The South American nation of Argentina comprises 23 provinces, with the Province of Chaco being one of them. Chaco is located in the northeastern part of the country, and much of the region is currently underdeveloped. The province’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with Chaco producing most of the nation’s cotton.

Members of Chaco’s Legislature recently gave unanimous approval to moving forward with bringing the province in line with Argentina’s national law that regulates medical cannabis and hemp in the South American country.

“The Chaco Legislature unanimously approved the province’s adherence to National Law 27.669, the law that regulates the medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp industry in Argentina. The vote took place during the 13th regular session and represents a new chapter for the province.” reported El Planteo in its local coverage.

“The accession will be accompanied by local legislation: Provincial Law 1,442 , which will be discussed on October 29. This text will seek to organize the entire value chain in a sustainable and inclusive manner.” the outlet also reported.

In addition to cotton, Chaco’s farmers also cultivate soy, sorghum, maize, sugarcane, rice, and tobacco. Allowing farmers in Chaco to cultivate hemp and non-hemp medical cannabis will help them diversify their farming business models. Successful hemp and medical cannabis sectors in Chaco will also help further boost Argentina’s national emerging industries.

Argentina’s cannabis industry has experienced a lot of ups and downs in recent years. In April 2022, Argentina’s Ministry of Health issued new rules on medical cannabis, allowing non-profits to eventually obtain licenses.

Roughly a month later, Argentina passed a measure that created a framework for a more robust medical cannabis industry in the South American nation, including provisions for boosting exports around the world.

On the judicial front, Argentina’s Supreme Court rendered a decision in July 2022 that provides some legal protections for home cultivation by medical cannabis patients. Later in 2022, Argentina issued the nation’s first domestic medical cannabis production license. That same month, Argentina’s government launched a public company to provide seeds, testing, and training to the emerging cannabis industry.

Earlier this year, Argentina’s government decided to ‘start from scratch’ and revoke the nation’s approved medical cannabis cultivation permits, forcing permit holders to reapply. Hopefully, as time goes by, Argentina’s industry will be afforded a better level of certainty, including in the Province of Chaco.