Colombia’s Medical Cannabis Industry Sees Rapid Growth and Expanding Adoption

The therapeutic cannabis industry in Colombia consolidated its expansion during the last year, registering a sustained growth of between 25% and 35%.

According to figures from the Colombian Observatory of the Cannabis Industry (OCIC), 24.5% of the national population has already used medicinal or cosmetic products derived from this plant, marking a change in the perception and adoption of these therapies within the integrative health system.

This surge is due to a combination of technical factors, including the stabilization of the regulatory framework and greater openness from the medical community in Colombia.

According to industry reports, the issuance of medical prescriptions increased by up to 35%, driven by the dissemination of scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for the treatment of specific conditions. This growth has allowed the country not only to meet domestic demand but also to strengthen its export channels to Europe and North America.

Cities leading the demand for medical cannabis in Colombia

The sector’s growth has been driven primarily by the human drug segment, which reported a 30% increase.

The willingness of healthcare professionals to incorporate these derivatives into their clinical protocols marked a milestone in 2025, registering an increase of between 28% and 35% in the issuance of medical prescriptions, explains Juan Romero, CEO of Carmen’s Medicinals.

Regarding patient preferences, oils solidified their position as the most popular product, capturing 78% of total sales. Their versatility in treating conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and sleep disorders has been key to their widespread adoption.

Geographically, consumption shows a marked concentration in Colombia’s major urban centers:

Bogotá: Leads the market with 40% of the national share.
Medellín: Registers 20% of the quota.
Cali: It ranks third with 15%.

Caribbean Coast: Reaches 10%, largely influenced by the boom in medical tourism and the region’s clinical infrastructure.

The report also highlights significant adoption in socioeconomic strata three and four, where usage rates of 37.8% and 36.1%, respectively, are recorded.

Medicinal cannabis: projections for 2026

For next year, projections indicate growth exceeding 20%, supported by product diversification and the implementation of new technologies.

“The driving force behind this progress will be the diversification of our offerings, with the introduction of new presentations such as isolates of different cannabinoids, dried flower for medicinal purposes, and advanced topical applications. Furthermore, digitalization and telemedicine will play a fundamental role in market expansion, facilitating prescription and patient follow-up in intermediate regions where adoption is still in its early stages,” stated the executive from Carmen’s Medicinals.

The sector anticipates the introduction of advanced formats, such as specific cannabinoid isolates and dried flower for medicinal purposes, which will broaden the spectrum of treatments available to patients.

A key pillar for expansion in 2026 will be telemedicine and digitalization. These tools will facilitate prescription and medical follow-up in intermediate regions of the country, where access to specialized clinics is still limited.

Likewise, the integration of international certifications seeks to position Colombia as a global benchmark, not only in production, but also in clinical research applied to critical areas such as oncology, neurology and palliative care.

__

(Featured image by Stephen Cobb via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in noticiasrcn. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us.