News: Colombian President Urges Congress To Legalize Cannabis Amid Rising Drug Cartel Violence.
Published 12:00 AM EST, Weds March 05, 2025
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked Congress to legalize cannabis, arguing that prohibition fuels violence from cartels in the illicit market, which has recently surged in the country. In a post on X on Sunday, Petro called Colombian lawmakers to legalize cannabis and remove the crop from the cycle of violence.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has urged Congress to legalize cannabis, arguing that prohibition fuels violence by empowering drug cartels. His call for legalization comes amid increasing violence from groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN), dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the Gulf Clan, which compete for control over drug trafficking routes. Petro believes that by legalizing cannabis, Colombia could weaken criminal organizations' grip on the illicit drug trade, much like efforts in the U.S. and Canada have done.
Despite previous attempts, Colombia has yet to fully legalize recreational cannabis. While medical cannabis has been legal since 2016 and industrial cannabis since 2021, the sale of recreational cannabis remains illegal, limiting the establishment of a regulated market. Recent proposals to legalize adult-use cannabis have failed, but Petro continues to push for reform, advocating for a public health approach rather than a militarized crackdown on drug consumption. His stance aligns with a broader movement across Latin America to reassess traditional drug policies.
The cannabis industry in Colombia represents a significant economic opportunity. A thriving illicit market for potent strains, such as "creepy," generates substantial profits for criminal organizations, with prices rising dramatically when exported. Legalizing and regulating the industry could shift profits away from cartels while boosting Colombia’s legal economy. A 2015 report estimated an internal cannabis market worth up to $1.1 billion, highlighting the potential for a controlled, taxable industry.
Source: Forbes
