Colombian House Committee Approves Cannabis Legalization Bill Advancing Reform Efforts

Colombia has taken a significant step toward legalizing adult-use cannabis, with the First Committee of the House of Representatives passing a sweeping legalization bill. The measure, championed by Rep. Alejandro Ocampo, now moves to the full chamber for further debate and, if successful, will continue to the Senate for additional votes. This legislative push follows years of debate and failed attempts to reform Colombia’s cannabis policies, marking renewed momentum for advocates of legalization

The proposed legislation seeks to create a regulated market for cannabis from seed to sale, aiming to keep marijuana off the streets and under strict oversight. Ocampo emphasized the importance of regulation in a social media statement, saying, “We’re going to keep marijuana off the streets so that it can only be sold in places where you have to show your ID, have a permit, and have a license.” The bill also aims to benefit vulnerable groups, including farmers, indigenous, and Afro-Colombian communities who have long been associated with cannabis cultivation

If enacted, the law would permit adults over 18 to purchase up to 20 grams of cannabis flower and 5 grams of concentrates per day, subject to a 20 percent sales tax. Personal cultivation would be allowed up to 20 plants per individual, and non-profit cannabis clubs could grow up to 200 plants for their members. Notably, the legislation includes provisions for expunging past cannabis convictions and releasing affected individuals from incarceration, underscoring its focus on restorative justice

A core feature of the bill is its support for marginalized communities. At least half of all legally distributed cannabis would be required to come from crops grown by ethnic and peasant associations, and 70 percent of cultivation licenses would be reserved for these groups. The legislation also restricts cannabis advertising to minimize youth exposure and mandates government-led awareness campaigns about potential harms, reflecting a public health-oriented approach

President Gustavo Petro has been a vocal advocate for cannabis reform, criticizing prohibitionist policies and urging lawmakers to embrace regulation as a tool to combat illegal trafficking and violence. He has repeatedly called for a shift away from the failed drug war model, even urging international partners, including the United States, to reconsider their approach. "We’re going to regulate everything from seed to finished product," Ocampo reiterated, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the proposed changes

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, Colombia’s legislative progress could signal a turning point for cannabis policy in Latin America. By centering social equity and restorative justice, the bill sets a potential model for the region and beyond. Observers will be closely watching the upcoming debates in the full House and Senate to see if Colombia can finally achieve the cannabis reform that has eluded it in past sessions