The state company CANME San Juan received the official license from the Regulatory Agency for the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry (ARICCAME) to start the cultivation of industrial hemp. The authorization marks a turning point in the provincial strategy, which seeks to transform its cannabis industry towards a more sustainable productive model with broad ecological applications.
The new approach prioritizes the production of hemp, a versatile plant with multiple industrial uses: from textiles and construction materials to paper, bioplastics, food, and natural cosmetics. With this license, San Juan joins the global trend of leveraging the environmental potential and economic benefits of hemp as a renewable resource.
The initiative also represents a change of course following the halt in the development of medicinal cannabis in the country. While the national framework remains limited, CANME decided to diversify its horizon and position itself as a leader in an industry with low environmental impact, high added value, and local job creation.
The state company has 900 hectares in Campogrande del Acequión (Sarmiento), where the first experimental sowing is already being prepared. This space will be key to determining the most suitable agronomic conditions and laying the foundations for future sustainable industrial production.
A crop that combines science, employment, and sustainability
The project begins with an agronomic trial aimed at studying the behavior of hemp under the climatic conditions of San Juan. Genetics from Mendoza will be used, seeking to define planting densities, fiber yield, and CBD levels in the flowers.
The objective of this first stage is scientific: determine the optimal management of the crop and evaluate the quality of the derived products. Unlike medicinal cannabis, industrial hemp is mainly used for its fiber, seed, and versatility as a biodegradable raw material.
The crops will be carried out in small certified organic plots, following sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil conservation and efficient water use. This approach ensures clean production, without agrochemicals, and with minimal environmental impact.
Additionally, the project is framed within the vision of a circular economy, where agricultural by-products can be reintegrated into the production chain or serve as a basis for new ecological materials. Thus, each stage of the process contributes to reducing waste and emissions.
Industrial hemp, a resource with various benefits
Hemp is one of the most sustainable plants on the planet. It grows quickly, requires little water, and improves soil health by capturing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Its cultivation can function as a natural tool against climate change, while boosting the regional green economy.
Among its ecological advantages, its ability to regenerate degraded lands, its use as compostable bioplastic, and its potential as a source of renewable biomass stand out. Additionally, each hectare of hemp can absorb up to 15 tons of CO₂, far surpassing conventional crops.
Economically, the hemp industry opens opportunities for local enterprises, cooperatives, and SMEs, promoting productive diversification and the creation of green jobs. Its versatility makes it a key resource for sustainable regional development.
Finally, the CANME project not only reinforces agronomic innovation but also positions San Juan as a pioneer in the comprehensive use of industrial cannabis in Argentina. The transition to hemp is not just a business decision, but a firm step towards a productive model that prioritizes the balance between progress, nature, and social well-being.
