Cannabis Policy Split In Latin America: Costa Rica Halts Legalization While Colombia Pushes Ahead With Recreational Weed
Two Latin American countries, Costa Rica and Colombia, are taking significantly different paths in their approach to cannabis legalization, as reported by Spanish-language media outlet El Planteo. While Costa Rica faces legislative roadblocks that have led to a shift in focus from full legalization to domestic cultivation, Colombia is making a determined push toward legalizing adult-use cannabis.
Costa Rica’s Legislative Hurdles In Cannabis Legalization
Two years ago, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves announced an ambitious plan to legalize recreational cannabis. The proposal was intended to reduce crime and boost fiscal revenues through taxation. However, the bill faced significant opposition, culminating in a majority vote against it in the Environment Commission and a looming plenary session that might shelve the initiative entirely.
In 2022, Chaves articulated his vision. “I proposed a law to Congress to legalize marijuana; today it is illegal. And those who consume it, sell it, traffic it, are breaking the law, they are criminals,” according to El Observador. Despite this bold stance, the legislative process stalled, leading Chaves to express his frustration: “The Assembly has so much to do with crime, now with Crucitas, and they have already shelved it, so if they can’t handle the small starters, why …