Instituto Conexão e Regulação (ICR) is founded to drive the development of the cannabis sector in Brazil
New institute aims to connect companies and authorities to overcome regulatory challenges and promote advancements in the medicinal cannabis ecosystem
The regulatory landscape of the cannabis sector in Brazil has gained an important ally with the establishment of the Instituto Conexão e Regulação (ICR). Based in Brasília, the institute emerges with the goal of bringing together sector representatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to drive regulatory processes that favor the sustainable development of the medicinal cannabis ecosystem in the country.
According to Rafael Arcuri, executive director of ICR, the proposal is to build a solid bridge between companies and regulatory bodies.
"Our mission is to provide high-level representation and establish strategic connections that enable the cannabis sector to reach its potential in Brazil, promoting a balanced and innovative regulatory environment", highlighted the lawyer who emphasizes:
"Established sectors of the economy have representative entities that articulate their interests with the State. In the medicinal cannabis market, especially for companies operating under RDC No. 660, this articulation was absent. Therefore, the institute emerges to meet this need that, although young, the Brazilian medicinal cannabis sector already has enough maturity to have an entity representing its interests".
Challenges and Perspectives for Change
Leonardo Navarro, legal director of the institute, emphasized the obstacles of the current regulatory model and the importance of collaborations to transform it. "Brazil still faces significant barriers regarding the regulation of medicinal and industrial use of cannabis. The ICR intends to act directly to overcome these limitations, seeking viable solutions that meet the interests of all involved, from the market to the patients", stated.
The institute already has prominent figures to lead the technical committees and expand collaboration with different sectors. Paulo Glovacki assumes the presidency, while Larissa Uchida leads the New Business Directorate, Margarete Akemi the Pharmacy Technical Committee, Ubiracir Lima the Chemistry Technical Committee, Marco Algorta in the Psychedelics Technical Committee, and Talita Ferreira, of the Regulatory Affairs Technical Committee, complete the strategic technical team, bringing expertise in fundamental areas for regulatory development.
Strategies and Connections
The ICR's main differential is its ability to articulate with the Executive and Legislative branches. Combining technical knowledge and political connections, the institute positions itself as a facilitator for innovation in the cannabis market and other regulated sectors.
"Cannabis regulation is not just a legal challenge, but also an opportunity to develop innovative markets and generate economic and social benefits for Brazil", concluded Paulo Glovacki.