Mexico Opens Its Doors To The Commercialization Of Hemp
Mexico has the necessary experience, natural resources, and work force to become one of the largest producers of cannabis in the region.
By NATHALIE BOUGENIES
on March 16, 2023 at 3:15 PM
Last week, a significant milestone occurred in the cannabis space: Mexico’s Department of Health, known as Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS), issued the first-ever authorization for the cultivation, processing, and commercialization of hemp.
Mexico’s cannabis laws and regulations are rather complex and convoluted — at least for this American attorney — so here is an overly simplified summary of hemp’s legal status.
While not expressly addressed in any of the country’s cannabis bills, which strictly legalized the individual adult use and medical use of cannabis, hemp became legal in 2017 when Mexican lawmakers passed an amendment to the General Health Law (GHL). Article 245 stipulates that cannabis products containing 1% THC or less, with ample industrial uses, can be lawfully commercialized, imported, and exported “pursuant to applicable sanitary regulations.”
Although COFEPRIS has yet to adopt hemp-specific regulations, stakeholders interested in engaging in hemp-related activities have had the right to apply for authorizations, which are generally described as “licenses” in GHL and matching regulations (i.e., medical use regulations).
More:
https://abovethelaw.com/2023/03/mexico-opens-its-doors-to-the-commercialization-of-hemp/