Colombian Cannabis Legalization Ahead

Home | Canna Law Blog | Colombian Cannabis Legalization Ahead Colombian legalization of adult-use cannabis is on track, following the Chamber of Representatives' overwhelming vote of support for a bill introduced by a multiparty group led by Liberal Party deputy Juan Carlos Losada. Back in June we held out some cautious optimism regarding Colombian legalization prospects, following the election of Gustavo Petro as president. As we noted in Petro: Colombia's Next President and Cannabis, the time appeared "ripe for bold moves that could firm up Colombia's role as the leader of the Latin American cannabis industry." Recent events suggest that our hopes were well-placed. While the bill is not President Petro's initiative, the elections that brought him to power also made the Colombian legislature more cannabis-friendly (the Liberals are members of President Petro's legislative coalition). Moreover, the bill has been favorably received within the Executive, with two cabinet ministers speaking in support prior to the Chamber of Representatives' vote. Not long ago, President Petro himself decried the "irrational war on drugs" during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. The vote is even more meaningful that might seem at first glance. In the last five years, the Colombian Congress has voted on several legalization cannabis initiatives, but this is the first time that a proposal clears a plenary vote. There is still a long road ahead before the bill can become law. As the measure calls for changes to Colombian Constitution (Article 49 of which currently prohibits the use of narcotic or psychotropic substances), it must clear no less than eight legislative votes in total. But with the government enjoying a majority in the Senate (as it does in the Chamber of Representatives), it is expected that the bill will eventually find its way to President Petro's desk, with all indications being that he would sign it. For now, is there a Colombian equivalent of C-SPAN? Check Out Our Cannabis Law Services Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn E-mail Comment Fred Rocafort Fred leads Harris Sliwoski’s intellectual property practice and is the coordinator of the firm’s international team. Much of Fred’s practice consists of helping cannabis businesses protect their brands. He also works with entrepreneurs and companies entering the Web3 space, a new frontier for IP law. Prior to joining Harris Sliwoski, Fred worked overseas for more than a decade, in both government and private sector roles. Fred is a regular contributor to the award-winning China Law Blog and Canna Law Blog. Fred began his career overseas as a U.S. consular officer in Guangzhou, China, where he advocated for fairer treatment of American companies and citizens in China and for stronger intellectual property rights enforcement. After entering the private sector, Fred worked at a Shanghai law firm as a foreign legal advisor and later joined one of the oldest American law firms in China, helping foreign companies navigate the Chinese legal environment. He also led the legal team at a Hong Kong-based brand protection consultancy, spending most of his time out in the field, protecting clients against counterfeiters and fraudsters in Greater China, Southeast Asia and Latin America. In addition to his IP work, as a native Spanish speaker, Fred works closely with different Harris Sliwoski teams on Latin America and Spain matters. Fred also provides advice to cannabis industry participants and other businesses on import and export transactions. Fred is an ardent supporter of FC Barcelona—and would be even in the absence of Catalan forebears who immigrated to Puerto Rico in the mid-1800s. Harris Sliwoski Attorney Read more posts [email protected] Read More International Cannabis Law, Recreational Marijuana Related Posts September 25, 2026 DEA Enforcement in a Changing Cannabis Landscape: Rescheduling, Hemp, and What Comes Next September 17, 2026 The Supreme Court May Decide if Cannabis-Related Residency Requirements are Unconstitutional September 16, 2026 A $31.8 Million Cannabis-Related Verdict That a Federal Court Wouldn’t Enforce September 15, 2026 Jason Adelstone Moderates Federal Cannabis Policy Discussion at IgniteIt Denver September 11, 2026 Medical Marijuana in Schedule III Survives Its First Major Challenge September 10, 2026 How to Acquire a Colorado Cannabis License September 4, 2026 The Intoxicating Hemp Products Ban Was Delayed a Month. Now What? 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