Importation flow of medicinal cannabis faces delays in Brazil

The process of importing medicinal cannabis-based products is currently experiencing instability in Brazil, according to reports from companies in the sector. The main complaint involves prolonged delays, shipment holds, and operational bottlenecks at the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), which have directly impacted access to prescribed treatments.

According to gathered information, over 300 shipments are reportedly stuck at Anvisa without analysis or progress. In another case, nearly 600 approved orders have not been forwarded to the Federal Revenue for customs clearance, an essential step for the release of the products. There are also reports of shipments that left the United States in early December 2025 and, by January 12, 2026, had not completed delivery.

One of the reasons cited for the holds is the requirement to prove the link between the import authorization and the person who signed the declaration, even when the patient themselves is the one requesting the authorization. According to reports, at least 41 orders have been held based on this interpretation, despite having a valid medical prescription and authorization.

In response, Anvisa states that “the alleged delay is unfounded” and that, in similar situations, the problems are usually related to failures by importing companies or couriers. The agency also informed that, if concrete cases are presented, it can verify samples to identify whether the delays are due to internal queues or external factors beyond its competence.

Anvisa emphasizes that the exceptional importation of cannabis-derived products is regulated by RDC 660/2022, which allows individuals to import medications for personal and therapeutic use, upon medical prescription and authorization issued via the Gov.br Portal. The regulation establishes that the product is for personal use and non-transferable.

According to official data, between October 1 and December 31, 2025, 32,888 import petitions were filed by individuals, with an approval rate of 92%. The agency claims that processes are analyzed, on average, within 72 hours after petitioning and that any systemic failures have caused additional delays of only two to three days.