Cannabis Policy Split In Latin America: Costa Rica Halts Legalization While Colombia Pushes Ahead With Recreational Weed

Two Latin American countries, Costa Rica and Colombia, are taking significantly different paths in their approach to cannabis legalization, as reported by Spanish-language media outlet El Planteo. While Costa Rica faces legislative roadblocks that have led to a shift in focus from full legalization to domestic cultivation, Colombia is making a determined push toward legalizing adult-use cannabis.

Costa Rica’s Legislative Hurdles In Cannabis Legalization

Two years ago, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves announced an ambitious plan to legalize recreational cannabis. The proposal was intended to reduce crime and boost fiscal revenues through taxation. However, the bill faced significant opposition, culminating in a majority vote against it in the Environment Commission and a looming plenary session that might shelve the initiative entirely.

In 2022, Chaves articulated his vision. "I proposed a law to Congress to legalize marijuana; today it is illegal. And those who consume it, sell it, traffic it, are breaking the law, they are criminals," according to El Observador. Despite this bold stance, the legislative process stalled, leading Chaves to express his frustration: "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," he lamented, adding, "they [lawmakers] have already issued their opinion."

In view of this opposition and prospect that the initiative could be shelved, Chaves dropped the push for full legalization, acknowledging the overwhelming resistance in the Assembly.

Despite these setbacks, the bill received backing from Manuel Morales of the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD) who stressed the economic benefits of legalization. "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."

New Focus: Domestic Cannabis Cultivation In Costa Rica

While the initial proposal for full legalization faced insurmountable obstacles, another legislative initiative is moving ahead. Bill 24.176 seeks to authorize and regulate domestic cannabis cultivation for personal use. Deputy Ariel Robles has been a vocal proponent of this approach, noting that home cultivation protects users’ health and safety.

He stressed the importance of protecting the "health of users, their human rights, and even their safety by guaranteeing a legal alternative to acquire this substance, keeping them away from the illegal drug market." The legal framework in Costa Rica prohibits cultivation with commercial intent, as outlined in Article 58 of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Colombia's Persistent Push For Cannabis Legalization

In contrast to Costa Rica's challenges, Colombia is on the brink of a significant shift regarding cannabis. Nearly 50 congressmen in the House of Representatives have signed a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis, spearheaded by Liberal congressman Juan Carlos Losada. The initiative has garnered broad support from the Historic Pact, Green Alliance and other political parties.

The goal is to amend Article 49 of the Constitution, lifting the ban on use, possession and commercialization. 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 emphasis on education and prevention among minors, reported El Espectador.

Colombia has been a strong advocate for legalization, with President Gustavo Petro championing the end of prohibition and the “failed” war on drugs. "It's time for a change in our approach to cannabis," Petro has stated, signaling a shift towards a more progressive drug policy stance.

As Costa Rica grapples with legislative hurdles and shifts its focus to domestic cultivation, Colombia forges ahead with a robust push toward comprehensive cannabis legalization. These contrasting approaches underscore the diverse strategies and challenges faced by countries in Latin America as they navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation.

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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