Colombia: When Will Cannabis Flower Sales Begin?

The legalization of medical cannabis in Colombia in 2016 has been a significant step towards providing patients with access to therapeutic options. However, the sale of dry cannabis flower has been restricted, leaving a gap in therapeutic options. A new draft decree aims to change this, but the timeline for implementation remains uncertain.

The new decree, submitted for public consultation, would allow the sale of dry cannabis flower in Colombia, both as a personalized compounded preparation and as a finished product available in pharmacies. This change would be a significant victory for patients who have waited more than seven years for access to dry flower, which is known for its immediate therapeutic effects.

However, the road to implementation won't be quick. After the public consultation, reviewing the comments will take a few months. Following this phase, the decree will go through the presidential administrative department for a final review before being sent to the president for signing. Even after this review, there is no set deadline for the president to sign the decree.

The lack of solid scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of inhaling cannabis flower has been a recurring issue in the discussion. Some well-known doctors have stated that there isn't enough technical rigor or scientific evidence to support the efficacy and safety of inhaled flower. These concerns are not unique to Colombia, as the global medical community continues to debate the potential adverse effects of inhaled cannabis.

So, when will patients be able to access cannabis flower in Colombia? Although public consultation ended on October 4, 2024, estimates suggest that the sale of dry flower in pharmacies could take between a year and a half to two years. The fastest scenario would be for Invima, the regulatory body, to update the Guide to Good Manufacturing Practices for Cannabis-Based Compounded Preparations to include dry flower. Compounded formulations, which require a less rigorous process than finished products, are likely to be the first step in the market.

The progress in this decree reflects the political will of President Gustavo Petro, who has pushed for drug policy reforms since taking office. With the political will believed to be there, the industry is moving forward. However, the delay in legalization of cannabis flower may impact the Colombian cannabis industry's growth and competitiveness in global markets.