Brazil: Cannabis Laws (Medical Products, Possession, and Verification)
Last updated: October 14, 2025
Legal notice: This page is informational only and not legal advice. Laws and enforcement guidance change. Always confirm with the official government links below and follow the strictest applicable rule. See our Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty and Terms of Use.
1) Federal Criminal Law (Baseline)
Brazil’s core drug statute is Law 11.343/2006 (Lei de Drogas), which establishes SISNAD and differentiates users from traffickers. Possession/consumption historically constituted a criminal offense, with alternatives to incarceration for users, while trafficking remains a serious crime with severe penalties. See Official Law Links below for the statute text.
2) 2024–2025 STF Ruling on Possession (Decriminalization Threshold)
In 2024, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) reached a majority to decriminalize possession for personal use, and in 2025 the Court confirmed guidance indicating up to 40 grams as a reference threshold for personal use. Important: This does not legalize sale, supply, or public consumption, and practical application depends on subsequent guidance and law-enforcement practice. Always check current official updates.
3) Medical Cannabis Products (ANVISA)
Brazil permits cannabis-based medical products under ANVISA rules:
- RDC 327/2019: Creates a Sanitary Authorization pathway for manufacture/import and pharmacy dispensing of cannabis-based products with a doctor’s prescription. Products are regulated as “cannabis products for medical use” (distinct from full drug registrations). Labels, quality, and pharmacovigilance apply.
- Patient Import (RDC 660/2022): Patients may import for personal therapeutic use with medical prescription and ANVISA authorization, following documentation and product rules.
- Prescribers & Indications: Prescription requirements and indications follow ANVISA guidance and professional regulations; details evolve—confirm on ANVISA’s portal.
4) Cultivation & Hemp
- Commercial cultivation for medical/pharmaceutical purposes is not generally permitted without specific authorization. Regulatory discussions and court-related mandates are evolving (e.g., hemp/industrial research and medicinal-use cultivation under controlled programs). Expect updates via ANVISA and federal agencies.
5) What’s Clearly Not Allowed
- Recreational sale/retail remains illegal.
- Trafficking and distribution offenses carry severe penalties under federal law.
- International transport: Do not bring cannabis into Brazil or take it out—customs and federal law apply.
6) Safety & Practical Notes
- Use only prescribed, ANVISA-compliant products from authorized pharmacies or follow patient import rules with proper documentation.
- Keep prescriptions and ANVISA authorizations with you when carrying medical products.
- For impairment and safe behavior, see our Responsible Use Guide.
7) How to Verify (Official Links)
Start with the primary statute and regulator:
- Lei 11.343/2006 (Lei de Drogas) — official Planalto publication.
- ANVISA — resolutions (e.g., RDC 327/2019, RDC 660/2022), product approvals, import and pharmacy guidance.
- Ministry of Justice (SENAD/SISNAD) — policy coordination.
For broader context and monthly change notes, check Research Updates. Methodology: How We Fact-Check and Editorial Standards.
Quick Matrix (Orientation Only — verify details on official sites)
Legend: R = adult-use; M = medical products via ANVISA; I = illegal/prohibited.
| Topic | Brazil Status (high level) |
|---|---|
| Adult-use retail | I (illegal) |
| Medical products (pharmacies) | M (RDC 327/2019; prescription) |
| Patient import | M (RDC 660/2022; ANVISA authorization) |
| Personal possession | Decriminalization ruling context (STF; reference up to 40 g; verify current guidance) |
| Cultivation | Restricted; authorized programs/research only; evolving |
Reminder: Orientation only. Always check the official links and your clinician/legal counsel when appropriate.