Costa Rica considers hemp cultivation

By IDeas trademarks & patents

Costa Rica looks to legalize and develop hemp (extracted from canabbis sativa with less than 0.3% of THC) farming and processing under a draft law (number 21.388) that puts oversight under the Central American nation’s agriculture and health agencies. The new law also sets a framework for cannabis (with highest THC levels) and its derivatives for medicinal and therapeutic use. .

Brought to Congress in mid-September, and expected to be voted in the plenary in November. The legislation puts agriculture, production, industrialization and commercialization of cannabis under the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG, by its Spanish initials), while permits for research and academic study will be supervised by the Ministry of Health.

Licenses will be granted for development of medicines, cosmetics, essential oils, dietary supplements, topic solutions and other products for therapeutic use along with food and industrial applications. It is also expected that this law will also will increase the possibility of enhancing the use of hemp in bioplastics and sustainable construction, textile products, foods and selfcare products. The law includes a section on crimes, infractions, administrative sanctions and confiscation, as well as a chapter on incentives for producer organizations and small businesses. Domestic production of cannabis for medical and therapeutic purposes is to be regulated through a certification program that consider the patient’s condition under Ministry of Health guidelines.