Is Weed Legal in Columbia? Everything you need to know

Colombia’s relationship with cannabis is complex, shaped by decades of cultural, legal, and economic shifts. As one of Latin America’s most progressive countries on cannabis policy, Colombia has made significant strides in legalizing medical marijuana and decriminalizing personal use, but the landscape for recreational and commercial use remains nuanced. Whether you’re a traveler planning a visit, a resident seeking clarity, or someone curious about Colombia’s cannabis laws, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the current legal framework, practical considerations, and what the future might hold. From medical marijuana access to the rules for personal possession, here’s everything you need to know about weed in Colombia in 2025.

Overview of Cannabis Laws in Colombia

Cannabis laws in Colombia reflect a balance between progressive reforms and strict enforcement. The country has a long history with cannabis, dating back to colonial times when hemp was grown for industrial purposes. Today, Colombia is recognized for its favorable climate for cannabis cultivation and its evolving legal framework. Here’s a snapshot of the current status:

• Medical Marijuana: Fully legal since 2016 for medical and scientific purposes, with a regulated framework for cultivation, production, and distribution.
• Recreational Use: Partially legal. Possession of up to 20 grams and cultivation of up to 20 plants for personal use are decriminalized, but commercial sale and public consumption remain restricted.
• Industrial Hemp: Legal since 2021 for non-psychoactive cannabis (containing less than 1% THC) used in products like cosmetics, food, and textiles.

These laws stem from a series of legislative milestones, including the 1994 Constitutional Court ruling that decriminalized personal possession of small amounts of drugs, and Law 1787 of 2016, which established a robust medical cannabis program. However, the path to full recreational legalization has faced challenges, with multiple proposals failing in Congress, most recently in 2023. Despite these setbacks, Colombia remains a leader in Latin America for cannabis reform.

Medical Marijuana in Colombia

Medical marijuana has been legal in Colombia since 2016, following the passage of Law 1787, which created a regulatory framework for safe and informed access to cannabis for medical and scientific purposes. The program is overseen by multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Justice and Law, and the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA). Patients with qualifying conditions can access cannabis products through licensed dispensaries or pharmacies, but the process involves specific steps.

How to Access Medical Marijuana

To use medical marijuana in Colombia, patients need a prescription from a licensed physician. The process is similar to obtaining a medical marijuana card in other countries but is tailored to Colombia’s regulations. Here’s how it works:

1. Consult a Physician: Schedule an appointment with a doctor certified in cannabis medicine. Some clinics, like those operated by Khiron Life Sciences, specialize in medical cannabis and offer telemedicine options. Discuss your medical history and symptoms to determine if cannabis is appropriate.
2. Receive a Prescription: If approved, the physician will issue a prescription for cannabis products, specifying the THC and CBD ratios. Prescriptions are typically for processed products like oils, tinctures, or capsules, as raw cannabis flower is not available through medical channels.
3. Purchase from a Licensed Dispensary: Take your prescription to a licensed dispensary or pharmacy. As of 2025, medical cannabis is available in major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, though clinics remain limited compared to other countries.
4. Insurance Coverage: Since 2022, some Colombian insurance providers cover medical cannabis prescriptions, making it more affordable for registered patients.

Qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Colombia include chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD, among others. Physicians can also recommend cannabis for conditions not explicitly listed if they believe it will benefit the patient. I always recommend going for a Medical Marijuana Card to streamline access to medical cannabis, though in Colombia, a prescription serves a similar purpose. Services like Kif Doctors can connect patients with licensed physicians for virtual consultations, making the process more accessible.

Challenges in Accessing Medical Marijuana

Despite legalization, accessing medical marijuana in Colombia can be challenging. The country’s medical cannabis program is still developing, with only a few clinics and dispensaries operational. For example, Bogotá’s first medical cannabis clinic opened in 2020, and by 2025, the network remains limited, particularly outside major cities. Additionally, finding a doctor willing to prescribe cannabis can be difficult, as some are hesitant due to stigma or lack of training. Patients may also face high costs if their insurance does not cover cannabis products.

Recreational Cannabis: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

Recreational cannabis in Colombia exists in a gray area. While personal use and cultivation are decriminalized, commercial activities are strictly prohibited. Here’s a detailed look at what’s permitted and what’s illegal:

• Possession: Since 1994, possessing up to 20 grams of cannabis for personal use is decriminalized. This means you won’t face criminal charges for carrying small amounts, but police may confiscate the cannabis if you’re caught in public.
• Cultivation: Growing up to 20 cannabis plants for personal use is decriminalized, as established by a 2015 Supreme Court ruling. However, plants must be grown in private spaces, like your home, and cannot be sold or distributed.
• Public Consumption: In 2019, the Constitutional Court overturned a ban on public cannabis consumption, ruling that it violates personal freedoms. However, public use is still frowned upon, and police may intervene if you’re smoking near schools, parks, or other sensitive areas.
• Commercial Sale: Buying or selling recreational cannabis is illegal and can result in criminal prosecution. This includes any activity deemed “commercial,” such as gifting large quantities or operating an unlicensed dispensary.

For tourists and residents, these rules mean you can legally possess and grow small amounts of cannabis for personal use, but you must be cautious. Police in Colombia have significant discretion and may search individuals suspected of carrying drugs, especially in tourist areas. Carrying cannabis in hidden pockets or small containers is advisable to avoid attention, but never travel with it across borders or through airports, where enforcement is strict.

Industrial Hemp and CBD Products

Colombia legalized industrial hemp in 2021, allowing the cultivation and processing of non-psychoactive cannabis (less than 1% THC) for products like cosmetics, dietary supplements, and textiles. CBD, derived from hemp, is legal and widely available in pharmacies, health stores, and online retailers. Unlike THC-based products, CBD does not require a prescription and is not subject to the same restrictions. Common CBD products include oils, creams, and edibles, often marketed for wellness purposes like stress relief or sleep improvement.

The industrial hemp industry has attracted significant investment, particularly from Canadian companies, due to Colombia’s low production costs and ideal growing conditions. However, the domestic market for hemp products is still emerging, with most production geared toward exports.

Practical Tips for Tourists

If you’re visiting Colombia and wondering how to navigate its cannabis laws, caution and respect for local customs are key. Here are some practical tips to stay safe and compliant:

• Avoid Public Consumption: While technically legal, smoking cannabis in public can attract unwanted attention from police or locals, especially in conservative areas. Stick to private spaces like your hotel or Airbnb, ensuring good ventilation to avoid complaints.
• Don’t Buy on the Black Market: Purchasing recreational cannabis from street dealers is illegal and risky. You could face scams, robbery, or arrest. Instead, consider growing your own plants (if staying long-term) or obtaining medical cannabis with a prescription.
• Know Your Limits: Carry no more than 20 grams of cannabis to stay within decriminalized limits. If stopped by police, remain polite and cooperative, as bribery and extortion are reported in some tourist areas.
• Check Local Attitudes: Younger Colombians, especially in cities like Medellín and Bogotá, are generally open-minded about cannabis, but older generations may view it negatively due to the country’s history with drug trafficking. Be discreet to avoid judgment.
• Avoid Airports and Borders: Never attempt to bring cannabis into or out of Colombia. Airports have strict security, including drug-sniffing dogs, and international trafficking carries severe penalties.

For medical cannabis users, contact a licensed clinic or physician before your trip to arrange a prescription. Services like Dr. Rocio Vargas in Medellín offer telemedicine consultations for medical marijuana prescriptions, which can be filled at licensed dispensaries.

The Future of Cannabis Legalization in Colombia

Colombia is at a crossroads in its cannabis policy. Efforts to legalize recreational cannabis have gained momentum, driven by President Gustavo Petro’s administration, which sees legalization as a way to boost the economy and reduce the influence of criminal organizations. In 2024, a new proposal to regulate recreational cannabis passed its first debate in the Senate, aiming to legalize production, distribution, and sales for adults. However, the bill faces seven more debates and significant opposition from conservative lawmakers, making its success uncertain.

If passed, Colombia would join Uruguay, Mexico, and Brazil as one of the few Latin American countries with legal recreational cannabis. Proponents argue that legalization could generate billions in revenue, create jobs, and redirect police resources to more pressing issues. Critics, however, cite concerns about increased youth access and the challenges of regulating a new market in a country with a history of drug-related violence.

The medical cannabis industry also faces hurdles. Despite attracting over $500 million in foreign investment since 2017, regulatory delays, expensive licensing, and a lack of domestic market development have led to closures of nearly 50% of cannabis companies by 2023. A 2024 measure requiring companies to destroy old inventories further strained the industry, but reforms like the export of dried cannabis flowers have boosted competitiveness in global markets.

Cultural and Historical Context

Colombia’s cannabis culture is deeply rooted, from the cultivation of “Colombian Gold,” a famous sativa strain from the Santa Marta mountains, to its association with the drug trade in the 1970s and 1980s. The country’s history with cartels, particularly Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Cartel, cast a shadow over cannabis, linking it to violence and crime. However, younger generations are reshaping perceptions, embracing cannabis as a cultural and medicinal resource.

In cities like Medellín, cannabis-friendly spaces like “420-friendly” coworking areas and social clubs are emerging, reflecting a shift toward acceptance. Starting July 2024, cannabis social clubs were permitted to cultivate cannabis collectively for non-commercial use, further normalizing personal use. Despite this progress, stigma persists, particularly among older Colombians who associate cannabis with the country’s turbulent past.

FAQs About Cannabis in Colombia

Is recreational cannabis legal in Colombia?

Recreational cannabis is partially legal. Possession of up to 20 grams and cultivation of up to 20 plants for personal use are decriminalized, but buying, selling, or distributing recreational cannabis is illegal.

Can tourists use medical marijuana in Colombia?

Yes, tourists can access medical marijuana with a prescription from a licensed Colombian physician. Contact a cannabis clinic before your trip to arrange a consultation.

What happens if I’m caught with more than 20 grams of cannabis?

Possessing more than 20 grams can be considered drug trafficking, leading to criminal charges and potential jail time. Always stay within decriminalized limits.

Is CBD legal in Colombia?

Yes, CBD products derived from hemp (less than 1% THC) are legal and available without a prescription in pharmacies, health stores, and online.

Can I bring cannabis into Colombia?

No, bringing cannabis into Colombia is illegal and carries severe penalties. Airport security is strict, and drug trafficking is heavily prosecuted.

Conclusion

Colombia’s cannabis laws offer a mix of opportunity and complexity. Medical marijuana is fully legal, providing relief for patients with qualifying conditions, while recreational use is decriminalized for personal possession and cultivation, though commercial activities remain prohibited. Tourists and residents can navigate this landscape by staying informed, respecting local customs, and adhering to legal limits. As Colombia continues to debate full recreational legalization, its progressive policies and ideal growing conditions position it as a potential leader in the global cannabis industry.

Whether you’re seeking medical cannabis, exploring personal use, or simply curious about Colombia’s evolving laws, understanding the rules is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. For medical cannabis users, services like Kif Doctors can simplify the process through virtual consultations. For the latest updates, check official sources like the Colombian Ministry of Health or news outlets like Reuters covering cannabis policy.