The largest producer and exporter of hemp in Latin America, Paraguay is an example to neighbouring countries of public-private partnerships for the industry’s development
One of the largest producer of cannabis – illegal and for recreational purposes – in the world, Paraguay began cultivating hemp in 2019 and is already among the three world leaders in this new and promising market. Currently, the country is the largest producer and exporter of hemp in Latin America, a position achieved mainly through the hard work and collaboration of both entrepreneurs and the government, so that consolidation of the industry was possible.
Paraguay’s successful formula for managing hemp has been attracting the attention of other Latin American nations, such as Panama and Costa Rica, which continue to advance their laws smoothly. And speaking of laws, Paraguay doesn’t actually have a law per se that regulates hemp for industrial or medicinal purposes.
Both permissions were granted through a decree signed by the president, Mario Benítez (2018–23). Although there are no political currents against the decree, a bill is being drafted and, as long as all goes well, it should be approved by the second semester of next year, when a new candidate is expected to assume the presidency of the country.