Medical Cannabis: Experts Point to Brazil's Next Big Market

Expecting significant advancements by 2025, the medical cannabis market in Brazil has the veterinary sector emerging as one of the most promising within the segment. Sandro Nogueira, director of new business at Memphis Courier, predicts substantial growth in the medium term. “The veterinary market will become more promising and will come into play before the national products market,” comments Nogueira.

The Collegiate Board Resolution (RDC) No. 936, published by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) in 2024, allows the prescription of cannabis-based products for animals. This measure is seen as a significant opportunity for the pet sector and for veterinary medicine professionals, who will be able to specify these products with more safety and responsibility.

The Growth of the Pet Sector in Brazil

According to a survey by the Brazilian Association of the Pet Products Industry (Abinpet), in 2023 Brazil had 160.9 million pets, with the main ones being dogs (62 million), birds (42 million), and cats (30 million). The Brazilian pet market, which generated R$68.7 billion that year, reached R$77 billion in 2024, an increase of 12%.  

About 10% of this amount corresponds to veterinary products, including medications and therapies specifically for animal welfare. In this scenario, cannabis-based products emerge as a promising therapeutic alternative, especially for treating pain, anxiety, and neurological conditions in animals. “Several companies are just waiting for regulation to enter this market. There are already cannabis-based veterinary products available, and the demand among veterinarians is already significant, indicating a specific suppressed demand,” continues Nogueira.

Rodrigo Montezuma, a member of the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal District (CRMV-DF), highlights the potential of cannabis in veterinary medicine for pets, livestock, and wildlife. "Studies show high efficacy in treatments for pain, anxiety, neurological disorders, and other pathologies. The impact on animal welfare, especially in livestock, is unimaginable," says Montezuma.

Luiz Borsato, founder and CEO of Netseeds, also sees opportunities in the sector. “In competition animals, such as horses, cannabis offers emotional benefits, relief from tension and stress, and acts as an analgesic. Knowing the relevance of Brazilian agribusiness, it is evident that veterinary companies are closely monitoring this market,” comments Borsato.

One Health and the Veterinary Use of Cannabis

Veterinarian Neide Griebeler reinforces other therapeutic benefits of cannabis for animals. “Animals that take cannabis extract show significant improvements in quality of life, especially in cases of pain and seizures. Cannabis has also proven effective as a pre-anesthetic medication, reducing the need for general anesthetics,” she explains.

Dalton Kawasaki, product manager of the cannabis line at Herbarium, points to the relevance of Anvisa's decision in the context of One Health, a concept that interlinks human, animal, and environmental health.

Montezuma also emphasizes the One Health concept, highlighting the need for specific regulation for the veterinary use of cannabis. “The regulation brought legal security for both veterinarians and animal owners. Now, we await the regulation for the registration and importation of cannabis-based products for veterinary use,” he comments.

Challenges and Perspectives for the Veterinary Cannabis Market

Griebeler highlights the importance of a careful approach based on scientific studies. "Prescriptions should be made by qualified veterinarians. Inadequate use can compromise treatment. It is crucial to study dosages and identify the appropriate phytocannabinoids for each condition," warns the veterinarian.

Christiani Di Risio, operational manager of Quiron CBD, emphasizes the need for regulation for the use of veterinary products under RDC 660. “The pet market is already a consolidated reality in several countries. In Brazil, Anvisa's regulation for the veterinary prescription of imported products would be a step forward, expanding therapeutic options for animals,” she comments.