Early this year, President Carlos Alvarado stated his support for legal hemp farming and how it could benefit the Costa Rican economy. The government decided in January of 2020 to establish the legal framework for this endeavor. As of mid-September, they have officially legalized hemp cultivation and are processing the recently signed law that puts oversight under the local agriculture and health agencies. This new law that passed also includes the framework for medicinal and therapeutic applications for marijuana.
Costa Rica has established its regulatory program for legal hemp production. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will oversee hemp farming, production, industrialization, and commercialization. A licensing program has been created and will provide permits for the development of hemp-derived products. In addition to legal hemp cultivation, Costa Rica has also created the framework for cannabis licensing, permits, reproduction of seeds, importation, and more. They will also collect a 5% tax on all cannabis products. Agriculture currently makes up around 6.5% of the GDP in Costa Rica and employs 14% of the country’s labor force. This gives farmers the opportunity to tap into the lucrative local and global hemp market. With the framework now in place for both hemp and marijuana, there are forecasts of how beneficial this may be for their economy.
CBD Seed Co. is honored to be the trusted CBD seed supplier serving Costa Rica. We are looking forward to seeing how this legal framework improves the local economy and what opportunities are available for this Central American nation. While the tropical weather can pose challenges for hemp cultivation, our team is available to provide all the support and advice you need for establishing a successful hemp farm. For more information regarding the new legal changes for hemp cultivation in Costa Rica, please contact us!