Anvisa receives studies on Cannabis cultivation until December 12

The deadline for submitting contributions to Public Call Notice 23/2025 ends on December 12. The initiative seeks to gather scientific studies already published on the cultivation of Cannabis sativa for medicinal and pharmaceutical use.

The goal of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) is to collect available evidence from journals and scientific repositories. These data will serve as the basis for the future regulation proposal of Cannabis cultivation in Brazil.

It is worth noting that the call is of a technical and collaborative nature. Therefore, the process does not involve awards, funding, or individual merit analysis of the participants.

Regulatory context of Cannabis cultivation

A specialized committee of the Agency will be responsible for evaluating and organizing the submitted studies. The result of this analysis will be published in a public report, which will serve as the basis for the new regulation.

The publication of the notice comes after a decision by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). The court confirmed the competence of Anvisa and the Union to regulate the cultivation of Cannabis sativa for exclusively medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes, in addition to industrial hemp.

How to submit research on Cannabis cultivation?

Contributions can be submitted until December 12. The submission must be made exclusively through an electronic form provided by the Agency.

Articles already published, written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish will be accepted. Topics of interest for the regulation of Cannabis cultivation include:

- Content and effects of cannabinoids;

- Methods for analyzing THC and CBD;

- Agronomic factors and agroclimatic zoning;

- Genetic and botanical characteristics;

- Traceability, quality control, and good cultivation practices;

- Comparative legislation, as well as legal and socio-economic aspects.

Embrapa and progress in research

In support of scientific development, the Collegiate Board of Anvisa recently approved an exceptional authorization for Embrapa. This measure allows the institution to conduct research focused on the cultivation of Cannabis sativa.

Prior to starting the studies, Embrapa will undergo an on-site inspection by the health authority. It will be necessary to meet a series of rigorous requirements to ensure the safety and control of the material.

The commercialization of any product resulting from these studies is prohibited. Embrapa may only send plant material not suitable for propagation to other research institutions that are duly authorized.

In addition to this approval, the Agency has committed to take new actions to advance in the regulatory process of Cannabis cultivation. Among the planned measures are consultations with the academic community and meetings with researchers on the subject.