The Future of Medical Cannabis in Colombia: Regulation, Access, and Market Growth

The future of medical cannabis in Colombia: regulations and legal access. Medical cannabis has gained relevance, with 21% of the population willing to use it for therapeutic purposes, according to data from Statista Consumer Insights.

In Bogotá, the Ministry of Health indicates that 20% of reported consumption is exclusively for medical purposes. However, the purchase of these products must comply with strict regulations that guarantee their quality, safety, and efficacy.

Requirements for acquiring medical cannabis in Colombia

According to Juan Romero, CEO of Carmen’s Medicinals, legal access to medical cannabis products in Colombia requires a prescription issued by a healthcare professional. “The physician must evaluate the patient’s condition and determine whether the use of cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), is appropriate for their treatment,” he explains.

The supply of these medications is regulated by the Colombian health system, allowing patients to receive them through their EPS or IPS when prescribed for conditions covered by current regulations. This legal framework seeks to guarantee safe access to treatments and prevent the indiscriminate use of products without medical backing.

Product certification and quality

To ensure consumer safety, medical cannabis products must be certified by the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA). This certification confirms that the products have been evaluated and meet the quality and safety standards established by national and international regulations.

A key aspect when purchasing these products is verifying the Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which certifies that they have been manufactured under strict quality standards. It is also essential to check the product label to determine the exact concentration of THC and CBD, as each compound has different therapeutic applications. It is also recommended to verify that the medication includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which details its composition and guarantees its authenticity.

Security and traceability in purchasing

Regulatory compliance not only allows for safe access to medical cannabis, but also protects consumers from adulterated or uncertified products. To ensure proper treatment, it’s advisable to verify the traceability of the medication, meaning it includes clear information about the manufacturer, batch code, and expiration date.

Industry experts recommend purchasing these products only from authorized pharmacies and drugstores. Purchasing medical cannabis from unregulated establishments carries a high risk, as products may be sold without health certification or quality assurance.

Expansion of the medical cannabis market in Colombia

The growth of the medical cannabis sector in Colombia has driven the emergence of new companies seeking to establish themselves in the national and international markets. According to a report from the Ministry of Justice, the medical cannabis industry represents a significant opportunity for the country’s economy, generating jobs and investment in key sectors such as healthcare and biotechnology.

The future of medical cannabis in Colombia depends largely on regulatory compliance and consumer education about its responsible use. Implementing policies that promote market transparency and product quality oversight will be key to the sustainable development of this industry.

__

(Featured image by Alejandro Alfaro M 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 America retail. 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