Anvisa prohibits importation of marijuana flowers for medicinal purposes

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) published this Wednesday (19) a technical note prohibiting the importation of Cannabis in natura, as well as flowers and plant parts for medicinal purposes. The ban is foreseen “even after the stabilization and drying process or even in scratched, crushed or pulverized forms”.

According to Anvisa, the decision considered “the high degree of risk of diversion for illicit purposes and the validity of international drug control treaties to which Brazil is a signatory”. The rule starts to apply this Thursday (20).

“As of this Thursday (7/20), new authorizations/proof of registration will not be granted for the importation of the Cannabis plant in natura, parts of the plant or flowers,” the agency said in a note.

“There will be a transition period of 60 days for the completion of imports that are already in progress. As for the authorizations already issued for the import of Cannabis in naturaparts of the plant and flowers will be valid until September 20 of this year”, informed Anvisa.