Written by Dr. Rocio Vargas
If you’re using medical cannabis and planning to travel within Colombia, you might be wondering if it’s legal to take your medicine with you on the road. Whether you’re a local patient or a visitor receiving treatment while in the country, it’s important to know what the law allows and how to avoid trouble with the police.
Medical cannabis is legal in Colombia under regulated conditions. However, carrying it outside your home brings some extra rules that you need to follow. In this article, we’ll break down what the law says, how to prepare for travel, and what you should do if you’re ever questioned while carrying your medication.
Understanding the Legal Rules
Medical cannabis has been legal in Colombia since 2015. Patients who have a valid medical prescription can use and possess cannabis for personal medical use. The law allows individuals to carry up to 20 grams of dried cannabis flower or its equivalent in other forms, such as oils or tinctures, if they are using it for treatment.
To legally carry medical cannabis, you must have proper documentation. This usually means a prescription from a licensed doctor, ideally one who practices in Colombia. If your doctor is from another country, you should have your prescription translated into Spanish, especially if you plan to interact with police or airport security. It’s also a good idea to carry a copy of your ID and keep your cannabis in clearly labeled packaging.
This is also a good place to answer a question many visitors ask: is weed legal in Colombia? The answer is yes, but only for medical use and in limited amounts. Recreational use is decriminalized in small quantities, but that’s not the same as it being fully legal.
Traveling Within the Country
Once you leave your home with medical cannabis, you enter a different legal space. Authorities may not know you’re a patient unless you can prove it, so being prepared is key.
Public Transportation
If you’re taking a bus, taxi, or ride-share service like Uber, you’re allowed to carry medical cannabis as long as it’s within the legal limit and you have your documents ready. Avoid opening your container in public or discussing your medicine openly, as this can draw unwanted attention. Keep your cannabis in a sealed bag, ideally inside a backpack or purse.
Domestic Flights
If you’re flying from one Colombian city to another, you can bring your medical cannabis with you. It’s best to carry it in your hand luggage, not checked bags, in case security wants to see it. You may be asked questions at security checkpoints or by the Policía Antinarcóticos, who are trained to detect illegal drugs.
To avoid problems, have your prescription, ID, and product packaging ready. If your documents are in another language, a Spanish translation can help speed things up. Be polite and calm if you’re stopped, and explain that you are using cannabis for medical reasons.
Driving with Medical Cannabis
Driving with cannabis in the car is allowed if you are within the legal possession limit and can prove it’s for medical use. Make sure your cannabis is stored securely and not within easy reach while driving. You may encounter police checkpoints, especially on rural highways. If this happens, stay calm and show your prescription and ID if asked. Do not smoke or use cannabis while driving, as this could lead to charges of impaired driving, even for medical patients.
How the Law is Enforced in Different Areas
While Colombia has national laws about medical cannabis, local enforcement can vary. Major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali are more likely to be familiar with medical cannabis laws and may be more accepting when you show your paperwork. In smaller towns or rural areas, police might be less familiar with the rules. That’s why it’s even more important to carry all your documents and stay under the legal limits.
If you are stopped by police and asked about your cannabis, stay respectful. Show your prescription and explain that you are a medical patient. If you are a foreigner, it can help to have a Spanish-speaking friend with you or to use a translation app to explain your situation. In most cases, being honest and prepared is enough to avoid further problems.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s say you’re a tourist with a medical card from the United States and you’re flying from Bogotá to Cartagena. In this case, bring your medical card, your prescription, and ideally a translation. Pack your medicine in your carry-on in its original container, and avoid using it in public places.
Or maybe you’re a Colombian medical patient traveling to Santa Marta by bus to visit family. Keep your prescription and ID in your wallet and carry your cannabis in a sealed pouch. You’ll be fine as long as you follow the rules.
Tips for Safe Travel
- Always carry your medical prescription and some form of identification.
- Keep your cannabis in its original packaging with labels showing the product and dosage.
- Carry a Spanish version of your documents if you are not fluent.
- Avoid public use of cannabis, even if you’re a patient.
- Stay under the 20-gram possession limit.
- Be respectful and honest if approached by police or security.
Final Thoughts
You can travel with medical cannabis in Colombia, but you need to be responsible about how you do it. Make sure to follow the legal limits, carry proper documentation, and avoid using cannabis in public or around police. These small steps can save you a lot of stress and help you stay focused on your health and your trip.
If you’re receiving medical treatment with cannabis while in Colombia, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the rules so that your travel plans stay smooth and trouble-free.
