Is CBD legal in Brazil?
- Legal status
- CBD (cannabidiol) is available only through regulated channels, not as an over-the-counter supplement: ANVISA-registered 'cannabis products' sold in pharmacies on prescription (RDC 327/2019) and individual patient import for personal use with a prescription and ANVISA authorisation (RDC 660/2022); products are generally low-THC, with over 0.2% THC permitted only for palliative/terminal patients.
- Consequences if caught
- CBD held without a prescription or ANVISA authorisation is an unregistered/controlled product subject to the Drug Law (Lei 11.343/2006) and health-surveillance seizure.
- If prescribed or medical
- Legitimate access is prescription plus pharmacy purchase (RDC 327/2019) or authorised personal import (RDC 660/2022, valid two years). Distinct from personal cannabis use, which is non-custodial (STF RE 635659).
- Documentation
- Carry the ANVISA import authorisation (RDC 660/2022) plus prescription, or buy an RDC-327 registered product on prescription; otherwise CBD is an unregistered controlled product.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Brazil’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →