Bogota, Colombia: Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has signed legislation into law to regulate the licensed production and exportation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Under the new policy, those seeking to grow medicinal cannabis commercially or manufacture cannabis-based medicinal products may apply with government agencies for licensure. Federal regulators will also grant permits to those seeking to export medicinal cannabis products out of the country.
President Santos said that the goal of the policy “is for patients to be able to access medications made in Colombia that are safe, high-quality and accessible. It is also an opportunity to promote scientific research in our country.”
While existing law allows for the personal possession and cultivation of cannabis, the plant’s commercial production, manufacture, and sale was not permitted.
Federally licensed medical marijuana production and distribution is presently authorized in Canada, Israel, and the Netherlands.
In 2013, Uruguay officials approved legislation authorizing the retail production and sale of cannabis to those age 18 and older. Consumers in that country are anticipated to be able to begin purchasing cannabis at state-licensed pharmacies by mid-2016.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500 or Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org.