Researchers submit technical proposal to Anvisa for cannabis regulation

A group of 58 Brazilian researchers has presented a unique technical-scientific contribution to the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). The document aims to support the discussion on cannabis regulation for scientific and therapeutic purposes in the country.

The signatories are affiliated with public, community, and private universities, as well as federal institutes and centers of excellence. The initiative brings together experts from fields such as agronomy, plant genetics, pharmacology, neuroscience, and public health, all with a consolidated trajectory in scientific production.

The material was developed in response to Call Notice No. 23/2025. This call notice specifically addresses the rules for plant cultivation intended for research and health use, being central to the future regulation of cannabis.

What the call notice says about cannabis regulation

According to Anvisa, the objective of the call was to obtain comprehensive technical subsidies. The agency seeks data ranging from cannabinoid levels to precise analytical methods for quantifying THC and CBD in crops.

In addition to the chemical aspects, the call requests studies on agronomic factors, agroclimatic zoning, and genetic characteristics. The process also allows for the analysis of international legislation and socio-economic impacts related to cannabis regulation and cultivation.

After the submission deadline, a specialized Anvisa commission will have 30 days to evaluate the material. The result will be consolidated in a public report, serving as a technical basis for the new sector regulations in Brazil.

Defense of scientific sovereignty and criticism of arbitrary limits

The researchers argue that Brazilian health regulation should be based on updated scientific evidence and criteria proportional to the real risk. The group argues that cannabis regulation needs to be consistent with the country's climatic and territorial conditions.

Among the critical points addressed is the lack of a universal scientific basis for the 0.3% THC limit. The document also calls for the streamlining of research, suggesting institutional authorization instead of fragmented by project, and the recognition of research conducted in partnership with patient associations.

According to the experts, overly restrictive regulatory frameworks can compromise national scientific sovereignty. They warn that excessively strict rules hinder technical-academic training and increase dependence on foreign inputs, harming cannabis regulation as a whole.

Participating Institutions

The proposal aims to collaboratively contribute to Anvisa leading a modern and socially responsible model. The initiative involves researchers affiliated with institutions such as Embrapa, Fiocruz, SBPC, and various federal universities (UnB, UFRJ, UNIFESP, UFSC, among others).

The document is also signed by representatives of research centers and associations such as AMAME, AMBCANN, and AgroCann.