In what could be the country's stance in softening policies against drug possession and sale, Colombia has now made it legal for medical marijuana.
In a televised announcement, President Juan Manuel Santos shared that he has already signed a decree that now allows its people to grow, export, possess, and import marijuana, also known as cannabis, and all its derivatives but only for medical use and scientific research and purposes.
The president went on further to hail the move as putting itself at the forefront of establishing marijuana as potential medicine. A number of recent studies have shown that cannabis can be used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as seizure or epilepsy. Some also pointed out on its effectiveness in managing and preventing pain, as well as treating serious illnesses such as cancer.
To fully take advantage of the opportunity, however, interested parties have to secure a license from the National Narcotics Council. It's still unclear what the possible requirements will be.
Colombia isn't the first Latin country to provide marijuana leniency as Chile and Mexico had already eased their restrictions. Further, the country has already exercised loose regulations on medical marijuana as early as 1986, although it wasn't fully regulated until today.
The country has also ceased the spraying of glysophate on coca farms used to grow cannabis due to the chemical being possibly carcinogenic, as reported by World Health Organization. Colombia is planning to give tracts of land to affected coca farmers.
The move was significant in terms of foreign and drug policy. Colombia has long been viewed as a staunch ally of the United States against drug production and trafficking. An example is Plan Colombia, an initiative between US military and the Colombian government to fight insurgents and drug cartels.
The United States has also been funneling aid to Colombia for the same reason. In 2006 alone, the former gave more than $630 million in military and police support and $138 million for social and economic aid.