The debate on hemp in Brazil has gained new chapters with the release of a report prepared by the Embrapa Working Group and the Ficus Institute. The document, which presents regulatory measures to structure the plant's production chain, was presented during the seminar “Regulatory Paths for Hemp in Brazil”, held on Wednesday (10).

Clenio Nailto Pillon, Director of Research and Development at Embrapa, opened the event highlighting the barriers that still limit the sector's progress. “Embrapa's mission is to conduct research. Today there is a set of regulations that do not allow companies like Embrapa to fully carry out their mission regarding cannabis,” he said.

According to him, the institution is already working on three fronts: creating a germplasm bank and two genetic improvement programs focused on medicinal and industrial applications. “Based on this, we are holding internal and external discussions and mobilizations, aiming to advance as soon as possible in regulation,” he added.

Research panorama in the country

Next, Daniela Bittencourt, a researcher in Genetic Resources and Biotechnology at Embrapa, presented an overview of ongoing scientific initiatives. Currently, there are 31 research groups on cannabis in Brazil, mostly focused on the health sector.

“We have all the potential to also bring the topic to agricultural science, which still appears in smaller numbers,” said the researcher.

According to Daniela, Embrapa's research program covers four axes: cultivar development, management practices, post-harvest, and public, economic, and zoning policies.

“We have to think about cannabis from seed to final product, understanding the purpose of this product,” she emphasized.

Regulatory strategies for hemp

The presentation of the strategic plan was given by journalist Tarso Araújo, a columnist for Portal Sechat and a representative of the Ficus Institute. He detailed the suggested steps for consolidating hemp in Brazil.

In the short term, the Plan foresees the publication of the Initial Regulatory Framework, through a presidential decree or interministerial ordinance, defining industrial hemp as a permitted crop under control, in compliance with the STJ decision (IAC 16), with a deadline of September 30, 2025.

Another highlight in the short term is the update of Ordinance 344/1998, to exclude industrial hemp cultivation from the controls of the Drug Law (11.343/2006).

In the medium term, the document foresees action to seek a controlled expansion of commercial cultivation, with the issuance of the first licenses, prioritizing projects integrated with cooperatives and with environmental responsibility.

Also, the start of exports of hemp raw materials and the incorporation of derivatives into national production chains.

Long-term perspectives

Among the future goals highlighted in the report are the consolidation of the hemp sector as competitive, the generation of measurable socio-environmental benefits, technological advancement, and the production of high-value inputs, as well as the continuous adaptation of the regulatory framework.

The document also recommends the creation of a specific commission to monitor and constantly update cannabis policies in Brazil.

“This is essential in this market, as hemp is a crop in rapid technological and productive development,” Araújo concluded.

The seminar also featured experts such as Sergio Barbosa (Federal University of Viçosa), Rafael Arcuri (National Hemp Association), Luís Maurício Ribeiro (Brazilian Cannabis Association), Bruno Pegoraro (Ficus Institute), and Sergio Vazquez Barrios, agronomist from the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries of Uruguay.