Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica took an unprecedented step in its commercial history by completing its first export of cannabis for therapeutic purposes.
On March 13, the company Hybrida Farms, in Cartago, shipped a consignment to Europe, marking the beginning of this new productive activity, as reported by the newspaper El Observador.
The export was made possible because the company met all the requirements established by the European Union and stipulated in current legislation.
These include high standards and requirements such as Good Agricultural and Harvesting Practices (GACP) certification.
For Walter Niehaus, a consultant at Hybrida Farms, this advancement represents a gateway to new international markets and an opportunity for the country to solidify its reputation as a reliable producer of medicinal cannabis with high standards.
The businessman emphasized that this type of product combines unusual characteristics, being simultaneously an agricultural commodity and a medical input, which implies meeting more rigorous health requirements for its international trade.
Slow Progress in Costa Rica
As of June 2025, under Law 10113, Costa Ricans have been able to legally access medicinal cannabis to treat illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia; however, in practice, access is more difficult than it seems.
Current regulations require that medicinal cannabis products can only be purchased with a medical prescription and exclusively in pharmacies.
This last point has sparked a wave of criticism from investors, lawyers, and businesspeople, who believe that the Ministry of Health is creating an oligopoly in favor of large pharmaceutical chains.
How to Access Medical Cannabis in Costa Rica
To legally obtain medical cannabis in Costa Rica, you must follow these specific steps:
- Medical Evaluation: You must undergo a consultation with a licensed Costa Rican doctor to determine if your condition qualifies for treatment.
- Digital Prescription: If approved, the doctor issues a specialized digital prescription.
- Pharmacy Purchase: Products containing THC or CBD are sold exclusively through registered pharmacies. They are not available over-the-counter or in standard “weed shops”.
- Supply Limits: Prescriptions are typically capped at a 30-day supply.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Doctors may prescribe medical cannabis for several conditions, including:
- Chronic Pain: Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathy.
- Neurological Disorders: Refractory epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s.
- Cancer Support: Managing nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss from chemotherapy.
- Mental Health: Severe anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
- Sleep Disorders: Chronic insomnia.
Important Legal Restrictions
- Recreational Use: Remains illegal. While personal possession of small amounts (often cited as 1–8 grams) is generally decriminalized and may only lead to confiscation, public consumption is prohibited.
- Self-Cultivation: Growing your own cannabis at home is strictly prohibited. All medicinal products must be produced by licensed laboratories.
- Tourists & Visitors: Prescriptions from other countries are not honored in Costa Rica. Visitors must consult a local doctor to get a valid Costa Rican prescription.
- Public Smoking: Smoking any substance is strictly banned in all public spaces, including beaches, parks, and bars.