1. Home
  2. / Interesting facts
  3. / Prohibited Plants in Brazil: See Which Species Are Banned by Law and the Reasons for the Restrictions
Reading time 3 min of reading Comments 0 comments

Prohibited Plants in Brazil: See Which Species Are Banned by Law and the Reasons for the Restrictions

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published on 20/10/2025 at 09:43
Você sabia que algumas plantas são proibidas no Brasil? Descubra quais espécies estão na lista, os efeitos perigosos e as regras legais que proíbem o cultivo.
Você sabia que algumas plantas são proibidas no Brasil? Descubra quais espécies estão na lista, os efeitos perigosos e as regras legais que proíbem o cultivo.
Be the first to react!
React to this article

Did you know that some plant species are prohibited from being cultivated in Brazilian territory? The reasons for these restrictions are the psychoactive effects, potential for illegal use, and risks to public health. Among the prohibited plants in Brazil, the most notable are marijuana, coca, angel’s trumpet, salvia, and others listed by specific legislation.

In this article, we explain what they are, why they are prohibited, and what the legal regulations entail.

What Are the Prohibited Plants and Why?

The list of prohibited plants in Brazil includes species whose chemical substances act on the nervous system and can be used as drugs.

These plants are regulated to prevent abuse, trafficking, and social harm.

Among the most well-known are:

  • Marijuana (Cannabis sativa): a controversial plant, yet its cultivation remains prohibited, except for pharmaceutical exceptions.
  • Coca (Erythroxylum coca): a plant from which cocaine is extracted; cultivation is banned in Brazil by law.
  • Angel’s Trumpet (Datura suaveolens): contains dangerous alkaloids like scopolamine and causes delirium at lower doses.
  • Salvia (Salvia divinorum): a species with psychoactive compounds (salvinorin) that can induce alterations in consciousness.
  • Poppy (Papaver somniferum L): the source of opium and its derivatives; its cultivation is highly regulated.
  • Mescaline Cactus (Lophophora williamsii): a cactus containing mescaline; prohibited due to its psychedelic effect.
  • Prestonia amazonica: an Amazonian species whose psychoactive properties make it subject to legal control.
  • Rye Ergot (Claviceps paspali): a fungus that infects cereals and produces toxic alkaloids; it is also under restriction.

These species are not just ornamental plants: their prohibition stems from the substances they contain and the risks they pose when handled or ingested.

How the Legislation on Plants Works

The prohibition of cultivating these plants is supported by federal laws, including the Drug Law (Law No. 11,343/2006), which regulates the cultivation, possession, and use of psychoactive plants.

Moreover, Anvisa and regulatory government agencies can issue specific regulations to restrict or authorize medicinal and scientific uses.

Thus, even when there are proposals for controlled release, indiscriminate cultivation remains prohibited.

Why Is It Important to Know About Prohibited Plants in Brazil?

Understanding which plants are prohibited in Brazil and the reasons behind their regulation helps to avoid involvement with illegal activities and raises awareness.

Clandestine cultivation or improper trade of these species can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and material seizure.

Additionally, well-defined public policies are essential to distinguish between therapeutic use, scientific research, and abuse.

Society and the government must engage in dialogue to strike a balance between control and responsible access.

Source

Sign up
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
most recent
older Most voted
Built-in feedback
View all comments
Ruth Rodrigues

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), she works as a writer and science communicator.

Share in apps
0
I'd love to hear your opinion, please comment.x