The Colombian House of Representatives gave the green light to a bill advocating for cannabis legalization on May 8. The approval was granted during the sixth session out of a requisite eight, with a 98-57 voting outcome. As per the Colombian legislative procedures, eight debates are mandated, with the recent one requiring a minimum of 95 votes for progression.
The news of the bill’s progression was announced on Twitter on May 9 by Rep. Juan Carlos Losada Vargas, who is also responsible for sponsoring the bill. “#MONUMENTAL. Our #AdultUseCannabis project passed with 98 votes in the 6th debate. Today’s @CamaraColombia vote showcases our nation’s eagerness to transition from a failed drug prohibition strategy to one focusing on prevention and public health,” tweeted Vargas.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a legal framework for adult-use cannabis and scientific applications in Colombia. A translated excerpt of the bill elaborates, “This Draft Legislative Act intends to regularize the adult use of cannabis and consolidate the present laws concerning scientific cannabis use, provided the stipulated prerequisites are fulfilled. This is to recognize and ensure the fundamental rights to equality and free personal development, consolidate the constitutional, legal, and jurisprudential references on the issue, and suggest an alternate approach to fight illicit cannabis trafficking, thereby aiming to decrease violence nationwide.”
Additionally, the bill proposes the initiation of public awareness initiatives and substance abuse prevention programs.
In late March and April, Vargas penned opinion pieces discussing the evolution of cannabis efforts in Colombia and how effective regulation could save lives. “When we first introduced the cannabis debate to Congress five years ago, we knew that getting such a bill passed in a predominantly conservative legislative body would be a huge challenge. Despite seemingly inevitable defeat, we held steadfast in our belief that our project would eventually proceed—sooner rather than later,” Vargas penned in March. “Now, it seems that day has arrived.”
In April, the House of Representatives had held five rounds of cannabis discussions. “The completion of five debates signifies that this Congress, backed by the mandate of millions of Colombians, is prepared to transition towards a novel drug policy that replaces the unsuccessful prohibitionist model with a strategy centered on public health, consumption prevention, and protection of citizens’ rights,” Vargas penned in April. “We are just a step away from beginning a new chapter in the war on drugs, now it is all about political determination. Every vote counts.”
The bill is now set to move to the Senate for the final two debates. If approved, Colombian President Gustavo Petro would receive it.
Petro has previously expressed his support and interest in bringing an end to the War on Drugs. Last year, he outlined his commitment to fostering a peaceful environment for Colombians. In November, Petro held discussions with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador regarding “geopolitical, trade, cultural, and development collaboration.” In a shared announcement, they outlined their vision for change. “Acknowledging the failure of the war against drugs and the susceptibility of our people to this issue, Mexico and Colombia will host an International Conference of Latin American leaders with the aim of revising and reimagining drug policy,” the presidents jointly stated in their declaration.
