The Canadian startup founded by a Brazilian, Verdemed, obtained the approval of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) last year to commercialize medicinal cannabis in Brazil and now intends to expand its operations. The company was founded in 2018 by businessman José Bacellar, former CEO of Bombril and is now consulting with local pharmaceuticals.

"The regulation has opened new business opportunities in Brazil," says José Bacellar, in an interview with neofed portal. "Now we want to meet the demand without the exclusive need for imports," he adds.

According to him, the National Congress has, before it, a historic opportunity to enact a new law, creating a true Regulatory Framework for Medicinal Cannabis in Brazil. "Since October 9, 2019, a Special Committee of the House is in full swing to examine the PL 399/2015 by Mr Fábio Mitidieri (PSD-SE), which provides for the regulation of medicinal cannabis. The President of the Commission, Deputy Paulo Teixeira (PT-SP), and the rapporteur, Mr Luciano Ducci (PSB-PR), visited Colombia and Uruguay to know on the spot the impact of the laws of neighboring countries", he indicates.

"Once regulated, commercial-scale planting will have a strong economic impact and allow Brazil to enter the global cannabis products market with two firm feet. The Medical Cannabis Regulatory Framework, to further activate the economy, should include the positive and standardized inclusion of industries specialized in the production of plant extracts and other plant derivatives, including many classes of wellness, consumption and health products, as the U.S. does, for example," he concludes.

Source: Agrolink