Buy Terpenes Online in Brazil

Q: Are Terpenes Legal to Buy in Brazil?

Yes, isolated terpenes without THC or CBD are legal to buy and import in Brazil. While cannabis cultivation remains prohibited, isolated terpene compounds are not controlled substances under Brazilian law when they contain no cannabinoids.

Q: Do I Need ANVISA Authorization to Import Terpenes?

No, ANVISA authorization is not required for isolated terpenes that contain zero THC and CBD. Only cannabis products with cannabinoid content fall under ANVISA's RDC 327/2019 regulations and require special medical permits.

Q: What Documentation is Needed for Terpene Imports?

You need Certificates of Analysis confirming zero THC/CBD content, ISO certifications (22000 and 9001), heavy metals and pesticide testing results, microbiological safety data, and complete batch traceability documentation. Proper documentation ensures smooth customs clearance.

Q: How Did the November 2024 Court Ruling Affect Terpenes?

The Superior Court of Justice's ruling authorized industrial hemp (< 0.3% THC) for medical purposes, creating new opportunities for hemp-derived products. This ruling reinforces the legal distinction between controlled cannabis and non-controlled terpene compounds.

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Quick Answer: Yes, isolated terpenes without cannabinoids are legal to buy and import in Brazil. While cannabis cultivation remains prohibited and cannabinoid-containing products require ANVISA authorization, terpene compounds containing zero THC or CBD operate as standard aromatic ingredients. These compounds can be legally imported for formulation, aromatherapy, and product development when accompanied by proper documentation proving the absence of controlled substances.

Key Takeaways

Isolated terpenes without cannabinoids are legal to buy/import in Brazil; cannabinoid products require ANVISA authorization under RDC 327/2019.
STJ ruling (Nov 2024) authorized industrial hemp (<0.3% THC) for medical use; ANVISA suspended implementing hemp rules in May 2025.
Importing terpenes requires COAs showing non-detectable THC/CBD, ISO certifications, heavy metal/pesticide and microbiological testing, and full batch traceability.
Regulation is centralized federally via ANVISA; cultivation remains prohibited, but terpene compounds used as aromatics are not controlled substances when cannabinoid-free.
Common pain points include incomplete documentation, batch inconsistency, and limited tech support; solutions include supplier COA packages, standardized extraction, and application guides.
Ready to differentiate in Brazil? Request Terpene Samples today to source cannabinoid-free profiles with full documentation and technical support for compliant formulations.

For product developers and R&D teams in Brazil, sourcing quality terpenes represents both an opportunity and a challenge. With Brazil’s medical cannabis market projected to surpass R$1.0 billion in 2025, the demand for authentic, traceable terpene profiles has never been higher. Yet confusion persists about what’s actually legal when it comes to terpenes, hemp extracts, and cannabis-derived compounds.

The regulatory uncertainty stems from Brazil’s historically strict cannabis prohibition, which began in 1830 when the Rio de Janeiro City Council outright banned cannabis use, and only recently started moving towards slightly more lenient policies. While cultivation of Cannabis sativa L remains illegal, the importation and use of isolated compounds, including terpenes, operate in a different regulatory sphere entirely. This distinction creates significant opportunities for formulators seeking to incorporate these valuable aromatic compounds into their products.

However, product developers face three critical pain points when sourcing terpenes in Brazil: working their way through the complex import regulations that vary between cannabinoid-containing and isolated compounds, finding suppliers with proper documentation for customs clearance, and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for scaled production. Here’s everything product formulators and developers need to know about running their operations in Brazil.

Cannabis and Hemp Regulations for Brazil

Brazil’s approach to cannabis regulation has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, though cultivation remains strictly prohibited. Starting in 2015, ANVISA authorized the prescription and importation of products containing cannabinoids for personal medical use through specific resolutions. This regulatory framework expanded in December 2019 when ANVISA approved Resolution RDC 327/2019, allowing domestic manufacturing and sale of medical cannabis products under strict controls.

The regulations fundamentally shifted with the Superior Court of Justice’s landmark November 2024 ruling. The STJ unanimously authorized the planting, cultivation, industrialization, and sale of industrial hemp, defined as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% THC, solely for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. This decision recognized that hemp, due to its minimal THC content, cannot produce psychotropic effects and therefore shouldn’t fall under the same restrictions as marijuana under Law 11.343/2006 (Brazilian Narcotics Act).

Key Requirements for Cannabis Product Manufacturers

To produce and sell cannabis-based products in Brazil, manufacturers must obtain:

Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) from ANVISA
Operating License (AFE – Autorização de Funcionamento de Empresa)
Special Authorization (AE – Autorização Especial)
Extensive technical documentation on product quality

For companies struggling with documentation, Terpene Belt Farms provides complete compliance, including certificates of analysis, manufacturing certifications, and import-ready paperwork formatted to Brazilian customs specifications. This eliminates one of the primary pain points for Brazilian formulators: navigating complex regulatory documentation.

According to RDC 327/2019, cannabis products must contain predominantly cannabidiol (CBD) and not more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Products with THC levels above 0.2% are restricted to palliative care for terminally ill patients or those in irreversible clinical situations. However, it’s critical to understand that ANY presence of THC or CBD, even below 0.2%, triggers ANVISA’s medical cannabis regulations and requires full authorization.

For terpene importers and formulators, the critical distinction lies in the product’s composition. Isolated terpene compounds, whether derived from cannabis, hemp, or botanical sources, are not classified as controlled substances when they contain absolutely zero cannabinoids. This regulatory nuance allows companies to supply premium terpene profiles to Brazilian partners without restrictions on cannabinoid-containing products. Our premium terpene oils contain zero cannabinoids, ensuring seamless import processes.

Recent Legislative Attempts

Brazil’s cannabis policy is still in its developmental stage through judicial decisions and legislative proposals, though progress remains uneven. The STJ’s November 2024 ruling mandated that ANVISA and the federal government establish regulations for hemp within six months, setting a deadline of May 19, 2025. However, implementation has faced unexpected challenges, highlighting the ongoing tensions in Brazilian cannabis policy.

Just days before the May 2025 deadline, ANVISA suspended its proposed hemp regulations, citing a vague “need for alignment” without providing further details. This suspension has created fresh uncertainty for stakeholders who had been preparing for a regulated hemp market, demonstrating the political complexities surrounding cannabis reform in Brazil.

The legislative side includes multiple pending proposals that could reshape Brazil’s approach to cannabis and hemp. Bill 399/2015, considered the major regulatory bill for cannabis in Brazil, has been under congressional review for years. In June 2021, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies’ Special Commission approved PL 399/2015, which would have authorized the production and marketing of industrial hemp products. However, progress stalled, and the bill hasn’t been signed into law.

Meanwhile, conservative opposition remains strong. PEC 45/2023 seeks to amend the Brazilian Constitution to explicitly criminalize the cultivation, distribution, and possession of cannabis regardless of amount, which would eliminate any possibility of legal or medical cannabis use. This constitutional amendment proposal reflects the ongoing political divide over cannabis policy in the country.

For businesses facing regulatory uncertainty, partnering with established suppliers is critical. Learn more about our white-label partnerships that provide regulatory support and make sure your products meet all compliance requirements, despite changing regulations.

Current Legal Status of Terpenes in Brazil

Terpenes occupy a unique position in Brazilian regulations, distinct from both cannabis plants and cannabinoid compounds. As aromatic hydrocarbons are abundant in nature, terpenes are not controlled substances under Brazilian law when they contain zero cannabinoids. These compounds are biosynthetic building blocks in many organisms, particularly plants, and are widely used in industries in the perfumery and food flavoring sectors.

The legal distinction is evident when examining Brazil’s regulatory approach. While Cannabis sativa L cultivation remains prohibited, and cannabinoid-containing products require ANVISA authorization under RDC 327/2019, isolated terpene compounds face no such restrictions, provided they are demonstrably free of all cannabinoids. Brazilian companies routinely import terpenes to use in beverages, cosmetics, aromatherapy products, and food applications without requiring special cannabis-related permits.

Documentation Requirements for Legal Import

Successful terpene importation requires:

Certificates of Analysis confirming the absence of THC and CBD (non-detectable, typically < 0.01%)
ISO certifications for quality standards
Heavy metals and pesticide testing results
Microbiological safety data
Complete batch traceability documentation

For formulators struggling with quality verification, our sample kits allow testing before committing to bulk orders, addressing the common pain point of quality uncertainty in international sourcing.

Brazilian research institutions have identified beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, guaiol, and alpha-bisabolol as the most abundant terpenes in medical cannabis varieties cultivated in southeastern Brazil. These compounds are important markers for chemotaxonomic classification, a scientific approach that reinforces the distinction between controlled cannabinoids and non-controlled terpene compounds.

State and Provincial Variations

Unlike some federal systems where states maintain significant autonomy over drug policy, Brazil’s approach to cannabis and terpene regulation remains primarily centralized under federal law. ANVISA’s authority extends nationwide, creating uniform standards for medical cannabis products, hemp-derived compounds, and related substances across all 26 states and the Federal District.

This federal consistency means terpene importers and formulators don’t need to struggle with varying state-level restrictions when developing products for the Brazilian market. All states follow the same ANVISA regulations regarding cannabis products and isolated compounds.

However, enforcement practices can vary at the municipal level. While public use of cannabis entails federally mandated warnings, community service, and education on drug effects, there are reports of municipal guards applying extrajudicial punishment to civilian cannabis use. These local enforcement variations don’t typically affect commercial terpene operations but highlight the importance of maintaining clear documentation to distinguish legal terpene products from controlled substances.

The state of Pernambuco made headlines in March 2020 by issuing Brazil’s first state-level license for homemade medical cannabis cultivation, though this remains an exception within the federal prohibition laws. Such isolated state initiatives don’t alter the legal status of terpenes but indicate growing regional interest in cannabis-related economic opportunities.

Common Pain Points and Solutions while Purchasing Terpenes for Business Use

Brazilian businesses seeking high-quality terpenes for product development face several challenges that can derail production timelines and compromise product quality. We’ve listed a few of the major ones and their solutions below.

Pain Point 1: Complex Import Documentation

Brazilian customs require extensive documentation that many international suppliers fail to provide adequately. Missing or incorrect paperwork can result in shipments being held for weeks or returned entirely.

Solution: Terpene Belt Farms provides extensive documentation packages, including:

Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis
ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 certifications
Complete absence verification for THC/CBD (< 0.01%)
Heavy metals and pesticide testing results
Portuguese-language technical sheets upon request

Pain Point 2: Inconsistent Product Quality

Many Brazilian formulators report significant supplier batch-to-batch variations, which force constant reformulation and threaten product consistency.

Solution: Our Fresh Never Frozen® technology ensures consistent profiles through:

Single-source California cultivation
Immediate processing after harvest
Standardized extraction protocols
Exhaustive batch testing and verification

Pain Point 3: Limited Technical Support

Product developers often struggle with terpene integration, especially for specific applications like beverages or vape formulations, without adequate supplier guidance.

Solution: Our formulation guides can provide some basic assistance for younger business struggling to find their footing in the industry:

Vape Formulation Guide for optimal viscosity and stability
Distillate Integration Guide for proper mixing ratios
Pre-roll Enhancement Guide for flower applications

Quality Standards and Testing Requirements

Brazilian regulations demand rigorous quality standards for imported aromatic compounds, particularly those used in consumer products. ANVISA’s RDC 327/2019 establishes specific requirements for cannabis-related products, while general import regulations apply to isolated terpenes.

Comparison Table: Terpene Types and Brazilian Regulatory Requirements

Terpene Type	THC/CBD Content	ANVISA Authorization Required	Import Documentation	Typical Applications	Terpene Belt Farms Solution
Isolated Botanical Terpenes	0%	No	Standard import docs, COA	Food, cosmetics, aromatherapy	Enhanced Natural Blends
Hemp-Derived Terpenes (Isolated)	0%	No	COA confirming zero cannabinoids	Vapes, beverages, wellness	Native Cannabis Terpenes
Cannabis Extract with Terpenes	> 0.2% THC	Yes – RDC 327/2019	Medical prescription, ANVISA permit	Medical only	Not applicable – we provide isolated terpenes only
CBD Products with Terpenes	< 0.2% THC (but contains CBD)	Yes – RDC 327/2019	GMP certificate, special authorization	Medical products	Partner formulation support

Testing Requirements for Brazilian Imports

First, we have microbiological safety. This matters because terpenes and cannabinoids do not mask contamination. Any microbial load can degrade aromas, shorten shelf life, and pose health risks for inhaled, ingested, or sublingual formats. Tight limits help preserve flavor integrity and protect consumers with compromised immunity.

Total aerobic plate count: < 1,000 CFU/g
Yeast and mold: < 100 CFU/g
E. coli: Negative
Salmonella: Negative
Staphylococcus aureus: Negative

Heavy metals can concentrate in cannabis due to soil and fertilizer sources, and they can bind to resinous material rich in terpenes. Controlling these elements prevents chronic exposure, keeps terpene profiles clean, and supports consistent sensory quality across batches.

Lead: < 0.5 ppm
Cadmium: < 0.3 ppm
Mercury: < 0.1 ppm
Arsenic: < 1.5 ppm

Pesticide residues can react during extraction or heating, creating off notes and potential toxic byproducts. A broad screen ensures aromatic fidelity of terpene-rich products and reduces risk for patients and adult consumers across vape, edible, and tincture applications in the Brazilian market.

Full panel testing for 400+ pesticides
All results must be below detection limits
Special attention to organophosphates and pyrethroids

How Terpene Belt Farms Supports Brazilian Businesses

Terpene Belt Farms has developed specific protocols and products tailored to meet the unique needs of Brazilian formulators. Our approach combines premium California-grown terpenes with extensive compliance support, enabling our Brazilian partners to develop market-leading products.

Product Categories Optimized for Brazil

For Vape Manufacturers: Our Gas profiles provide diesel and fuel profiles that are perfect for consumers seeking authentic cannabis experiences without THC. These profiles maintain stability at vaping temperatures while delivering consistent flavor throughout the cartridge lifecycle.

For Beverage Developers: Many terpene suppliers find water-soluble formulations challenging. Our water soluble products and Citrus profiles naturally complement beverage applications, and our technical team provides emulsification guidance for stable, clear solutions.

For Wellness Product Formulators: Wellness brands increasingly seek terpene-enhanced products. Our Pine terpene collection offers forest-fresh profiles ideal for aromatherapy and topical applications, backed by research on terpene preservation for extended shelf life.

For Flower Enhancement: Our innovative NEU Bags provide a revolutionary solution for consistent terpene distribution in flower products, addressing a critical need for small-scale cannabis operations looking to make their products significantly better.

Strategic Partnership Opportunities

We offer three partnership models for Brazilian businesses:

1. Direct Import Program

Minimum orders starting at 100ml for testing
Volume discounts for orders over 1 liter
Dedicated Portuguese-language support
Priority shipping to major Brazilian ports

2. White-Label Solutions

Our white-label program enables Brazilian brands to launch proprietary terpene lines without infrastructure investment. We handle production, quality control, and documentation while you focus on marketing and distribution.

3. Custom Profile Development

Work directly with our formulation team to create exclusive terpene profiles for your brand. Recent successes include:

Custom profiles for leading Michigan brands
Innovative crumble formulations
Market-specific profiles optimized for regional preferences

Technical Resources for Brazilian Partners

Access our diverse knowledge base developed purposefully for our international partners:

Formulation Calculators:

Terpene mixing calculator for precise dilution ratios
Dosage guidelines for various applications

Quality Assurance Protocols:

Storage best practices for tropical climates
Evaluation methods for incoming materials

Market Intelligence:

What’s Next for Brazil

The Brazilian terpene market is at an inflection point, with expanding medical cannabis acceptance, changing hemp regulations, and growing consumer awareness creating unprecedented opportunities for innovative formulators. While regulatory uncertainty persists around cannabis cultivation and hemp implementation, the legal status of isolated terpenes is clear. These valuable aromatic compounds can be legally imported and utilized across multiple industries when properly documented and free from controlled cannabinoids.

Success in this market requires partnering with suppliers who understand the technical demands of terpene formulation and Brazil’s specific requirements. From working with ANVISA’s complicated regulations to ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for scaled production, the challenges are significant but surmountable with the right partner.

Terpene Belt Farms’ commitment to quality, transparency, and technical support makes us the ideal partner for Brazilian businesses seeking to capitalize on this growing market. Our California terroir advantage, detailed documentation, and dedicated international support make sure your products meet regulatory and consumer expectations.

Ready to make your product line stand out with California’s finest terpene profiles? Request Terpene Samples today and learn more about how our premium native cannabis terpenes can transform your formulations while maintaining complete regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Terpenes Legal to Buy in Brazil?

Yes, isolated terpenes without THC or CBD are legal to buy and import in Brazil. While cannabis cultivation remains prohibited, isolated terpene compounds are not controlled substances under Brazilian law when they contain no cannabinoids.

Do I Need ANVISA Authorization to Import Terpenes?

No, ANVISA authorization is not required for isolated terpenes that contain zero THC and CBD. Only cannabis products with cannabinoid content fall under ANVISA’s RDC 327/2019 regulations and require special medical permits.

What Documentation is Needed for Terpene Imports?