What Does the New U.S.-Colombia Holistic Counternarcotics Strategy Entail?

The White House has recently announced a new comprehensive strategy as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to enhance U.S.-Colombia relations. This strategy focuses on counternarcotics and reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between the two countries.

In line with this new strategy, the Colombian Government (GOC) has established a rigorous regulatory framework for the cultivation and production of hemp and cannabis. This framework necessitates that producers in Colombia obtain specific authorizations for the cultivation of non-psychoactive cannabis. A significant development in Colombia’s cannabis industry is the commencement of medical cannabis sales to patients through designated pharmacies, a move expected to bring substantial changes in the sector.

A study has revealed differing trends in marijuana use among students in Colombia, with male students reporting higher lifetime usage (39.0%) compared to their female counterparts (24.2%). Additionally, 27.1% of past-year marijuana users show patterns of abuse or dependence. This information is crucial in understanding the social dynamics surrounding marijuana use in Colombia.

The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Colombia in 1822, post its independence from Spain. Colombia, a middle-income country, is one of Latin America’s oldest democracies. The U.S. and Colombia share goals of promoting security, prosperity, and democratic governance in the region.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) plays a pivotal role in this partnership. INL’s mission is to keep Americans safe by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. It supports countries in strengthening their legal systems, which in turn helps reduce crime and control illegal drug trafficking.

Legal reference materials relating to Colombia are available, providing insights into statutory collections, case reporters, current regulations, and secondary sources. These materials are instrumental in understanding the legal landscape in Colombia.

The global trend towards the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana is mirrored in the U.S., with countries like Canada, Colombia, the Netherlands, and Spain adopting similar policies. States in the U.S. that have passed medical marijuana laws prior to 2010 tend to allow possession of larger quantities and have more lenient regulations for medical marijuana users.

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a mixture of dried flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves from the Cannabis sativa plant. Its main compounds include THC, which is psychoactive, and CBD, which is not. Marijuana can be consumed in various forms, including smoking, edibles, and infusions.

For more detailed information, visit the White House’s announcement on the U.S.-Colombia counternarcotics strategy, the 2021 Colombia Hemp Annual Report, and the research study on marijuana use among Colombian students.