Colombian Senate Advances Cannabis Legalization Bill Toward Final Vote
The Colombian Senate has moved closer to legalizing cannabis, with a final vote scheduled for June 16, potentially ending prohibition and fostering economic growth
Key Points
- 1Colombian Senate approves penultimate vote on cannabis legalization bill
- 2Final Senate vote scheduled for June 16, with bicameral reconciliation to follow
- 3Bill supports personal development rights and reduces user discrimination
- 4President Petro advocates for legal cannabis industry and international export
- 5Public education and addiction treatment services included in the legislation
In a significant step toward cannabis legalization, the Colombian Senate has approved the penultimate vote on a bill that could end the prohibition of cannabis in the country. The bill, championed by Congressman Juan Carlos Losada Vargas, passed the Senate's first committee with a 15-4 vote. This marks the seventh of eight required votes before the constitutional amendment can be presented to the President
The final Senate vote is scheduled for June 16. Should the bill pass, lawmakers will have less than a week to reconcile any differences between the Senate and House versions before the legislative session concludes. The bill aims to uphold the right to personal development by allowing regulated cannabis consumption while reducing discriminatory practices against users
The legislation also mandates public education campaigns and the promotion of addiction treatment services. Last year, the House of Representatives initially approved the legalization initiative, with the Interior Minister expressing support at the time. This follows efforts by a congressional committee to advance similar measures
President Gustavo Petro, a progressive leader, has been a vocal advocate for ending drug criminalization internationally since his inauguration in August. He highlighted the economic potential of a legal cannabis industry, especially for small towns in the Andes, and discussed the possibility of exporting cannabis to countries where it is legal
President Petro has also suggested that legalization could diminish the illegal market's influence and called for the release of individuals imprisoned for cannabis possession. He met with Mexico's president last year, and both leaders announced plans to convene a conference with other Latin American countries to rethink drug policies in light of prohibition's failures