Hemp Cultivation: Sustainable and High-Quality Agriculture

The cultivation of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), has gained attention in recent decades due to its versatile applications, ranging from the manufacture of textiles and biocomposites to its use in the food and cosmetics industry. However, beyond its economic utility, hemp is also presented as a potentially sustainable crop, as long as it is managed with proper agricultural practices. In this sense, scientific research has shown that hemp can be grown organically, contributing to soil regeneration, reducing the water footprint and improving biodiversity on agricultural farms

Sustainable Farming Practices

Efficient Water Use: Adapting to Tropical Climate

Costa Rica's tropical climate, which alternates between humid and dry zones, demands careful management of water resources. Although hemp requires water for growth, it is considerably more drought-resistant than other commercial crops, making it an ideal choice for areas with warm climates and well-drained soils.

One of the most effective practices for promoting sustainability in the country is the implementation of drip irrigation systems. This system allows for more precise water distribution, reducing waste and ensuring that the roots absorb the optimal amount.

Crop Rotation and Polycultures: Diversification and Soil Fertility Improvement

Hemp is a fast-growing crop that, in addition to providing a short harvest, has a positive impact on soil health. Its ability to adapt to diverse conditions makes it an excellent candidate for crop rotation practices, which help maintain soil fertility without the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Alternating hemp with crops such as legumes (e.g., beans or soybeans) can enrich the soil with nitrogen, thus promoting agricultural biodiversity.

The crops will be grown under a rotational mixed cropping scheme, ensuring that the stability and yield of the industrial hemp crops are not compromised. Thanks to its non-competitive nature, hemp can be integrated without affecting other crops. Furthermore, hemp has the biological capacity to regulate the soil, promoting the creation of beneficial microbiota and the formation of a humus layer, which, in turn, supports the growth of other crops. This approach contributes to greater fertility and a more balanced and resilient agricultural system.

Agroforestry, which combines agricultural crops with trees, is another key practice in Costa Rica. Trees not only protect the soil from erosion but also provide shade and regulate temperature, which is beneficial for both the hemp and the crops grown on the farm.

Biological Pest Control: Promoting Local Biodiversity

The use of chemical pesticides can have adverse effects on biodiversity, especially in Costa Rica's tropical ecosystems, where a wide variety of flora and fauna exists. Therefore, biological pest control is an essential strategy. Instead of resorting to chemicals, Costa Rican farmers can promote the use of natural pest predators, such as beneficial insects, and plant species that attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Studies indicate that hemp, due to its natural resistance to pests, adapts well to biological control systems. Furthermore, the use of cover crops on the margins of hemp fields can attract beneficial insects, contributing to weed control without the need for chemical herbicides.

Organic Fertilization: Reducing Environmental Footprint

Hemp does not require high levels of chemical fertilization, making organic fertilizer a more sustainable option. Farmers can leverage composted agricultural waste, animal manure, and even urban organic waste to enrich the soil, promoting a circular economy and reducing dependence on external inputs.

Various published research shows that the use of organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, improves soil structure, increases its water retention capacity, and promotes greater microbiological biodiversity. This not only reduces the need for chemicals but also improves the overall sustainability of crops.

Security and Traceability

Our Mobile Pre-Extraction and Field Analysis Unit optimizes crop safety and traceability by allowing plant material to be processed directly in the crop plots. This system eliminates the risk of mishandling or diversion to unauthorized facilities, ensuring stricter control from the beginning of the process.

Key advantages in security and traceability:

• Prevention of illicit uses: By carrying out pre-extraction at the cultivation site, the risk of material being diverted for illegal purposes is significantly reduced, ensuring greater transparency and traceability throughout the production chain.
• Real-time control: The mobile unit allows for constant monitoring of plant material, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to current regulations and the highest safety standards.
• Real-time control: The mobile unit allows for constant monitoring of plant material, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to current regulations and the highest safety standards.

Research and Development (R&D): High-Efficiency Cannabis Varieties

• High Production Efficiency Cannabis Varieties:
  • According to studies conducted by INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology), several cannabis varieties have been identified as the most efficient in terms of dried flower production for phytocannabinoid extraction. These varieties will serve as the basis for the creation of the official state germplasm bank: CCB2020DO: 345.2 g of dried flower per plant CQD2020DO: 323.9 g of dried flower per plant
  • Based on these strains, our project aims to advance Research and Development (R&D) to create our own genetics that are even more efficient, especially with regard to phytocannabinoid concentration and reduced vegetative time. The goal is to achieve yield levels similar to European and North African standards, where current varieties produce between 800g and 1,500g of dried flowers per plant.

• Developing Your Own Variety: Flowers and Cuttings from Mother Plants:
  • As part of the genetic improvement process, the project seeks to develop its own strain distinguished by its superior characteristics. Using mother plants, we can repeatedly obtain clones with the same qualities, ensuring uniformity and consistent quality with each harvest.
  • Mother plants: This process allows us to replicate the same desired characteristics in each growing cycle, ensuring the continuity of the best genetic properties.
  • In addition, a database of CBD genetics from various parts of the world will be included, which will expand the possibilities for genetic selection and allow for crossbreeding with high-potential strains.

• Process of genetic improvement and development of new varieties:
  • Cannabinoid Extraction and Characterization: A thorough analysis of the most concentrated cannabinoids (more than 80 types identified in the plant's resin) and terpenes (more than 140 types synthesized by the plant during its flowering cycle) will be conducted. This process aims to determine the most effective options for our genetic crosses, in order to obtain the best cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

• Genetic crosses:
  • Crosses will be carried out through forced pollination, somatic embryogenesis, and implantation of cuttings, using both native and foreign varieties with CBD genetics. This approach will allow for the development of new varieties adapted to local conditions and market demands.

• Creation of a Germplasm Bank- Basis for Research and Development:
  • A key aspect of this project is the creation of a Germplasm Bank, which will serve as a foundation for the entire R&D process in plant genetics. This bank will store somatic samples of varieties with CBD genetics, as well as certified seeds purchased in international markets.

• Key features of the germplasm bank:
  • Genetic diversity: The germplasm bank will be comprised of samples of native and foreign varieties, creating a diverse and high-value genetic repository for continuous improvement.
  • Raw material for industrial crops: This bank will be a key source of cuttings and seedlings for industrial cannabis crops. It will guarantee the continuous reproduction of the best genetic characteristics, ensuring consistent yield and quality with each harvest.
  • Boosting research and development: The samples stored in the bank will be essential for the development of new genetics, genetic improvement, and the development of more efficient varieties, allowing for constant progress in production quality and quantity.
  • This Germplasm Bank will play a crucial role in the conservation, improvement, and perpetuation of the most efficient cannabis varieties. By ensuring the reproduction of the best genetic characteristics, it will contribute to long-term, sustainable, consistent, and high-quality production.

Types of Hemp and Their Differences

Hemp is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries in a wide variety of industries. From the manufacture of textiles to industrial and medicinal applications, hemp offers numerous possibilities. Although all hemp varieties come from the cannabis species, there are different subspecies that are grown for specific purposes, depending on their characteristics and properties.

The Cannabis genre includes three main subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indicates and cannabis ruderalis. Each of these varieties has particular characteristics that determine its uses and applications.

• Cannabis sativa: This subspecies is the most used for industrial hemp production due to its low THC content (less than 0.2%) and its high fiber production. It is ideal for the manufacture of textile products, construction materials and biofuels.
• Cannabis Indica: although it also belongs to the Cannabis sativa species, this variety has a higher THC content, which makes it more suitable for recreational and medicinal uses. It is not commonly used in the production of industrial hemp, but is popular in the manufacture of products that seek the psychoactive effects of THC.
• Cannabis Ruderalis: This subspecies is characterized by its low THC content and its ability to flourish rapidly, regardless of light conditions. Although it is not used much in the industrial production of hemp, it crosses with other subspecies to improve the resistance of plants and accelerate their growth cycle.

Sector-based organization of your greenhouse production space

Each phase of the medical cannabis production process is governed by complex needs and follows specific guidelines. We organize your growing space into sectors to facilitate staff flow and cultivation operations while complying with current regulations (GMP).

Optimal Climate Control

• Light Control in the Greenhouse: Cannabis's lighting needs are delicate and vary throughout the production process. Our greenhouse solutions maximize natural sunlight, and our lighting (LED) and shade options (shading, energy-saving, and blackout) will allow you to adhere to your growing schedule so you can harvest as quickly as possible.
• Precise Irrigation Management: Water is a key parameter in the cultivation of medicinal cannabis. Water requirements are important, but excess can be counterproductive. A good irrigation system (self-compensating drip, sprinkler, or sub-irrigation) will allow you to provide the necessary amount of water at the right time. Injecting fertilizers through the irrigation water ensures compliance with the guidelines established for each stage of your cultivation's technical process.
• Humidity Regulation: Humidity must be kept very high during the plant multiplication phase, but must be drastically reduced during flowering and drying. Our equipment will allow you to humidify and dehumidify the different production areas to maintain significant plant vigor and maximum health.
• Ambient Air Management: Optimal temperature management is crucial to obtaining a quality product. We create networks to optimally position heating for your crops and configure cooling systems appropriately. Air flow, also necessary to maintain healthy plants, is designed and optimized based on each of your projects.
• Protection against pests and diseases: Greenhouses, as protected agriculture structures, act as a physical barrier that protects plants from pests and diseases. This is crucial for cannabis crops, as pests and diseases can seriously affect production and quality. With proper management and the use of greenhouse inputs, such as netting and organic treatments, the risk of infestations can be significantly reduced.
• Maximizing Space and Production: Greenhouses allow cannabis to be grown on multiple levels, maximizing the available space. Additionally, using greenhouse equipment such as supplemental lighting and ventilation systems can extend the growing season, thereby increasing annual production.

Feminized Hemp Seeds

Feminized hemp seeds are cannabis seeds that have been genetically modified to produce exclusively female plants. This is important because only female plants produce flowers with high levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which are the active compounds in cannabis used in medicines and other products. Feminized seeds guarantee a higher success rate in producing female plants and allow growers to obtain a more consistent and predictable harvest. However, it's important to note that cannabis cultivation is still illegal in many places, so it's important to research local laws before purchasing feminized hemp seeds.

How long does it take for a plant to grow from feminized hemp seeds?

The time it takes a cannabis plant to grow depends on several factors, such as the type of seed, climate, and growing conditions. In general, a cannabis plant can take between 8-12 weeks to grow from germination to maturity, although some strains may take more or less time. During the first few weeks of growth, the cannabis plant develops rapidly and can grow up to about 50 cm in height. It then begins to flower and develop the buds that contain cannabinoids. It is important to follow the instructions on the seed package and ensure that you provide the plant with the right conditions for growth.

Properties of Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are small, similar to quinoa, and are a rich source of nutrients and have several health-promoting properties that make them a superfood. Some of the main properties of these seeds are:

• They are a good source of protein: Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids our bodies need to function properly. A single serving of hemp seeds can provide up to 10 grams of high-quality protein.
• They contain essential fatty acids: These seeds contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for the proper functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system.
• They are a source of antioxidants: Hemp seeds contain antioxidants such as vitamin E, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
• They are rich in fiber: Hemp seeds contain significant amounts of fiber, which can help improve digestion and regulate bowel movements.
• They can help control cholesterol: Some studies have suggested that regular consumption of hemp seeds can help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
• They may have anti-inflammatory properties: These seeds contain a compound called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain and inflammation in the body.

Overall, hemp seeds are a healthy and nutritious food that can easily be added to a balanced diet. However, it's important to remember that these seeds do not contain THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, so they have no psychoactive effects.

Nutritional Value of Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are a rich source of nutrients and have a very high nutritional value. A 100-gram serving of hemp seeds contains:

• Calories: 553
• Protein: 31 grams
• Fat: 44 grams
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams
• Fiber: 11 grams
• Vitamin E: 22% of the Recommended Daily Value (DV)
• Folic acid: 24% of the DV
• Iron: 51% of the DV
• Magnesium: 153% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 92% of the DV

As you can see, these seeds are an excellent source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals important for health. They also contain a significant amount of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for the proper functioning of the brain and cardiovascular system. For all these reasons, hemp seeds are a healthy and nutritious food that can easily be added to a balanced diet.

Panakeia High Terpenes

Panakeia High Terpenes is one of the few non-psychoactive CBG (cannabigerol) seeds on the market with a high terpene content. It is a CBG-rich hemp strain that can be enjoyed pleasantly with much more flavor and aroma.

Panakeia High Terpenes is the improved version of Panakeia, a strain developed by Hemp Trading and the Polytechnic University of Valencia. This non-psychotropic (0.0% THC) strain with a high medicinal component now offers a wide variety of terpenes with sweet, fruity, and woody notes, providing a very satisfying olfactory result.

Panakeia High Terpenes enters the smokable hemp market to position itself as one of the best non-psychoactive strains rich in terpenes.

CBG seeds are ideal for those looking to reap the benefits of terpenes without the psychoactive effects of THC, a standout trait in the field of medicinal cannabis. The Spanish company Hemp Trading, in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Valencia, developed Panakeia as one of the first medicinal cannabis seeds featuring a cannabinoid profile focused exclusively on CBG (cannabigerol), with no THC present. This innovative genetics has allowed Panakeia to gain widespread acceptance in various global markets, where THC regulation is strict.

Medical cannabis strains containing high levels of CBG are gaining popularity due to this cannabinoid's therapeutic properties, which include anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Panakeia High Terpenes, with its focus on CBG seeds, offers consumers and producers a versatile product, ideal for applications such as oils, cosmetics, vaping, and other wellness products.

The terpenes present in this CBG seed not only enhance the characteristic aroma of cannabis but also provide additional benefits beyond those of CBG. Some terpenes have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or anxiolytic properties that, when combined with CBG, can provide an entourage effect that maximizes its therapeutic effectiveness. This makes Panakeia High Terpenes medicinal cannabis seeds a standout and affordable option for those seeking natural alternatives for wellness.

Industrial Hemp: Innovation, Versatility, and Quality for a Sustainable Future in Various Industries

Hemp, a plant with thousands of years of history, is experiencing a resurgence in the industrial field, thanks to its great versatility and ecological qualities. Although neglected for centuries due to confusion with its psychoactive varieties, hemp is now valued as a fundamental resource for a wide range of industries, ranging from construction to automotive.

A High-Quality, Low-Emission Material

Industrial hemp, recognized for its low THC content (less than 0.2%), is a natural, eco-friendly, and highly versatile material.

Unlike other crops, hemp grows in a wide variety of climates and is highly resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.

Its cultivation also requires significantly less water compared to cotton, making it a more sustainable option in terms of water resources. Furthermore, hemp has the unique ability to capture CO2 during its growth, actively contributing to climate change mitigation.

With its low environmental impact, hemp is paving the way for a cleaner, greener industry.

Materials for the Future

Hemp has also found a prominent place in the green construction sector. With the use of hemp-derived materials, such as hemp concrete and hemp panels, construction is taking a step toward greater sustainability.

These materials not only have exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation properties but also capture carbon, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings throughout their lifespan. The main applications of hemp in green construction include:

• Hemp concrete: A lightweight, insulating, and durable material used in both new home construction and the renovation of old buildings.
• Thermal and acoustic insulation: Hemp is an excellent insulator, providing energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Hemp panels and bricks: Used to create more durable and less polluting structures, reducing dependence on synthetic and heavy materials.

A Return to Sustainability and Durability

Hemp has been used for millennia in the manufacture of textile fibers, a testament to its durability and strength. Hemp fiber, extracted from the plant's stem, is known for its high quality and longevity. Ancient cultures around the world, from China to Europe, leveraged this natural fiber to produce rope, fabric, and clothing due to its exceptional strength and functionality.

Today, hemp is experiencing a renaissance in the textile industry, driven by the growing demand for sustainable materials. Compared to other natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp offers several significant environmental advantages. Growing hemp requires much less water than cotton and doesn't require intensive pesticide use, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for textile manufacturing. Furthermore, hemp fabric is naturally breathable, antibacterial, and mold-resistant, making it ideal for clothing and other highly durable textiles.

One of hemp's most notable properties is its durability. Hemp garments and fabrics have a much longer lifespan than other textile materials, which not only reduces the frequency with which products need to be replaced but also contributes to a more sustainable lifecycle. As hemp adapts to new processing technologies, the fiber is becoming a softer and more comfortable option, without sacrificing its strength and durability.

Hemp is not only beneficial for the textile industry, but is a highly versatile plant with applications spanning diverse areas. Currently, it is used in the production of biofuels, cosmetics, food and supplements, and even in the creation of materials for the livestock industry. Its ability to adapt to different industrial needs makes it a key resource for the circular economy of the future, where renewable and sustainable materials are becoming a priority.

In short, hemp not only offers an eco-friendly option for the textile industry, but also plays an important role in the transition to a more sustainable economy. With its multiple applications and unique properties, hemp is helping to forge a greener and more efficient future in various industries.

Innovations in Bioplastics and Automotive

In addition to its applications in the textile and construction industries, hemp is gaining ground in the manufacture of bioplastics and automotive components. Thanks to its high cellulose concentration (65-70%), hemp is a viable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. Major automotive brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz already use hemp fibers to reduce the weight of their vehicles and improve their energy efficiency, contributing to sustainability in the automotive industry.

Quality Control and Product Analysis

• HACCP: Commitment to Food Safety: The HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system is the cornerstone of our food safety strategy. Through exhaustive analysis and constant monitoring of biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the production process, we ensure that our hemp products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): A Commitment to Excellence. For us, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are much more than a legal obligation; they are a commitment to excellence. We ensure that every hemp product is manufactured consistently and under strict quality controls. This approach allows us to maintain our customers' trust and stand out in the market.
• Accurate Cannabinoid Determination: We conduct extensive analysis to accurately measure the levels of cannabinoids in our products, including CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC. Measuring THC is particularly critical given that many countries, especially in Europe, have strict regulations limiting its concentration to a maximum of 0.3%. We ensure that all our products always fall within these legal limits, complying with local and international regulations.
• Terpene Profile: Unique Flavor and Aroma. Terpenes are compounds that give plants, including hemp, their characteristic aroma and flavor. Through detailed terpene profile analysis, we can identify and quantify the distinct combinations that define each strain, allowing us to replicate popular aromas such as Blueberry or Jack Herer. This analysis is essential to ensuring an accurate and consistent sensory experience in our products.
• Microbiological Safety: Contaminant-Free Products. We perform rigorous microbiological testing to ensure our products are completely free of microbial contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and molds. This quality control is vital to ensuring our products are safe for consumers and comply with international safety and hygiene regulations.
• Ensuring Long-Term Efficacy: Stability testing allows us to verify that our hemp products maintain their integrity, efficacy, and consistency over time. This analysis is crucial to prevent the product from spoiling or losing effectiveness after it is released to the market. It also helps us provide accurate information on storage conditions and shelf life, ensuring that the product maintains its quality throughout its entire life cycle.

Benefits of Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp is one of the most versatile and environmentally friendly plants available, with exceptional potential to transform multiple industries, from automotive and textiles to green construction and the production of biodegradable plastics. In a global context increasingly aware of environmental challenges, hemp is emerging as one of the most promising solutions due to its ability to generate both economic and ecological benefits.

The benefits of industrial hemp are wide and diverse. Its sustainability and ability to reduce carbon footprint are just the beginning. Furthermore, its durability, versatility, and eco-friendly properties position it as a key material for the future of various industries. Hemp not only replaces polluting materials but also has great potential to mitigate environmental impact. Its ability to adapt to different needs makes it an ideal choice in a world that increasingly emphasizes sustainability and ecological innovation. Infrastructure and Biotechnology in Production Processes.

Infrastructure and Biotechnology in Production Processes

• Primary extraction system using the ICE-HASH method.
• Pharmaceutical-grade freeze-drying.
• Separation and purification of active ingredients using a TFD-E system (Thin Layer Molecular Evaporation with high vacuum).
• Treatment and utilization of waste biomass through metabolic enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial biosynthesis using stirred-vessel bioreactors.
• Extraction, purification, and concentration of active ingredients in BSL-3 cleanrooms and internal air recirculation in ISO-5 and ISO-8 pressure cascades.
• Molecular concentration using a TFF (Tangential Flow Filtration) system.