“We can’t start hemp production without a processing plant” – Mustapha

Before the country can move toward hemp production, a processing plant must first be established, and authorities are currently working with international partners to make this a reality, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

The National Assembly approved the Industrial Hemp Bill back in August 2022, paving the way for the legalisation of industrial hemp in the country. The Cabinet has already approved the members of the Guyana Industrial Hemp Regulatory Authority, which will oversee the local industry, but the body is yet to be formally established.

The Government has also already identified areas for hemp cultivation in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

However, speaking during the Guyana Dialogue programme on Thursday, Mustapha said a processing plant must be established before cultivation can begin.

“We will start very shortly to go into hemp production. We are looking now to build a processing plant so that we can refine this hemp in Regions Six and 10… There are a number of groups in Guyana that want to start hemp production. But we can’t start hemp production without a processing plant. And we are working with international companies to see that,” the minister explained.

He indicated that support in this area is coming from India as well as other international partners. “That is one of the areas that India is looking to help us in. Not only sugar, but the hemp areas and other areas too.”

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters last year that the Government has identified over 50,000 acres of land that could be utilised for hemp cultivation.

While hemp does contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), advocates have argued that this is in very low amounts, below 0.3 per cent, which is too low to be psychoactive. In Guyana, the THC level needs to be below 0.3 per cent for it to be considered legal.

A person shall not cultivate or manufacture hemp or hemp-related products or conduct research or any other activity related to industrial hemp without a licence issued by the Authority under the Act. In the case of a violation, a person is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 or imprisonment for one year.

After the licence is granted, a person is not allowed to plant any seed or plant, or harvest any cannabis plant, before a sample of the seed or plant is analysed by an analyst to ascertain whether it conforms to the allowed THC concentration.

Hemp is a multibillion-dollar industry that can lead to the production of hundreds of items. Some uses for hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and belts. Hemp is often confused with marijuana, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between the two. Both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant, which includes over 100 to 156 different strains. The two most recognised strains are hemp and marijuana.

Hemp presents significant economic opportunities for Guyana, with potential benefits spanning various sectors. With around 100,000 to 150,000 potential use cases and products, hemp can be a versatile addition to Guyana’s economy.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had said that the Government would be moving in the direction of the value-added aspect that the hemp industry has to offer. He had said that the industry is not only about hemp production but also about having processing and value-added facilities here in Guyana.

“We are building out the infrastructure now for the opening up of 50,000 new acres of land for medium-size farmers. But it must link to a processing facility,” the Head of State had noted in November 2024.