Hemp and cannabis to have support agency in Argentina

By Sechat editorial team

The Argentine government has launched an agency to promote industrial hemp, medicinal cannabis, and support a series of important measures. With this decision, Argentina demonstrates increasing interest in developing the sector in the country. 

The Regulatory Agency for the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry (ARICCAME) aims to standardize, promote the cannabis industry, and generate jobs and exports.

According to the Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa, the agency will open doors for Argentina to embark on a new path in terms of industrial exports, based on global demand.

$106 million investment

The Argentine government, through the Ministry of Science, announced an investment of over $106 million in 13 cannabis research and development projects. In October 2022, a technology company was created to promote the industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis sectors. The initiative is expected to create around 10,000 new jobs and generate $500 million in domestic sales and $50 million in exports per year. 

The agency will be led by Francisco Echarren, mayor of Castelli and former Director of Works Development at the Ministry of Transportation. Following his appointment, he stated that the new industry will provide access to products for millions of Argentines, as well as promote quality of life. 

To explore the culture and health and environmental benefits, hemp will have a unique plant for exploring its full potential for economic development. In early 2022, Argentina approved a law legalizing cannabis products, derivatives, and seeds.

Regulatory framework

ARICCAME will establish a regulatory framework for the entire production chain and clear rules for the sector. The agency is also responsible for setting licensing and rules for import, export, cultivation, industrial production, manufacturing, and commercialization of cannabis products.

Get to know the responsibilities of the Argentine agency guiding hemp and cannabis: 

Reintroduce hemp in Argentina as food, building material, textile fiber, cellulose, and bioplastic;

Promote a new agro-industrial sector for commercial manufacturing of medicines, herbal remedies, human-use foods and cosmetics, and medicines and foods for veterinary use;

Promote research and technological progress;

Ensure traceability and product quality to safeguard consumer health;

Cooperate with state agencies and universities.