The export of medicinal cannabis opens European market for Costa Rica

The first shipment of Costa Rican medicinal cannabis has already sparked European interest: after receiving the initial sample, importers from the continent have expressed their intention to acquire the complete annual production of the local company Hybrida Farms, details a note published by the newspaper El Observador. The operation, carried out on March 13, marks a before and after for the agriculture of Costa Rica. The Costa Rican company finalized the export after complying with all the regulations of the European Union and obtaining the Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certification. The shipment departed from a farm in Cartago, which quickly became a regional reference for the nascent legal industry in the country. Costa Rica made its first export of medicinal cannabis in a context of strict surveillance and traceability. European scientists verified that the facilities, processes, and data met the required standards. According to Walter Niehaus, a consultant for the company and cited in the note, the entire traceability process begins with the seed imported from Canada and is maintained until final delivery.

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New opportunities for national agriculture

Jorge Calderón, president of Hybrida Farms, stated to the local media that the country has the climate, human talent, and technical conditions to consolidate itself as a Latin American center for medicinal cannabis. The executive warns about the lack of certified laboratories in Costa Rica, a requirement that currently limits the expansion of the sector.

The cultivation in Cartago surpassed European standards in productivity, with yields between 15% and 20% higher. This advantage, along with the strict prohibition of pesticides and the emphasis on local training, strengthens Costa Rica’s position in the international market.

The reason why Costa Rica managed to export medical cannabis to Europe lies in the rigorous compliance with international regulations and the commitment to certifications that guarantee quality, traceability, and safety. The country has the support of companies, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies.

Local Training and Employment

Since the beginning of operations, El Observador reported, Hybrida Farms established agreements with the Technological Institute of Costa Rica and the National Learning Institute in Cartago. The objective is to train the local population for an industry that has been non-existent in the country until now, prioritizing the employability of people without a history in illegal crops. The company’s team is made up of more than 90% of Cartago residents, with the presence of indigenous communities and a 45% female participation, the publication details. Calderón highlights that 40% of its employees come from the INA, which underlines the commitment to inclusion and regional development.

Confidence and Future in the European Market

The export was finalized thanks to the permits required by the Cannabis Law for Medicinal and Therapeutic Use of Costa Rica, along with the validation of the European Union. Each batch can be traced to the exact point of the greenhouse in which it was grown, which is key for consumers and pharmaceutical companies.

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Niehaus points out: “We have focused on bringing the seed from Canada, which has very efficient traceability, and that allows us to provide security to countries and clients in Europe”. The reaction of the European market was immediate, positioning Costa Rica as a new player in the global export of medicinal cannabis. The bet on this crop opens the possibility that it will become a prominent national agricultural product alongside coffee and pineapple, and diversify the sources of income for the country.