News: Why Colombia’s Cannabis Genetics Exports Are Growing.
- Manuel Basegla
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Published 12:00 AM EST, Fri Jun 13, 2025
Colombia’s cannabis genetics exports are growing, with in vitro plants favored for their phytosanitary quality and stability. The ICA has inspected over 6,000 units for shipment to Asia and Europe. In 2025, Colombia exported to Israel for the first time, expanding to the UK, Switzerland, and the EU, boosting its global leadership in cannabis genetics.

Colombia is emerging as a global leader in the export of cannabis genetics, particularly through the use of in vitro plant materials, which offer superior phytosanitary quality and genetic stability. Over the past five years, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) has inspected over 6,000 units of cannabis planting material bound for international markets, primarily in Asia and Europe. These inspections are conducted at key border points to ensure compliance with phytosanitary standards, enabling Colombian exporters to consistently meet the regulatory demands of their destination countries.
A landmark moment occurred in 2025 when Richmond Seeds, with support from MedellÃn Labs, became the first Colombian company to export cannabis in vitro material to Israel, a highly regulated market. This successful shipment of 60 units highlights growing international confidence in Colombian cannabis genetics and reflects the expanding global footprint of the country’s cannabis industry. Since then, exports have extended to the UK, Switzerland, and the broader European Union, further solidifying Colombia’s role as a trusted source of premium cannabis genetics.
This progress is driven by a close collaboration between the ICA and the private sector, with a shared commitment to regulatory compliance, innovation, and quality assurance. By leveraging in vitro cultivation methods, Colombia not only ensures safe and reliable shipments but also advances scientific breeding techniques that enhance plant resilience and productivity. These efforts position Colombian cannabis genetics as highly competitive in markets with stringent quality standards. Colombia's growing success in cannabis genetics exports represents a strategic evolution in the global cannabis supply chain. As markets shift toward precision breeding and disease-free propagation, Colombia's use of in vitro technology places it at the forefront of a high-value niche. The ability to meet strict international phytosanitary regulations not only opens doors to lucrative markets like Israel and the EU but also sets a global benchmark for quality control and scientific development in cannabis agriculture. This positions Colombia not just as a cultivator but as a key innovator in cannabis biotechnology, shaping the future of legal cannabis trade.
Source: Born2Invest