CBG-rich Cannabis undergoes unprecedented evaluation at CTNBio

The National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio) is expected to conclude, in April, the evaluation of the new CBG-rich Cannabis variety, known as Badger G. Linked to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the commission confirmed to Sechat that this is an unprecedented process in Brazil, with no similar precedents analyzed by the agency.

According to CTNBio, there are no previous records of consultations involving a Cannabis genetics with the same characteristics in the country. Currently, the process is in the instruction phase at the Executive Secretariat of the commission. The variety stands out for allowing the extraction of CBG without the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), a central factor for the ongoing regulatory analysis. 

The appointment of the case's rapporteur is scheduled for the next meeting of the agency. The official meeting is scheduled to take place between February 4 and 5.

Technical analysis of the CBG-rich variety

The Ministry's technical team identified "flaws and omissions" in the documentation submitted by the applicant, Rochedo Assets Participações Ltda. In order for the analysis of the Cannabis variety to progress, these pending issues need to be resolved by the company.

Although the publication of the Preliminary Extract allowed the administrative process to proceed, the conclusion depends on the company's responses. The Ministry clarified the next steps in an official statement.

"If the required responses are attached to the process, the appointed rapporteur will have a deadline of up to two meetings to issue their opinion. We estimate that it will be evaluated at the April meeting," the department informed.

Classification and uniqueness of the CBG variety

The consultation submitted to CTNBio aims to define the regulatory classification of "Badger G". The agency will decide whether this Cannabis variety is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) or equivalent to a conventional plant.

The decision is based on the criteria established by Law 11.105/2005. The determination will dictate which regulatory and biosafety regime the product will face in the Brazilian market.

The government highlighted the uniqueness of the request, focused on genetics with high CBG levels. The department emphasizes that there are no consultations for other plants with the same characteristics, making this Cannabis variety a pioneering product.

History and objectives of the CBG variety

The process officially began with the publication in the Official Gazette on January 9. The Cannabis variety in question was developed to prioritize CBG, at the expense of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

The responsible company previously stated that the absence of THC aims to specifically direct cultivation for industrial use. The intention is to integrate the Cannabis variety into an agricultural commodities production chain, aligned with international standards.