Guyana is preparing to enter the industrial hemp market, with government officials identifying Regions Six and Ten as the first major cultivation areas once processing facilities are established.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said the newly formed Guyana Industrial Hemp Regulatory Authority has already begun operations and a chief executive officer has been appointed to guide the sector’s development.

Authorities are currently holding discussions with overseas investors interested in financing processing infrastructure, which the government considers essential before commercial planting can begin.

“So what we are doing now…is that two regions were identified to plant hemp. Those two regions are Region Six and Region Ten,” Mustapha explained. “We have an authority now in place. We have a CEO in place. We already have some interests already been expressed by some companies overseas.”

He said officials hope a processing facility can be secured within the next three to four months.

“We are now in discussion with those companies to set up the processing plant,” Mustapha stated. “I am hoping that that can happen within another three to four months because you can’t plant hemp without a processing plant.”

According to the minister, between three and four foreign companies have formally expressed interest in the initiative, and the government is working to identify a suitable investment partner.

The proposed industry will operate under the Industrial Hemp Bill previously introduced in the National Assembly. The legislation establishes rules governing cultivation, manufacturing, research and regulation of hemp and hemp based products.

Industrial hemp is distinct from marijuana because it contains much lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, the psychoactive compound associated with cannabis.

Officials believe the industry could create new economic opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and exports as Guyana continues efforts to diversify beyond traditional sectors.

Hemp is used in a broad range of industries. Its seeds are processed into foods, oils, supplements and beverages, while its fibres are used in textiles, paper, construction materials, automotive components and biodegradable packaging. Hemp by products are also used in animal feed, cosmetics and wellness products, including cannabidiol, or CBD, formulations.

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