Costa Rica has legalized hemp cultivation and processing through a recently enacted law.
Published in mid-September, the law places cultivation, production, industry and sales under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, while the Ministry of Health will oversee research and academic permits.
Licenses will cover development of medicines, cosmetics, essential oils and other therapeutic products, as well as food and industrial applications. The law includes sections on crimes, violations and administrative penalties, alongside incentives for producer organizations and small businesses. Domestic medical and therapeutic cannabis production will be regulated through a certification program considering patients' conditions under Health Ministry guidelines.
Costa Rican law allows growing cannabis for personal consumption but prohibits sales.
Agriculture accounts for approximately 6.5% of Costa Rica's GNP and employs 14% of its workforce. Principal exports include bananas, pineapples, coffee, sugar, rice, vegetables, ornamental plants, corn, potatoes and palm oil. Costa Rican farmers and multinational companies operate fields, while Indigenous communities depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Cannabis is mainly grown in Talamanca in Limón Province. As in other tropical countries, however, Costa Rica's warm climate and 12-hour daylight make cultivation less productive.
