Belize is continuing its exploration into the hemp industry and how the country can capitalize on emerging products and uses for hemp. Back in 2017, Belize decriminalized ten grams of cannabis per person followed by the passing of legislation of industrial hemp. Following Covid-19 in 2020, the Ministry of New Growth Industries was established with the hemp industry being one of its first fresh ideas to increase revenues. Minister Kareem Musa was a panelist on the first of a series on hemp held online last night. According to Musa, currently, there are an estimated 36 licenses issued in the country but with limited knowledge on how to move forward, the industry is yet to be fully explored in Belize.
BAHA's Hugh O'Brien was also on last night's panel where he spoke on the major differences between hemp and weed. He also clarified that hemp can be legally grown in Belize as opposed to marijuana or cannabis but that a hemp license would be required. With multiple varieties of hemp and marijuana, O'Brien warned that much caution has to be taken before planting.
Lorena Garcia is a hemp cultivator over in Mexico and had joined in last night's conversation. According to Garcia, it is a costly venture to engage in either the hemp or the marijuana industries. She noted that there are several approaches that can be taken when pursuing a business in hemp.
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