Background and Relevance of the News
Colombia, a country severely affected by the war on drugs, has recently authorized the sale of medical cannabis flower in pharmacies. This decision comes after legalizing medical cannabis in 2016 and allowing the export of dried cannabis flower to countries with regulated markets in 2021. However, local commercialization was previously hindered by a legal loophole.
New Decreto and Regulations
According to a decree from the Ministry of Health, pharmacies and veterinary clinics with proper licensing can now sell cannabis flower containing the psychoactive component (THC). Consumers must present a medical prescription for purchase.
- The Ministry of Justice will monitor cannabis seed sourcing and plant cultivation to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
- The Ministries of Health, Justice, and Agriculture have five months to issue the necessary regulations for implementing this decree.
Colombia’s Drug Policy and Recent Developments
Colombia, the world’s leading cocaína producer and home to extensive marijuana plantations, decriminalized minimal recreational drug use in the 1990s. The law permits personal consumption, minimal dosage carrying, and home cultivation of cannabis, but there is no regulated market for recreational purposes.
- Some regions with cannabis cultivation face conflicts. In March, leftist President Gustavo Petro urged Congress to consider full marijuana legalization, including recreational use.
- Petro, a strong critic of the US-led war on drugs, argues that prohibition causes more violence.
International Context and Controversies
Colombia’s high drug production has led to recent disputes with US President Donald Trump. Trump removed Colombia from the list of anti-drug allies and announced the suspension of financial support. He accuses Petro of being a “drug trafficking leader” and imposed economic sanctions on him.
Other regional countries, such as Uruguay, Ecuador, and Peru, have also legalized cannabis cultivation for medical purposes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main news? Colombia has approved the sale of medical cannabis flower in pharmacies.
- When was medical cannabis legalized in Colombia? Medical cannabis was legalized in Colombia in 2016.
- What was the previous limitation on cannabis flower sales? There was a legal loophole preventing local commercialization of dried cannabis flower.
- Which institutions are responsible for implementing the new regulations? The Ministries of Health, Justice, and Agriculture have five months to issue the necessary regulations.
- What is President Gustavo Petro’s stance on drug policy? Petro advocates for full marijuana legalization, including recreational use, arguing that prohibition causes more violence.
- How have recent developments affected Colombia’s relationship with the US? US President Donald Trump removed Colombia from the list of anti-drug allies and suspended financial support, accusing Petro of being a “drug trafficking leader” and imposing economic sanctions.
