The government of Costa Rica, through the Ministry of Agriculture, authorized the company Ingenio Taboga to grow and process hemp.

The company is located in Cañas Canton, Guanacaste Province and seeks to grow about 150 hectares of hemp. This is the first company in the country, authorized to grow the plant since the law was approved

"The development of responsible, efficient agricultural activities with significant export potential is extremely important," Víctor Julio Carvajal, Minister of Agriculture, said.

According to Carvajal, the government is currently in the process of evaluating seven more companies that have requested authorization to grow and process hemp. One of those companies has requested to grow marijuana to produce medicinal cannabis.

Farmers, entrepreneurs or agricultural producers who are interested in growing hemp or marijuana should request first authorization issued by the Ministry of Agriculture. The requirements to grow and produce hemp or cannabis can be found on the ministry's website or by calling their direct line at 2105-6100.

In September, the New York-headquartered Merida Capital Holdings LLC announced that it will build medical cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and finished goods production facility in Guanacaste. The firm has agreed with Costa Rican sugar company El Viejo to develop the cannabis farm at the sugar company lands located in Carrillo Canton.

 

Also in September, lawmakers issued Law  No.10113, entitled "Cannabis Law for Medicinal and Therapeutic Use and Hemp for Food and Industrial Use." The regulation is intended to monitor the production of industrial hemp in Costa Rica.

In October, the government announced a plan to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Costa Rica. The plan was sent to Congress, where the deputies will be in charge of analyzing it, then they'll decide whether to reject or approve the recreational use of marijuana.

 

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