The Medicinal Cannabis Market in Brazil Could Reach R$ 15 Billion with New Anvisa Regulation

The medicinal cannabis market in Brazil is about to take a historic leap. With the proposal for revision of RDC 327/2019, which underwent a Public Consultation conducted by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and whose new rules are expected to be announced soon, a new projection indicates a potential growth estimated at R$ 15 billion by 2034 for the sector.

The projection takes into account the expansion of medicinal cannabis use in areas such as dentistry, dermatology, and compounding pharmacies, as well as the possible easing of prescription requirements, which may shift from controlled (blue type) to white prescription, including acceptance of the digital version, according to a survey conducted by Ease Labs, a Brazilian pharmaceutical company specialized in cannabis products. 

"Brazil has one of the largest and best-structured pharmaceutical complexes in Latin America and a unified federal legislation, which places us in an extremely favorable position to grow and lead the global medicinal cannabis market in the pharmaceutical segment," says Gustavo Palhares, co-CEO of Ease Labs.

Social Participation and Expectations for the New RDC

In March 2025, Anvisa opened Public Consultation No. 1.316/2025, addressing the update of RDC 327/2019, which regulates the manufacture, import, commercialization, and prescription of cannabis-based products for therapeutic purposes in Brazil.

The submission period for suggestions ended on June 2, with 1,476 contributions from representatives of various segments of society. According to Anvisa, the goal was to enhance social participation and obtain technical and qualified contributions that help improve the new proposal.

The expectation is that the information gathered will be crucial for adjusting the final text, which will be submitted for deliberation by Anvisa's Collegiate Board (Dicol).

Sales Surge and Number of Prescribers Grows

In 2024, retail sales of cannabis products recorded an increase of over 65% compared to the previous year, according to data from Close-Up International Brazil released by the company that conducted the research. The retail channel was the fastest-growing segment.

Currently, Brazil has about 55,000 doctors authorized to prescribe cannabis-based products sold in pharmacies. 
 

Study Indicates Future Demand and Environmental Benefits

According to the report “What Brazil Gains from Hemp Cultivation?”, prepared by the Instituto Escolhas and executed by Biodendro Forest Consulting in May 2025, the national cannabidiol (CBD) market could reach 2.1 million patients by 2030, requiring 20 tons of the compound extracted from the plant.

To meet the demand, an investment of R$ 1.23 billion and the planting of 64,103 hectares of hemp will be necessary. With this structure, the country could generate 14,485 jobs and achieve a net revenue of R$ 5.76 billion, equivalent to 4.7 times the invested amount. Additionally, it is estimated that 1.1 million tons of CO₂ could be captured per harvest, significantly contributing to Brazil's commitments to the climate agenda.