Costa Rica congress approves the legalization of medicinal marihuana

Costa Rica’s congress approved the legalization of marihuana for medicinal purposes, despite opposition from conservative groups and the country’s president.

Costa Rica’s President, Carlos Alvarado, still has to sign the law for it to go into effect. If Alvarado vetoes the vote, legislators will have to vote again and it approve it with a qualified majority.

Zoila Volio, an independent legislator, backed the law and claimed it to be a milestone for the country. Volio considers that the law will not increase drug usage in Costa Rica. “I trust that President Alvarado understands this and will not veto it,” said the legislator. 

“This is a late and small step, but it is convenient and necessary to generate wealth. We have already lost part of the market, while other countries have progressed,” added Volio.

Cannabis production and processing was approved by 58% of the 57 assembly seats. The Legislative Assembly’s approval also included the food and industrial use of hemp, a branch of cannabis that Alvarado supported in 2020 as a potential economic help from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In recent years, other countries such as Canada, Colombia, Uruguay, and some U.S. states have legalized the use of marihuana, ranging from medicinal to scientific.

Hemp production in Costa Rica will be open. However, medicinal marihuana production will require a license issued by the Ministry of Health.

Forty percent of production will remain in the hands of small producers. Those suffering from diseases will also be able to produce marihuana for their consumption, as long as they have a permit.

The congressmen who proposed the bill ruled out the legalization of open marihuana consumption, which is supported by 40% of the population, according to a poll conducted by the University of Costa Rica in May.