Colombia, a trailblazer in Latin America’s medical cannabis landscape, is poised for a monumental change in its cannabis policy. A new draft decree, currently undergoing public consultation, proposes a groundbreaking shift that could allow the sale of dry cannabis flower, a long-awaited victory for patients who have faced limited access to this form of medical cannabis.
For years, Colombia has permitted medical cannabis but restricted patients to compounded formulations, topicals, and cosmetic products, leaving a significant gap in therapeutic options. The new decree, if implemented, would offer patients access to dry cannabis flower, both as personalized compounded preparations and as readily available finished products in pharmacies.
The potential impact of this change is substantial. Patients who have patiently awaited access to dry cannabis flower, known for its rapid therapeutic effects, could finally see their needs met. However, the path to implementation is fraught with complexities and potential delays.
Efraín López, director of Árpez Company and a former official at the Ministry of Justice, explains that the review process following the public consultation could take several months. While the decree’s review might be expedited due to its relatively short nature, there’s no set deadline for the president to sign it into law. This means further delays are possible, adding to the frustration of patients who have been waiting for years.
One of the primary obstacles is the lack of conclusive scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of inhaling cannabis flower. Despite Colombia’s pioneering role in medical cannabis, concerns remain about the potential adverse effects of inhaled cannabis. This debate extends beyond Colombia, as the global medical community continues to grapple with the complexities of cannabis inhalation.
While public consultation ended on October 4, 2024, experts estimate that it could take between a year and a half to two years before dry cannabis flower is available in Colombian pharmacies. The first step towards implementation would involve updating the Guide to Good Manufacturing Practices for Cannabis-Based Compounded Preparations to include dry flower, which is likely to be a less rigorous process than the approval for finished products.
The potential for dry cannabis flower legalization in Colombia reflects the political will of President Gustavo Petro, who has championed drug policy reforms since taking office. The proposed decree aligns with the country’s new drug policy, which aims to drive economic transformation in rural areas affected by drug trafficking.
This significant development in Colombia’s medical cannabis landscape highlights the evolving global conversation surrounding cannabis policy. As the world grapples with the complexities of cannabis use and its potential therapeutic benefits, Colombia’s journey serves as a compelling case study for how nations are navigating this evolving landscape.
