Local association aims to make hemp a staple product in Guyana

– hosts expo to educate citizens on the plant

The Guyana Hemp Association has expressed its vision of having hemp be a staple product in Guyana. This information was revealed by the Secretary of the Guyana Hemp Association, Cort Gomes, during an interview with the Guyana Times at the Hemp Expo on Main Street in Georgetown on Saturday.
“What we would like to see happen is a ‘Made in Guyana’ stamp; meaning we can grow it from the ground, we can grow it from our soil, and then manufacture it in a manufacturing plant here in Guyana, sold here in Guyana, and exported as a Guyanese product,” he stated.

Gomes added that Guyana can be the leader in hemp cultivation in the Caribbean.
“Currently, hemp is produced in a lot of different countries, including India, the Netherlands, and even neighbouring Suriname, which had a small hemp industry and is still trying to get it back going. Here in Guyana, they say we’re the breadbasket, and we can definitely be the breadbasket for hemp as well. We can literally be the largest hemp producer in the Caribbean region.”
However, at the expo, various items made from hemp were showcased and Gomes revealed various benefits of the plant-based product.
“Hemp also possesses a medicinal purpose, meaning it’s good for medicine, and that’s the CBD part of it. Not limited to cancer, pain, sleep deprivation, anxiety, inflammation, etc. Hemp cannot cure, but help ease, and it’s a natural alternative.”
He added that hemp can also be made into blocks for the building of homes.
“Hemp blocks can be made from the hemp fiber part of the plant, and it’s water-resistant, it’s fire-resistant, it’s also good for the atmosphere, and it’s lighter than concrete. So, you can use that, and it’s a better product to use to build your house with other than concrete.”
The Industrial Hemp Act, ratified by the government in August 2022, paved the path for the legalisation of industrial hemp in Guyana and created new business and agricultural prospects for local farmers.
Hemp is a multibillion-dollar industry that can lend to the production of hundreds of items. Some uses for hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and belts.
Hemp is often confused with marijuana, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between the two. Both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant, which includes over 100 to 156 different strains. The two most recognised strains are hemp and marijuana.
Hemp presents significant economic opportunities for Guyana, with potential benefits spanning various sectors. With around 100,000 to 150,000 potential use cases and products, hemp can be a versatile addition to Guyana’s economy.