In Colombia, cannabis has a nuanced legal framework that has evolved significantly over recent decades. Since 2016, cannabis has been fully legal for medicinal purposes, allowing its cultivation, processing, distribution, and commercialization under strict regulation. This has fostered a growing pharmaceutical and research industry. Subsequently, in 2021, the legislation expanded to include its industrial use, opening the door to the production of hemp and other non-psychoactive derivatives for various sectors like textiles, food, and construction.

However, cannabis for recreational purposes maintains a partially legal status. Since 1994, self-cultivation for personal consumption, possession, and consumption of minimal doses have been decriminalized by decisions of the Constitutional Court, recognizing them as part of the right to free personal development. Despite this, the commercialization of recreational cannabis remains illegal. This creates a peculiar situation where consumption is permitted but its acquisition through formal channels is prohibited, thus continuing to fuel the illicit market.
