Costa Rica will promote the cultivation of hemp to revive its economy

Further Steps Toward Hemp Legalization in Costa Rica

To revive the economy of the country hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic with an estimated 3.6% recession, the President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, has opened the door to further legalization of hemp. The update is that new regulations are set to be introduced that will make hemp cultivation and usage more feasible for commercial and medicinal purposes.

During his annual speech to Congress, Alvarado said the measure will allow the production of hemp under controlled conditions. "We will promote the cultivation of hemp to reactivate the productive sector, with all the necessary guarantees and security," the president said in his speech.

The Legislation Already Exists

The legislation was introduced by MP Zoila Volio in 2019 to the Assembly. It focuses on regulating the production of hemp and cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes without allowing the recreational consumption of cannabis. But the President of Costa Rica did not say whether he intended to base the project on it or not, and said he would give more details soon.

"Project 21 388 aims to contribute to the quality of life of patients with certain conditions, to create jobs, to contribute to the public treasury, to diversify agriculture, and to strengthen our talents in technology," said Volio through his social media on April 23.

The Purpose of This Bill

The purpose of this bill is to "regulate the possibilities of planting, growing, harvesting, production, processing, storage, distribution, industrialization, marketing and export of plants of Cannabis Sativa L and of their varieties and of the hemp plant or industrial hemp.”

In addition, the bill also focuses on promoting the export of the crop or derived products such as oils, fabrics, food, building materials, and ropes. Licenses would be granted for the sale of cannabis-based medicines followed by regulations on the use of seeds and the planting of hemp.

Nonetheless, the bill has been criticized for reducing the possibilities for self-cultivation of cannabis, which today decriminalizes personal use and sets significant costs for licenses.

Current Status

Currently, the cultivation and possession of cannabis for own consumption is decriminalized in Costa Rica. An attempt to legalize hemp and medical cannabis had already been made in 2016, aborted by pro-prohibition members. Patients can import cannabis-based treatments from abroad in the form of oil, as long as THC levels remain below 0.3%.

New Regulations to be Introduced

In the latest development, President Alvarado has announced that new regulations are set to be introduced. These regulations will further define the cultivation, production, and exportation parameters, promoting the hemp industry while maintaining strict control over recreational cannabis use. The details of these new regulations are anticipated to be shared soon, ushering in a new era for hemp in Costa Rica.