By Ana Mano

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian agricultural research agency Embrapa has received the greenlight from health agency Anvisa to research the cannabis plant, a landmark move that puts farming powerhouse Brazil a step closer towards authorizing its cultivation.

In an interview on Friday, Embrapa researcher Daniela Bittencourt welcomed Anvisa’s decision this week, which gives the agency unprecedented permission to build its first-ever cannabis seed bank and develop projects to genetically improve the plant for various applications.

Embrapa will also research hemp used to produce fibers, Bittencourt said.

“This is only the beginning,” Bittencourt said by telephone from Brasilia. “Our plan is to carry out research for 12 years but it may possibly go on forever, like what happens wi

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