A new survey from the Center for Drug Tourism Studies at UERJ (State University of Rio de Janeiro) shows that cannabis-focused fairs and festivals continue to expand across Brazil — with notable growth in the Northeast region. Events such as Festival Diamba in Paraíba and the Febre de Arte fair in Fortaleza are helping drive a geographic shift, although more than half of all events remain concentrated in the Southeast.
Since 2023, cannabis-themed gatherings — including those centered on medicinal use, industrial hemp, or responsible adult use — have grown exponentially nationwide, with annual increases above 35%. The study also indicates an early trend toward decentralization. While the Southeast region hosted 56% of all cannabis events mapped in Brazil in 2024, this represents a slight decline from 2023, as the Northeast expanded its share from 15% to 25% in the same period.
The data comes from the report Between Culture, Tourism, and Activism: An Analysis of Cannabis Events in Brazil (2023–2024) by researchers Thiago Ferreira Pinheiro Dias Pereira, Ale Cardoso Duarte, and Breno Machado de Oliveira of UERJ’s Center for Drug Tourism Studies (NETUD). The study highlights a steady and significant rise in the number of events nationwide.
More Events — and Signs of Geographic Expansion
In 2023, Brazil registered 123 cannabis-related events. In 2024, that number increased to 169 — a 37.4% jump. The Southeast led both years, particularly São Paulo (38 events in 2023, 49 in 2024) and Rio de Janeiro (22 in 2023, 23 in 2024). But the growth in the Northeast stands out, suggesting a shift toward greater regional diversity.
By 2025, João Pessoa and Fortaleza joined the list of Northeast capitals hosting major cannabis-themed events.
See also: ExpoCannabis Brasil 2025: Latin America’s Largest Cannabis Fair Returns to São Paulo, With Added B2B Event
In Paraíba, April’s Festival Diamba brought together 1,500 people for a lineup that included performances by Bixarte and Vó Mera, discussion circles with regional …
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Author: Gabriel Murga / High Times
