Medicinal cannabis market in Brazil expands amid regulatory hurdles

The medicinal cannabis sector in Brazil is experiencing significant growth and structural shifts. In 2025, the market reached R$ 971 million, serving over 870,000 patients—a growth rate of more than 30% compared to the previous year.

Access to treatment has diversified through telemedicine platforms, pharmacies, and public supply, reducing the previous heavy reliance on imports. While the market expands, experts note that the number of recurring prescribers remains a primary obstacle to further expansion. Future trends suggest a move toward more diverse formulations beyond traditional CBD oil to meet specific patient needs.

However, scientific and regulatory challenges persist. Research from the Federal University of Sergipe suggests that the main obstacles to advancing treatments are no longer biological understanding, but rather regulatory, economic, and social barriers. Issues such as the lack of standardized products, varying concentrations of THC and CBD, and the difficulty of obtaining clinical trial materials continue to hinder the transition from observational studies to rigorous randomized controlled trials.