Although medical cannabis has been legal in Colombia since 2016, getting your hands on cannabis for medical purposes in the country can be a little tricky. Not only are there roadblocks to finding certified suppliers, but there are also several regulatory procedures you’d need to take into consideration before you can buy medical-grade cannabis in the country. In this article, we will share with you all you need to know about where you can buy medical cannabis in Colombia and how to go about buying medical cannabis safely and in line with the law.
But before we get to that, a few things need to be addressed first.
What is Medical Cannabis?
To put it simply, medical cannabis or medical marijuana is cannabis (or cannabis-based products) used for medical purposes. It is cannabis used to treat or manage medical symptoms or conditions, as prescribed by a medical professional.
It is important to note that medical cannabis is technically no different from recreational cannabis, although most times medical cannabis often comes in the form of cannabis-based products rather than the natural plant. Aside from that, the only real difference between the two is their purpose; where recreational cannabis is used for recreational purposes, medical cannabis is specifically aimed at addressing medical conditions. This singular difference in the purpose of these two almost identical types of products gives rise to a few nuances worth mentioning.
Because medical marijuana is aimed at combating some medical condition or the other, it requires a prescription. Unlike recreational cannabis whose use is determined solely by the user, medical cannabis requires the prescription of trained professionals to ensure its effectiveness. This means before you can get your hands on medical marijuana, you’d first need to have a doctor (or some other qualified medical professional) prescribe a dose for you.
Without a prescription, your only available option is recreational marijuana.
Yes, even if you have a health condition that might require medical cannabis, if you don’t have a prescription, it’s still considered recreational cannabis.
Note: Although you need a prescription to use medical marijuana in Colombia, you do not need a prescription for recreational use.
Why Does This Matter?
Now you might be wondering: why exactly does it matter whether it’s medical marijuana or not? Well, the answer is simple; medical cannabis laws and recreational use laws are not the same in Colombia. In fact, this is often the case not just in Colombia but in most parts of the world undergoing cannabis decriminalization.
In Colombia, medical marijuana is fully legalized. There is a strict legal framework in place and the government strictly regulates the cultivation, production, and distribution of these products to ensure that patients can safely and responsibly access them. Recreational use of cannabis in the country is only partially legal, however. While you can legally possess small quantities of cannabis for adult use (up to 20 grams), getting your hands on the cannabis in the first place might be a bit of a challenge since commercialization for adult use still isn’t legal.
So to put it simply, the easiest way to get your hands on cannabis in Colombia is through the medical cannabis program.
Who is Eligible for Medical Cannabis in Colombia?
Colombia has strict rules on who qualifies for medical cannabis in the country. Generally, you will be considered eligible for medical cannabis if you have medical conditions or display symptoms that can be managed or improved by cannabis-based treatment. Medical conditions that might qualify you for this treatment include:
- Chronic pain
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Cancer-related symptoms
If you have any of the following health conditions or display symptoms related to them, you may be eligible for medical cannabis treatment in Colombia.
Think you may be eligible for medical cannabis in Colombia? Book a Colombian Cannabis Consultation with a Doctor who specializes in medical cannabis today to find out if you qualify.
How to Get Medical Cannabis in Colombia
Getting your hands on medical cannabis in Colombia is a rather simple affair. Typically, it involves a 3-step process:
- Consult
The first step to getting medical cannabis in Colombia is consulting a certified specialist. Not only does a consultation help you determine your eligibility for medical cannabis in accordance with the national medical cannabis laws, but it also helps provide you with a prescription.
- Procure
Once you have a prescription, the next step is getting your medical-grade cannabis. With a prescription, you can basically get medical cannabis from any pharmacy offering medical marijuana products. In most cases, what you’ll find is cannabis-based products in these pharmacies, though some might also provide the natural plant.
- Use
Once you have procured your medical cannabis or cannabis-based products, all that’s left to do is enjoy your product as directed by your prescription or as the need arises.
Natural Cannabis vs Cannabis-Based Products for Medical Purposes
Medical cannabis in Colombia often comes in the form of cannabis-based products like oils, tinctures, capsules, and topical creams. Unlike unprocessed cannabis plants, these processed products usually have the precise concentration of THC, CBD, and other constituents required for your particular medical needs. As such, they tend to be more efficient and easier to dose, ensuring a safer and more therapeutic experience.
Final Note
Cannabis for medical purposes has been legal in Colombia since 2016. With a prescription, getting your hands on cannabis and cannabis-based products in the country is a relatively simple affair. However, getting a prescription is essential because purchasing cannabis without one falls outside the scope of medical cannabis and under recreational use. And since the commercialization of cannabis for recreational use is still illegal within the country, purchasing cannabis without a prescription could lead to legal issues.
