Costa Rica Allows Agriculture Group to Grow and Process Cannabis

Dec.08.2022
Costa Rica Allows Agriculture Group to Grow and Process Cannabis
Costa Rica authorized cannabis cultivation and processing for the first time, with plans for a 150-acre factory.

According to a recent resolution signed by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture, the country has authorized agricultural groups to grow and process marijuana for the first time.


Agricultural and food company, Ingenio Taboga SA, has announced plans to cultivate cannabis on 150 acres of land and construct a processing plant.


According to a report by "Today's Cannabis", Taboga, located in Guanacaste, Bedaro de Canias, has listed alcohol-based disinfectants, specialty sugars, natural sweeteners, protein powders and CBD products on its website.


Minister of Agriculture, Víctor Carvajal, stated that "the development of responsible and efficient agricultural activities with huge potential for agricultural exports is extremely important for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock." He also added that seven cannabis projects are currently being considered for approval, with the expectation of receiving approval soon.


Under rules approved by agricultural and health officials in September, licenses for cannabis cultivation and production are intended to be affordable and widely available in Costa Rica. Individuals and legal entities can be authorized to grow and process cannabis and establish rules for harvesting, storage, transportation, product manufacturing, marketing, import, and export of health, food, and industrial products.


Costa Rica's regulations have set the limit for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana plants at 1.0%. Most countries adhere to the widely accepted 0.3% THC threshold as the line between hemp and marijuana.


Advocates in Costa Rica's industry have said that establishing a robust marijuana sector could stimulate the development of the agriculture value chain by bringing economic and social opportunities to rural areas in the country, while also aiding the development of the pharmaceutical industry.


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