Brazil Allows Cannabis Cultivation for Scientific Research

In an unprecedented decision, the board of Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) approved this Wednesday (14) the controlled cultivation of cannabis for scientific research purposes. The decision, taken unanimously by the directors, complied with the request of UFRN (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte), which develops research on the efficacy and safety of combinations of phytocannabinoids in the management of symptoms associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. The best-known phytocannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The decision sets a precedent for other institutes and universities to make requests to develop research from cannabis cultivation. Therefore, it is pointed out by those involved as a milestone in the studies carried out in the area in the country. Before the decision, research on cannabis in Brazil was only allowed using imported extracts, which, according to the researchers, limits the possibilities of studying different compositions and combinations of phytocannabinoids and their various effects.