Costa Rica and Colombia, two Latin American nations, are taking divergent paths in their quest to legalize cannabis, as reported by El Planteo, a Spanish-language media outlet. While Costa Rica's efforts have been hampered by legislative obstacles, prompting a shift from full legalization to domestic cultivation, Colombia is making a strong push to legalize adult-use cannabis.
Expressing his frustration with the legislative process, Chaves remarked, "The Assembly has so much to do with crime, now with Crucitas, and they have already shelved it, so if they can't handle the small starters, why should we keep bringing them more challenges? A person who can't walk 100 meters can't run 10 kilometers." Acknowledging the overwhelming opposition in the Assembly, Chaves abandoned the push for full legalization.
Despite these setbacks, the bill garnered support from Manuel Morales of the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD), who emphasized the economic benefits of legalization, stating, "We have a market of $120 million annually just from marijuana consumption, which today in Costa Rica is legal. What is illegal is acquiring the product, so it has to be obtained through drug traffickers, which is dangerous for consumers."
As an alternative, Bill 24.176 aims to authorize and regulate domestic cannabis cultivation for personal use. Deputy Ariel Robles has been a strong advocate for this approach, emphasizing that home cultivation safeguards users' health and safety by providing a legal alternative to the illicit drug market. However, the legal framework in Costa Rica, as outlined in Article 58 of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, prohibits cultivation with commercial intent.
The initiative seeks to amend Article 49 of the Constitution, lifting the ban on the use, possession, and commercialization of cannabis. Under this bill, licensed use of marijuana and its derivatives would be permitted for adults over 18, with restrictions on sales near schools and a strong focus on education and prevention among minors, as reported by El Espectador.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has been a vocal proponent of legalization, advocating for an end to prohibition and the "failed" war on drugs. "It's time for a change in our approach to cannabis," Petro has declared, signaling a shift towards a more progressive drug policy stance.
As Costa Rica navigates legislative hurdles and shifts its focus to domestic cultivation, Colombia forges ahead with a strong push towards comprehensive cannabis legalization. These contrasting approaches highlight the diverse strategies and challenges faced by Latin American countries as they navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation.
Costa Rica's Legislative Hurdles and New Focus on Domestic Cultivation
In 2021, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves unveiled a bold plan to legalize recreational cannabis, aiming to curb crime and boost tax revenues. However, the proposal encountered significant resistance, culminating in a majority vote against it in the Environment Commission and the looming possibility of the initiative being shelved entirely in a plenary session.Expressing his frustration with the legislative process, Chaves remarked, "The Assembly has so much to do with crime, now with Crucitas, and they have already shelved it, so if they can't handle the small starters, why should we keep bringing them more challenges? A person who can't walk 100 meters can't run 10 kilometers." Acknowledging the overwhelming opposition in the Assembly, Chaves abandoned the push for full legalization.
Despite these setbacks, the bill garnered support from Manuel Morales of the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD), who emphasized the economic benefits of legalization, stating, "We have a market of $120 million annually just from marijuana consumption, which today in Costa Rica is legal. What is illegal is acquiring the product, so it has to be obtained through drug traffickers, which is dangerous for consumers."
As an alternative, Bill 24.176 aims to authorize and regulate domestic cannabis cultivation for personal use. Deputy Ariel Robles has been a strong advocate for this approach, emphasizing that home cultivation safeguards users' health and safety by providing a legal alternative to the illicit drug market. However, the legal framework in Costa Rica, as outlined in Article 58 of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law, prohibits cultivation with commercial intent.
Colombia's Determined Push for Cannabis Legalization
In stark contrast to Costa Rica's struggles, Colombia is on the verge of a significant shift in its approach to cannabis. A bill to legalize adult-use cannabis, spearheaded by Liberal congressman Juan Carlos Losada, has garnered the support of nearly 50 congressmen in the House of Representatives, spanning various political parties, including the Historic Pact and Green Alliance.The initiative seeks to amend Article 49 of the Constitution, lifting the ban on the use, possession, and commercialization of cannabis. Under this bill, licensed use of marijuana and its derivatives would be permitted for adults over 18, with restrictions on sales near schools and a strong focus on education and prevention among minors, as reported by El Espectador.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has been a vocal proponent of legalization, advocating for an end to prohibition and the "failed" war on drugs. "It's time for a change in our approach to cannabis," Petro has declared, signaling a shift towards a more progressive drug policy stance.
As Costa Rica navigates legislative hurdles and shifts its focus to domestic cultivation, Colombia forges ahead with a strong push towards comprehensive cannabis legalization. These contrasting approaches highlight the diverse strategies and challenges faced by Latin American countries as they navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation.
