Brazil still hesitates to legalize the cultivation of cannabis and industrial hemp, thus wasting time, opportunities, and global prominence. In episode #46 of Deusa Cast, titled "Is Brazil holding back the future of cannabis?", consultant Marcelo Grecco provided a lucid reflection on the backstage of this delay and what needs to change for the country to move forward.

With the presence of journalist Luiza Silveira (Globo Rural) and consultant Jaime Ozi, one of the pioneers in the Brazilian cannabis market, the episode delves into an essential discussion: how long will political fear and lack of information prevent the country from reaping the benefits of a billion-dollar market?

Cannabis in Brazil: Political fear hinders progress

According to Grecco, the main obstacle is not in the legislation, but in the attitude of the lawmakers. "Some understand the issue, but are afraid to move forward. It's not about left or right, it's about who is in power and those in power want to be reelected," he stated.

He explains that the fear of associating cannabis with electoral agendas creates a barrier that perpetuates stagnation. "When the topic appears on programs like Globo Rural or SPTV, the bubble begins to burst. The electorate, which they fear so much, begins to understand that we are wasting time".

No need to reinvent the wheel: hemp is a reality

Grecco also warns that the country insists on "reinventing the wheel" when it comes to regulation. "Cannabis is an agricultural plant. Cultivation should be under the MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock), not just Anvisa. Brazil has experience - it did this with soy. It was insignificant and today we are world leaders," he pointed out.

He emphasizes that legalizing cultivation does not mean disorder, but planning: "Those who will plant are those who already understand agriculture - pharmaceutical companies, cooperatives, industries. The important thing is to create a structure that connects the entire production chain".

Without demand, there is no cultivation

The consultant recalls New York's mistake, which legalized cultivation before structuring trade, leading producers to bankruptcy. "We need connection: from seed to sale. Cultivation needs to be supported by a solid demand, and today the medicinal market, which already moves a billion reais, is a good starting point," he explains.

For Grecco, it's time to prepare the ground: invest in technology, training, and machinery. "It's not just about planting. It's about understanding the type of soil, harvest, destination. Brazil has potential, but it needs to wake up to it now".

Hemp in Brazil: We are wasting time and opportunity

Grecco's final tone is a call to action. Brazil has soil, climate, and technical capacity, but it needs vision. "We can use this time to build a robust production chain involving farmers, industry, and science. If we delay further, we will miss the train to the future," he concludes.

Watch the full cut with Marcelo Grecco now and understand why Brazil needs to unlock the debate on cannabis and industrial hemp once and for all: