Colombian President Signs to Legalize Medical Marijuana
On December, 22, 2015 President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia signed a decree to legalize medical cannabis in the country. The country that was plagued from black market could recover slowly from it with this decision.
The government in Colombia has been battling due to violence caused by drugs. Now it has taken a step to reduce drug trafficking and ease the public.
History of Cannabis in Colombia
Since 1994, Colombians have been allowed to cultivate up to 20 cannabis plants for personal consumption. Also possession of cannabis up to 20 grams is considered legal. However, there are farms where cannabis cultivation and export is done illegally violating the law. The government has condemned such cultivation as it destroys other crops such as coffee and vegetables. For the cultivation of cannabis, aerosol sprays are used as pesticides which can cause cancer in humans
Consuming cannabis in Colombia is legal but the country lacks a solid framework to regulate the distribution of it. This has created a series of loopholes which are taken as an advantage from drug traffickers. Bribing and blackmailing are commonly found in the justice system of Colombia. The new law in Colombia now allows cultivation, processing, export and import of cannabis for medical use.
How can legalization of cannabis affect Colombia?
On the positive side, patients who need cannabis to improve their health condition will find the legalization very helpful. The medical institutions can research on marijuana and use it to treat patients. This will improve the condition of Colombia where roughly 400,000 people suffer from epilepsy and post traumatic stress. If Colombia can offer its breakthroughs from medical research then it can also boost its economy.
Even though the Colombian government defends its decision by giving valid proofs and explanation, many critics are forcing the administration to stop it. The situation if not controlled could bring political tensions in the society.
With the legalization, the Colombian government has to tighten its system to control illegal trafficking of pot. This should start from cleaning up the police authorities and framing rules that would efficiently control the cultivation and distribution of cannabis. Colombia has been a center for criticisms around the world for being the biggest producer of cocaine. The legalization of pot will definitely increase such critics. One of the benefits out of this is that the black money is coming into the mainstream finance. This will uplift the Colombian economy.
