Colombian Chamber of Representatives passes law legalizing cannabis

On May 8th, the Colombian Chamber of Representatives passed a law legalizing cannabis. In the sixth of eight discussions, the bill passed by a vote of 98 to 57. In Colombia, legislative acts require eight debates, and in the most recent discussion, 95 votes were required to move forward.

Rep. Juan Carlos Losada Vargas, who is also a sponsor of the bill, shared the news on Twitter on May 9. “#HISTÓRICO accepted our project #CannabisDeUsoAdulto in the 6th debate with 98 votes.” Today @CamaraColombia It shows that we are a country that wants to transform failed prohibitionist drug policies into ones based on prevention and public health,” wrote Vargas on Twitter.

The bill would create a regulatory framework for legal cannabis for both adult and scientific use. “The purpose of this draft law is to allow for the legalization of adult cannabis use, as well as the unification of the current regulations for the use of cannabis for scientific purposes, provided that the established requirements are met,” a translated excerpt of the legal text reads. “The foregoing serves to recognize and guarantee the fundamental rights to equality and free personality, to unify the constitutional, legal and jurisprudential references on the subject, and to propose a different strategy to combat the illicit cannabis trade as a tactic to reduce violence in the country.” .”

The bill also supports the creation of public education campaigns and drug abuse programs.

Vargas published editorials in late March and April discussing the history of the cannabis effort in Colombia and how proper regulation can save lives. “When we first brought the cannabis debate to Congress five years ago, we were absolutely certain that in a legislature with conservative majorities, passing a bill of this nature was virtually impossible; However, at the same time as defeat was assured, we were always confident that one day, sooner rather than later, our project would come to fruition,” Vargas wrote in March. “Well, it looks like that day has come.”

In April, the Chamber of Deputies debated cannabis five times. “The passing of five debates shows that this Congress, supported by the will of millions of Colombians who voted, is ready to take a step towards a new drug policy that abandons the failed paradigm of prohibition and that Opens the field for it.” to policies aligned with the guidelines of public health, consumption prevention and civil liberties,” Vargas wrote in April. “We’re close to writing a new story in the fight against drugs, at this point it’s a matter of political will.” Every vote counts.”

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration for the last two discussions. If passed, it would be sent to Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

In the past, Petro has reiterated his support and interest in ending the war on drugs. Last year he explained how he would work to ensure that the people of Colombia could live in peace. In November, Petro met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to discuss “geopolitical, commercial, cultural and development cooperation.” In a joint statement, they announced their goal for change. “Mexico and Colombia, aware of the failure in the fight against drugs and the vulnerability of our peoples in the face of this problem, will convene an international conference of Latin American leaders with the aim of reshaping and rethinking drug policies,” said both presidents in her letter statement.