Can Argentina Dominate Global Cannabis? One Company Thinks So, Following GACP Certification

By Lucía Tedesco via El Planteo

Botanicanns SA, an Argentinian cannabis company, has become the first in the country to receive Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certification for medicinal plants under the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). This prestigious certification allows Botanicanns to export its products to Europe, opening new opportunities in the international market.

See also: Argentina Targets Europe With Major Cannabis Export Deals

GACP Certification: A Mark Of Excellence

The GACP certification ensures that Botanicanns' entire production process, from seed to final product, meets the rigorous international standards necessary for the medicinal use of cannabis. This certification is a significant milestone, enabling the company to enter the European market and solidify its position on the global stage.

Building A Strong Domestic Industry

In an interview with El Planteo, Alejandro Mancuso, director of Botanicanns, emphasized the importance of strengthening the domestic industry: "We need to look inward first, strengthen the industry and the production chain. We have thousands of entrepreneurs and SMEs that need to integrate into this industry for us to be truly strong and thriving."

Mancuso added, "We are convinced that we can become a powerhouse in international markets, but for that to happen, we must first open the domestic market."

From Argentina To Europe: A New Frontier

Botanicanns is set to export high-CBD and THC cannabis inflorescences, as well as cuttings and seedlings, all intended for medicinal use. The company boasts state-of-the-art greenhouses with environmental control systems, blackout systems and anti-snake nets. Its processing plant is divided into two main areas: one for cultivating and caring for live plants, and another for post-harvest processing, including drying and packaging rooms.

The company works with local and international suppliers, utilizing traceability systems and genetic banks registered with the National Seed Institute (INASE).

The certification process, conducted by LSQA, a company specializing in medicinal cannabis certifications with a presence in over 13 countries, took more than two years and required collaboration with professionals from various fields.

Regulatory Challenges And Future Prospects

This milestone comes amid regulatory reforms in Argentina's cannabis industry. The reorganization of the Regulatory Agency for the Hemp and Medicinal Cannabis Industry (ARICCAME) and new regulations have caused delays in the sector. Botanicanns remains optimistic: "We trust that this administration will appoint the ARICCAME Board and kickstart the production chain," the company stated, viewing their certification as the beginning of significant advancements in the industry.

This certification marks the beginning of a new era for Botanicanns and the Argentinian cannabis industry, poised to make significant strides both domestically and internationally.

This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.