The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), and the Costa Rican Institute on Drugs (ICD) have introduced a fully digital platform through the Single Investment Window (VUI) to manage procedures related to hemp for food and industrial use, as well as psychoactive cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic purposes in Costa Rica.
This online platform allows companies and individuals to process authorizations centrally, aiming for greater speed and efficiency. The system covers permitted activities such as production, industrialization, import, export, commercialization of hemp for food and industrial use, psychoactive cannabis for medical and therapeutic uses, and their derived products.
According to authorities, “With this initiative, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the ICD simplify procedures, promote digitalization and encourage investment by offering a more transparent, competitive and accessible environment for all productive sectors in the country.”
For hemp-related activities, authorizations are free of charge with a validity of six years. Renewals are available if current regulations are met. Licenses concerning psychoactive cannabis also last six years. There are differentiated schemes tailored for small businesses and agricultural producers.
The launch is part of ongoing efforts by Costa Rican institutions to simplify regulatory processes through digital solutions while fostering investment opportunities within the country.
