Environment

STORY: Brazil may soon let cannabis can be planted in the country — in a court decision that could pave the way for legal cultivation of medical marijuana as well as industrial use. It could potentially turn Brazil into a leading global supplier of the plant.Researchers and cannabis firms argue Brazils tropical climate is ideal for growing it. Brazils top appeals court made their decision public last week — to take on a case that would set a precedent nationwide. Brazil currently allows the sale and production of cannabis products, but because it remains illegal to grow the plant, companies are forced to import key ingredients, raising the final cost for consumers. Biotech start-up DNA Solucoes em Biotecnologia is a company in the case being heard by the Superior Court of Justice.It has filed a civil suit arguing for the right to import seeds and plant cannabis.Arthur Ferrari Arsuffi is a lawyer representing them. “I understand that it has a very great practical, economic, and social relevance, whether it is the possibility of introducing a new segment in the Brazilian agro-industry, reducing the cost of medicines that are widely used by society, or the possibility of introducing a new industry in Brazil with this raw material.” The court decision, seen by Reuters, was dated February 27 but according to lawyers following the case, was only made public late last week. A final ruling is expected within the next year.