Mexican authorities authorize the cultivation of hemp with 1% of THC

The Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) has granted Semillas Endémicas Mexicanna a health authorization permitting the import, planting, cultivation, and harvesting of hemp at 1% of THC. This historic decision, reported exclusively by El Planteo, sets a crucial precedent for the Mexican hemp industry.

Regulations and Terms and Conditions

The official document, dated November 17, 2023, but delivered to the company just a few days ago, outlines the conditions under which Semillas Endémicas Mexicanna S.A. de C.V. is authorized to operate. These conditions include the importation of seeds and the processing of hemp to extract the cannabidiol (CBD) and the marketing of the’cannabidiol oil, provided that the THC content does not exceed 1%.

COFEPRIS emphasizes that the health authorization requires the plant to produce THC concentrations of 1 % or less, under strict monitoring, control, and safety measures deemed necessary to protect public health and public order. The company must submit a certificate of analysis from a competent authority or an accredited laboratory confirming compliance with the limit of THC. For imported products, compliance with the applicable foreign regulations governing such products is required.

Additional Requirements for Hemp Cultivation in Mexico

Currently, COFEPRIS is unable to assess the conditions for planting hemp due to the lack of specific regulations governing this activity. The document highlights that the lack of regulations concerning the seed itself within COFEPRIS’s jurisdiction hinders the assessment of the conditions necessary for sowing hemp.

This development marks a crucial step for the’the hemp industry in Mexico, in accordance with Article 245 of the General Health Law. This article authorizes the marketing, export, and import of products with a THC content of less than 1%, provided that the established health requirements are met. However, COFEPRIS emphasizes that this authorization does not constitute unlimited permission and that compliance with the various applicable regulations is still required.

With this authorization, Semillas Endémicas Mexicanna S.A. de C.V. is poised to become a leader in the production and processing of hemp in Mexico. This could stimulate new investments and opportunities in the sector by fostering a more regulated and safer market for hemp-based products. Nevertheless, the industry faces considerable challenges, including the need for clear and specific regulations governing every stage of the process, from planting to marketing.