Cannabis-derived products are authorized for medicinal use only in Brazil.
The consumption of the plant (or parts of it) remains prohibited, and its growth, possession and trade are still covered by the Drug Law (Law nº 11.343/2006), unless authorized by court order.
There are two legal and regular ways to obtain Cannabis products for medicinal use (not considering the judicial route):
1-The direct importation of the Cannabis product
ANVISA (The Brazilian Health Authority) may authorize the importation of products derived from Cannabis for individuals, for the treatment of their own health, based on what is indicated on a prescription.
A prescription of a legally qualified professional is necessary and the product to be imported needs to be manufactured and distributed by duly approved establishments by the competent authorities in their countries of origin.
The authorization allows individuals or their legal representatives to import the product.
2-Purchase of products authorized by ANVISA in local pharmacies
At the end of 2019, ANVISA published RDC no. 327, which created the category of Cannabis-derived Products, with the aim of increasing the offer of medicinal products with pharmaceutical grade to patients in Brazil.
Since then, the Agency has been analyzing and granting authorizations for products from companies in Brazil that meet the regulatory requirements, expanding the range of offered products sold in pharmacies, facilitating access to patients.
For the purchase at the pharmacy, as in direct importation, a prescription from a legally qualified professional is mandatory
