In a significant step towards the regulation of hemp in Mexico, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) has issued a sanitary authorization to Semillas Endémicas Mexicanna S.A. de C.V. for the importation, planting, cultivation and harvesting of cannabis (hemp) for industrial purposes. According to information procured by El Planteo, this permit sets an important precedent in the industry, ensuring that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content is less than 1%.
Regulation and conditions
The official document acquired by El Planteo, dated November 17, 2023 but delivered to the company just a few days ago, details the conditions under which Semillas Endémicas Mexicanna S.A. de C.V. can operate. The permit includes the importation of seeds, the processing of hemp for the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD), and the commercialization of cannabidiol oil as long as the THC content in the plants does not exceed 1%.
COFEPRIS stresses that "the health authorization requested must guarantee that the plant produces concentrations equal to or less than 1% THC and under the monitoring, control and security conditions that the competent authority deems appropriate to protect health and public order."
Additional requirements
To comply with the regulations, the company must present a certificate of analysis issued by a competent authority or an authorized laboratory, corroborating that the THC content complies with the permitted limit. In addition, in case of importing products, they must comply with the provisions applicable to foreign products.
Source (in Spanish): www.elplanteo.com