BOGOTA, (Reuters) – Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos yesterday signed a decree that legalizes medical marijuana, a move he says does not weaken the government’s fight against illicit crops and drug trafficking. The decree allows therapeutic use of marijuana, Santos said.
“Allowing the use of marijuana does not go against our international commitments to control drugs or against our policy of fighting drug trafficking,” Santos told reporters after signing the decree.
Growing, distributing and selling cannabis remains illegal. The South American country suspended spraying of illicit crops this year, citing cancer concerns related to the herbicide glyphosate.
Current law allows possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana or 20 marijuana plants for personal use. A recent study showed 11.5 percent of Colombians have used marijuana at least once.
