Laws of Medical Use
Legalization for Medical Use
Medical cannabis was legalized in 2015 under Law 1787. This law regulates the cultivation, production, distribution, and sale of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.
Licensing and Regulation
The Ministry of Health and the National Narcotics Council (CNE) oversee licensing for medical cannabis production and sales. Licenses are required.
Personal Medical Use
Patients with a valid medical prescription can legally access cannabis-based products. Carrying medical cannabis is legal with proper documentation.
Production Limit
Licensed growers can cultivate cannabis for medical and scientific purposes only. Stringent regulations control THC and CBD levels in medical products.
Export of Medical Cannabis
Colombia allows the export of cannabis derivatives, including oils and other pharmaceutical products, but not raw flowers.
Prescription Requirements
Only certified health professionals can prescribe medical cannabis.
Products must meet pharmaceutical-grade standards set by Colombian health authorities.
Patient Right
Patients have the right to safe access to medical cannabis products.
Strict privacy and ethical standards protect patients’ information.
Laws of Recreational Use
- Personal Use Decriminalized:
- Possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis for personal use is decriminalized.
- This means individuals caught with small amounts for personal use are not criminally prosecuted, but may face administrative penalties like fines.
- Cultivation for Personal Use:
- Individuals are allowed to grow up to 20 cannabis plants for personal consumption.
- Cultivation is limited to private spaces, and the plants must not be used for commercial purposes or distribution.
- No Public Consumption:
- Cannabis use is prohibited in public spaces.
- Smoking cannabis in public or in areas such as parks, streets, or schools can result in fines or arrest.
- Commercial Sales Illegal:
- Selling cannabis for recreational purposes remains illegal in Colombia.
- There are no legal dispensaries for recreational cannabis, and the distribution of cannabis outside of medical use is criminalized.
- Transport Restrictions:
- Transporting cannabis in amounts exceeding the personal-use limit (20 grams) or for commercial purposes is illegal.
- No Legal Framework for Recreational Market:
- Despite some public discussions on legalizing recreational cannabis, there is no legal framework for a regulated recreational cannabis market in Colombia.
- All recreational cannabis activities are still heavily restricted under existing drug laws
Cultivating Cannabis in Colombia
Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis and its components, such as cannabinoids, for therapeutic purposes to treat specific medical conditions or symptoms.
In Colombia, cannabis cultivation is legal for medical, scientific, and personal use, but under strict regulations. For medical and scientific purposes, cultivators must obtain a government-issued license from the Ministry of Health and comply with regulations on THC and CBD levels.
Recreational cultivation is decriminalized, allowing individuals to grow up to 20 plants for personal use without facing legal penalties. However, commercial sales for recreational purposes remain illegal. Exporting cannabis is permitted only in derivative forms like oils, while raw flowers cannot be exported. Authorities closely monitor compliance to ensure legal and ethical standards are met.
Commercialization of Cannabis
in Colombia
Medical Cannabis Market
Commercialization of cannabis for medical and scientific purposes is legal under Law 1787 (2015).
The law regulates activities such as cultivation, processing, manufacturing, distribution, and sales of cannabis-based products.
Only cannabis derivatives, like oils, creams, and pharmaceutical products, are approved for sale.
Licensing Required
Companies must obtain multiple licenses from the Ministry of Health and the National Narcotics Council (CNE).
Different licenses cover activities such as cultivation, manufacturing, seed use, and export.
Failure to comply with licensing requirements can result in penalties, fines, or revocation of licenses.
Domestic Sales
Medical cannabis products are distributed through authorized pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
A doctor’s prescription is mandatory for patients to purchase these products.
Products must meet pharmaceutical-grade standards and undergo strict quality control checks.
Export Restrictions
Colombia permits the export of cannabis derivatives, including oils and extracts, but not raw flowers.
Export is mainly targeted at pharmaceutical and wellness markets in countries where medical cannabis is legal.
Companies must comply with international standards for product quality and safety.
Recreational Market Prohibited
The commercial sale of cannabis for recreational purposes remains illegal in Colombia.
While personal cultivation and possession of small amounts are decriminalized, selling or distributing cannabis recreationally is punishable by law.
Efforts to legalize recreational sales have been proposed but not yet approved.
Regulating Authorities
The Ministry of Health, National Narcotics Council (CNE), and ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute) oversee the cannabis industry.
These authorities enforce quality control, licensing processes, and compliance standards.
They ensure all commercial activities align with national and international drug policies.
