In the latest episode of Deusa Cast, Portal Sechat gathered a trio of experts to discuss the current scenario of medical cannabis in Brazil. Among the topics that emerged, one stood out for its depth and impact: the importance of sanitary law in building a safe and viable market. 

Bringing this perspective was Larissa Meneghel, a lawyer specializing in the field and a former Anvisa official, with practical experience from having been on both sides of the counter.

Larissa explained that her role is, above all, to help companies, and even individuals, understand the intricate regulatory universe of Anvisa. “Cannabis is a plant highly regulated by the agency. My job is to ensure that those who work with it comply with the standards of regulations and sanitary surveillance legislation,” she stated.

According to her, launching a cannabis-based product in Brazil requires much more than good intentions and technical knowledge: it demands planning, operating authorization, certifications, and strict compliance with good manufacturing practices. All of this to ensure that the final product meets pharmaceutical standards, quality control, and safety to reach the hands of patients.

The process, however, is not quick. Larissa pointed out that each company has a different “maturity level,” which influences the time needed to complete all stages. On average, after compiling the documentation and submitting the dossier, Anvisa's analysis can take about nine months, not counting the time before obtaining certifications and developing the formulation. “It takes a little time,” she admitted, emphasizing that there are variables that can speed up or delay the process.

This excerpt is just a sample of the full discussion, which also explored regulatory advancements, legal challenges, and prospects for the future of cannabis in Brazil. 

Watch the full episode on Youtube featuring the conversation with Larissa Meneghel, Paula Scanapieco, and Juliana Sousa.