The first three cultivars of industrial hemp are now in Costa Rica, at experimental stations in Cañas and Guápiles, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has started an evaluation about it’s growth and potential.
This marks the first authorized planting of industrial hemp in Costa Rica. Observations will be made regarding the adaptation of the plant to climate, precipitation and hours of sunshine, with the first results available in about six months.
The trial uses two zones to determine differences in the plant’s behavior under various conditions. Both are in experimental stations, in Guanacaste and the Caribbean, but one is in a greenhouse and the other outdoors.
All permits to grow the plants have been managed, however, there is still no law outlining the development of this activity. While industrial hemp is of the Cannabis family, as is marijuana, the production of the psychoactive component THC is very different. All parts of the plant can be used to make food supplements, topical solutions, bioplastics, sustainable construction materials, soaps, lotions, and clothing.
