Paraguay targets cannabis export leadership through THC reform
- Paraguay's government is collaborating with private sector entities to boost cannabis exports through legislative reforms.
- Current THC content regulations limit industrial cannabis to 0.5%, hindering competitiveness in international markets.
- By revising these regulations, Paraguay aims to strengthen its economy and establish itself as a leading global cannabis exporter.
Paraguay is working towards becoming a significant player in the global cannabis market by reforming its THC regulations. This initiative emerged from the collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders, focusing on legislative changes and the necessary infrastructure to support an expanded cannabis industry. Currently, industrial cannabis production in Paraguay is limited by legislation that caps THC content at 0.5%. This restriction has impeded the nation's ability to engage in international markets where higher THC products are permissible under strict regulations. To address this issue, Paraguay's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Javier Giménez, has visited leading cannabis manufacturing facilities to underscore the sector's potential to enhance the national economy. Marcelo Demp, president of the Industrial Cannabis Chamber of Paraguay, emphasized the need for a revised legal framework to enable the country to supply finished cannabis products to regional markets like Argentina and Brazil. The proposed reforms include allowing products with higher THC levels available in controlled dispensaries, which would be subject to stringent oversight and traceability. Paraguay has already demonstrated its capacity to engage in international trade of cannabis-derived products, exporting to over ten nations, including the U.S., Canada, and several European countries. The government’s strategy extends beyond mere export potential; it also emphasizes environmental sustainability and social inclusion, particularly by integrating small farmers into the cannabis value chain, promoting responsible agricultural practices while creating economic opportunities in rural areas. As Paraguay moves forward with this initiative, it aims not only to diversify its cannabis applications into various sectors but also to enhance its reputation as a global leader in the cannabis industry. The establishment of authorized dispensaries and the exploration of markets in North and South America and Europe could significantly strengthen the national economy, confirming Paraguay’s ambitions on the global cannabis stage.