Costa Rica has legalized hemp farming and processing under a recently signed law that puts oversight under the Central American nation’s agriculture and health agencies. The new law also sets a framework for cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic applications.
Published in mid-September, the legislation puts agriculture, production, industrialization and commercialization of cannabis under the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, while permits for research and academic study will be supervised by the Ministry of Health.
Licensing program
Licenses will be granted for development of medicines, cosmetics, essential oils and other products for therapeutic use along with food and industrial applications. 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 takes into account a patient’s condition under Ministry of Health guidelines.
Individuals may grow cannabis in Costa Rica for personal consumption, but its sale is illegal and can be punished under criminal laws.
Read more at hemptoday.net