Colombia lifts ban on cannabis exports but does not yet authorize them

After more than two years technical discussions between industry representatives and the national government, the executive finally issued a decree that will eventually allow the sector to export dried cannabis flower.

This new decree amends Decree 613 of 2017, on Safe and Informed Access to the Medical and Scientific Use of Cannabis (Acceso seguro e informado al uso médico y científico del Cannabis), and is considering a number of changes, including more stringent controls and the possibility of more licenses.

Regarding the removal of the ban on the export of dried cannabis flower, the government stresses the importance of a «scientific debate to determine under what conditions and for what purposes this activity should be carried out, always bearing in mind medical and scientific objectives». Exports will therefore only be authorized upon publication of the future rules.

In the same vein, the decree also indicates that it will authorize the dispensing of cannabis-based magistral preparations in pharmacies, facilitating patient access to these medicines.

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Tougher licensing requirements, the creation of a license for the manufacture of non-psychoactive derivatives, the removal of the ban on advertising with the plant component and the extension of license validity from 5 to 10 years are also part of the new decree.

At the same time, measures have been developed to protect and strengthen small and medium-sized producers, such as allowing the purchase of non-psychoactive cannabis from small producers.

«We have the means to compete in the market: we have rules, an environment, knowledge and talent, and I want to tell everyone in the industry that thanks to their contributions and discussions with the National Narcotics Fund, the Ministers of Justice, Health, Agriculture and Trade, Colombia has eliminated the ban on exporting dried flowers, which means entering the international market in a big way,» said Iván Duque, President of the Republic.