<strong>The new hemp and cannabis regulation in Argentina will bring economic and social benefits</strong>

By Lorenzo Rolim da Silva

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the country at the invitation of International Hemp Solutions (IHS) a company associated with ALACI (Latin American and Caribbean Association for Immunology) and personally meet the authorities of ARICCAME (Regulatory Agency of the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry) and the Ministry of Agriculture. During my stay, I participated in a field event to evaluate the performance of different hemp cultivars being tested in the country and discuss the great local potential in developing an industry.

The good news is that Argentina is rapidly advancing in the regulation of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis. The Argentine government is in the process of creating new regulations that will allow the cultivation, processing, and export of industrial hemp, as well as the production and sale of medicinal cannabis.

The highlight is the interest of political authorities on the subject, who are making a point of emphasizing that the regulation will be designed for the benefit of the country itself, without being bound by requirements from other countries. The main highlight is the level of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) allowed in the plants, which will be 1.0%. This aligns with other nations in the region and does not follow what is imposed by the United States and the European Union. Authorities are also studying ways to exempt producers of grains and natural fiber from even testing the THC level in plants, since they pose no risk to the general population.

I believe that this regulation will bring numerous benefits to the Argentine economy and society, as hemp is a versatile crop that can be used in various industries, such as textile, food, construction, and cosmetics, as well as being a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.

Among the industries with the greatest potential for hemp use, in Argentina, I highlight the textile and construction industries. Strong and durable fiber can be used in the production of fabrics, ropes, and even in construction materials, such as hempcrete. In the food industry, hemp seed oil is nutrient-rich and can be used in various food products. Argentina has extensive infrastructure for oil pressing, for example, in addition to historically being a producer of animal protein, and hemp would help improve the quality of food.

In summary, the new regulation of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis in Argentina is excellent news for the country and the entire region. With the creation of a legal and regulated market, we will have a prosperous and sustainable industry that will bring economic and social advantages for all.

Until next time!

The opinions expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily correspond to the position of Sechat.

About the author:

Lorenzo Rolim da Silva is an Agronomist Engineer and president of LAIHA (Latin American Industrial Hemp Association).