In September 2024, a new proposal to decriminalize marijuana for recreational purposes was brought in front of the First Commission of the Colombian Senate. The new proposal which was initiated by Senator Maria Jose Pizarro, one of the country’s most prominent advocates for cannabis legalization, aims to not just legalize the production and sale of recreational marijuana in the country but to also further regulate the personal cultivation of the plant for recreational use.
This new proposal marks the 14th attempt to legalize recreational marijuana in the country and draws inspiration from successful regulatory frameworks seen in other countries like Uruguay and Canada. It also addresses many of the shortcomings in previous attempts at legalizing marijuana in the country by appealing to many of the concerns brought up by the opposition during previous hearings and debates.
One of the biggest changes to the new proposal when compared to previous attempts is the inclusion of a limitation on advertising. This was a major bone of contention in earlier debates on the matter, with the opposition arguing that legalization could lead to widespread promotion which in turn might normalize marijuana use, particularly amongst the young population. Taking this into account, the new proposal agrees to heavily restrict advertisements should the proposal be accepted.
The proposal also introduces stricter regulations on the distribution and consumption of recreational cannabis, including creating designated consumption areas and enforcing age restrictions to prevent underage use. It also proposes a framework for taxing commercial recreational cannabis, the proceeds of which are expected to be aimed at funding public health initiatives, education programs, and addiction treatment services, addressing concerns about potential societal risks associated with legalization.
The Senate’s Reception of the New Proposal
Following the successful presentation of the proposal to the First Commission of the Colombian Senate, it would seem that this is the strongest attempt at the legalization of cannabis in the country yet.
As of the writing of this article, the proposed bill has already undergone several debates in Congress, and supporters are quite confident in their chances of finally seeing a change in Colombia’s recreational marijuana laws. However, there is still strong opposition from conservative members of Congress who still maintain their stance that legalizing recreational marijuana would lead to increased public health risks, potential social instability, and further weaken the country’s stance on drug control.
So while things look promising for individuals hoping for the legalization of recreational cannabis in the country, it remains too early to tell which way the cards will fall. As the bill advances through further discussions and upcoming votes, its fate will become clearer. The coming months will be crucial in deciding whether Colombia will finally join the ranks of Latin American countries that have fully legalized marijuana or if it will continue to maintain its current partially legal status which it has held for the past few years.
Check the Is Weed Legal in Colombia blog regularly for more updates on situation of legal cannabis in Colombia.
