Colombian President Renews Call for Cannabis Legalization

LOS ANGELES-Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called on Congress to legalize cannabis cultivation as part of an effort to reduce the violence associated with drug trafficking in the country. Petro argues that the prohibition of cannabis has contributed to rising criminal activity and that regulation could serve as a tool to combat cartel influence.

Petro’s appeal comes in the wake of the arrest of Namoussi Mounir, known as ‘Mou,’ who is suspected of being a key link between the Balkan Cartel and Latin American drug traffickers, including Colombia’s most powerful criminal group, the Clan del Golfo. The president stated that the existence of cartels stronger than those seen in the era of Pablo Escobar highlights the failure of prohibition policies and the need for new strategies.

Since 2016, Colombia has allowed cannabis for medical use, but efforts to legalize its recreational use have repeatedly stalled in Congress. Petro emphasized that while his administration remains committed to fighting drug trafficking through law enforcement, legalizing cannabis could serve as a complementary approach to reducing violence.

Beyond cannabis, Petro has also suggested reconsidering the prohibition of coca leaf use for purposes other than cocaine production. He proposed its potential applications in food and fertilizers as part of an effort to offer legal economic alternatives to illicit coca cultivation.

This renewed push for cannabis legalization reignites debate over Colombia’s long-standing drug policies. While some lawmakers and experts see legalization as a step toward undermining illegal drug markets and boosting the economy, others remain concerned about the public health and security implications.