Published on Thursday, February 13, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Ministry of Public Health has issued Regulation No. RTCR 5152024, the "Technical Regulation on Medicinal Products Based on Cannabis," to oversee the use of medical cannabis in the country. 

Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, refers to cannabis products containing cannabinoids prescribed by physicians for their patients. 

According to authorities, the regulation permits the production, manufacturing, and sale of medicines containing cannabis as an ingredient. 

The regulation outlines specific requirements for cannabis-based medicinal products, including health registration, labeling information, production controls, and advertising restrictions among others. 

Companies seeking to manufacture, import, market, or sell cannabis-based medicine must meet these requirements and obtain a license from the Ministry of Health. 

All medicines containing cannabis derivatives will be available only with a prescription, authorities noted. 

The regulation is currently under review by the General Directorate of Laws of Costa Rica. Once approved, it will be sent to President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles for signing. 

Authorities expect the regulation to take effect in the coming weeks after its publication in the official government bulletin, La Gaceta. 

Last year, the government introduced a bill to legalize recreational cannabis, but the Constitutional Chamber ruled it unconstitutional, citing conflicts with the country’s democratic constitution. 

To boost exports, Costa Rica legalized medical cannabis and hemp production in 2022. However, recreational use, self-cultivation, and personal consumption remain illegal. 

In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture authorized the state-owned National University (UNA) to import hemp seeds from Canada for cultivation and research. 

The Ministry of Public Health is the state-owned agency that oversees and regulates public and private healthcare within Costa Rica.

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