Colombia’s Cannabis Exports Expand As President Petro Presses Congress To Legalize Recreational Marijuana
In the lead-up to a pivotal debate in the Colombian Congress, President Gustavo Petro has once again urged lawmakers to legalize the adult use of cannabis. As Infobae reported, the call comes as Colombia strengthens its position as a global leader in cannabis exports, recently expanding its market reach to 12 countries, including the latest addition of North Macedonia.
Petro’s Push For Legalization
Petro’s appeal to Congress was made via a post on social media, where he highlighted the nation’s increasing success in the international cannabis trade. “We have now exported cannabis to 12 countries,” Petro noted, before making a direct plea to lawmakers. “Congress can now take the step to legalization to take advantage of the global market and substantially improve the trade balance.”
The Colombian president further stressed the potential domestic benefits of legalization, particularly in regions like Cauca, where illegal cannabis cultivation has fueled violence and territorial disputes. According to El Tiempo, Petro suggested that legalizing the crop could lead to improved security conditions in these areas by eliminating the illicit markets that drive conflict.
Get Benzinga’s exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter