Brazil is finally waking up to the hemp revolution. After decades of prohibition, the country is laying the legal foundation for cultivation, processing, and commercialization of hemp. Yet one rule—the 0.3% THC threshold—is threatening to limit what could be one of the largest hemp industries in the world. Farmers, associations, and pharmaceutical companies are watching closely, knowing that the market potential is massive but the genetic stability challenge is real.
The 0.3% Question
The 0.3% THC rule was first adopted in North America as a way to distinguish hemp from psychoactive cannabis. But Brazil, with its high solar exposure and tropical climate, faces an uphill battle. Few hemp genetics remain reliably under 0.3% THC in these conditions. Neighboring Paraguay allows up to 1% THC—still non-psychotropic—creating an uneven playing field for Brazilian farmers.
This means that without investment in breeding programs, farmers risk losing entire crops to non-compliance. For a nation with such diverse climates, this isn’t just a regulatory quirk; it’s a production bottleneck.
A Multi-Billion Real Opportunity
Despite this challenge, the outlook is immense. The global hemp market is forecast to reach US$ 166 billion by 2025 (USDA Report). Brazil could capture a significant share if local genetics are developed to meet both regulatory standards and environmental conditions. Embrapa’s 12-year plan to adapt hemp to Brazilian soil is a strong step in this direction (Reuters).
Conclusion
The hemp market in Brazil will not thrive on rules imported from abroad. It will demand a uniquely Brazilian solution—genetics that perform under tropical sun, associations that can support small growers, and pharma that requires consistent, stable cannabinoids.
Hemspot positions itself as the meeting place for these players, where farmers, breeders, and industry leaders connect to share knowledge and solutions.