for safer and controlled treatments in animals.

"The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will be able to regulate veterinary products based on Cannabis for commercialization in the country. In Brazil, veterinary products are regulated by Mapa.", Anvisa highlighted in a release.

According to the new rule, only veterinarians authorized by the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV) will be able to prescribe these products, through special prescriptions retained in pharmacies, following the same procedures already applied to controlled medications. The measure amends the SVS/MS Ordinance 344/1998 and ensures that the use is strictly therapeutic, with strict sanitary control.

Among the changes, Mapa will be able to regulate cannabis-based veterinary products in the country. Veterinarians will now be able to prescribe:

* Cannabis medicines registered with Anvisa;

* Cannabis products regulated by Anvisa, under the terms of RDC 327/2019;

* Animal-exclusive products that may be approved by Mapa.

The manipulation of oils and extracts remains prohibited, and the decision does not alter the individual importation rule provided in RDC 660/2022, valid only for human use.

Veterinarian Bruno Perozzo emphasized: “It doesn't make sense for veterinarians to be prevented from prescribing products from RDC 660, since these contain the same controlled substances present in products regulated by RDC 327. In addition, the veterinary profession is recognized as a prescriber of medications that include psychotropic and narcotic substances.”

Advances for Veterinary Medicine

The medicinal use of cannabis in animals has been studied in Brazil. A recent survey indicated that the plant has shown relevant results in the treatment of neurological, inflammatory, dermatological, oncological, and chronic pain-related diseases in small animals

Veterinarian Alice Bonelli, in a previous interview with Sechat, had already emphasized that the field is undergoing significant changes and that the scientific interest in the benefits of cannabis is growing, but it requires caution and care. She also warned about the risks of inadequate oils, such as grape seed and avocado oils, which are harmful to animals, reinforcing the importance of regulated and safe products. Some international companies and Brazilian associations are already investing in specific products for pets.