Argentina has established a broader commercial licensing framework for hemp flowers and biomass under its 1% THC limit, expanding a national regulatory system that had focused mainly on seed, grain and fiber.
The Regulatory Agency for the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry (ARICCAME) established the framework under Resolution 69/2026. The rules cover non-psychoactive Cannabis sativa flowers, biomass and other harvested material that can be used in medicinal, nutritional, cosmetic, veterinary, industrial and research applications.
Four licenses
The regime creates licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, related services and foreign trade. Licenses are valid for five years, with annual validation.
Cultivators must meet requirements for production practices, infrastructure, testing, lot identification and traceability. Crops testing above the 1% THC limit but no higher than 2.5% can undergo administrative review and additional testing before being treated as violations.
The foreign-trade license covers imports and exports of dried horticultural hemp and reference materials. Other national authorities retain control over customs, food, pharmaceutical, sanitary and plant-health requirements.
Since 2022
Argentina legalized hemp and medical cannabis in 2022, and implementing rules issued in 2023 formally set the hemp threshold at 1% THC. Earlier rules opened production primarily for cultivation seed, grain and fiber.
The new regime gives flower and biomass producers a clearer legal route, although commercial development will depend on how quickly licenses and other required approvals are issued.
