Big changes in store for Colombia cannabis regulations, but final rules and timeline uncertain

By Alfredo Pascual, Marijuana Business Daily

A draft decree in Colombia is in the works that could substantially modify certain aspects of the current medical cannabis framework.

Among other things, the proposed changes would make Colombian medical cannabis companies more competitive internationally by allowing flower to be exported into free trade zones.

Another proposal is aimed at making it easier for small- and medium-sized cultivators to participate in the nation’s legal cannabis industry.

But other proposed changes would impose stricter controls on medical cannabis companies.

One, for example, would require applicants for cultivation licenses to ensure their operations won’t produce fallout for local “ethnic communities.”

The Ministry of Health published the draft for public consultation at the end of May, and the comment period ended in June.

The timeline for the publication of the final version is uncertain.

But those interested in Colombia’s medical cannabis industry should follow this development closely, because some of the proposals would impose significant changes for newcomers and already licensed companies.