Columbian President Advocates For Cannabis Regulation
"The ban on cannabis has only led to mafia influence and death in Colombia." This statement reflects Colombian President Gustavo Petro's concerns as he questions the rationale behind enforcing prohibition in Colombia while marijuana is accepted in New York.
"The ban on cannabis has only led to mafia influence and death in Colombia."
This statement reflects Colombian President Gustavo Petro's concerns as he questions the rationale behind enforcing prohibition in Colombia while marijuana is accepted in New York.
In a compelling address delivered on March 10 to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Petro advocated for the regulation of cannabis and criticised the prohibitionist approach. He highlighted the "deadly contradiction" between marijuana's legality in the North and the violence it has caused in the South.
Petro challenged the political origins of marijuana prohibition and pointed out the human toll that Colombia has suffered due to a conflict that appears illogical, given the global acceptance of cannabis. He noted that cannabis was banned around the time of the youth protests against the Vietnam War in the 1960s in the United States.
“My nation produces this plant; it was never indigenous to Colombia, yet it became a leading exporter. Today, it faces a ban. However, if you visit New York or other major cities in the United States, it is legal,” he emphasised, highlighting the discrepancy between tolerance in certain regions and outright prohibition elsewhere.
Petro questioned, "Why impose a ban in Colombia when the air in New York is filled with the scent of marijuana?" He stated, “The key question isn't just about New York's aroma, but how many lives were lost in Colombia due to a decision made to outlaw the substance. Why is it no longer prohibited in some places?”
“Prohibition creates organised crime, which in turn results in fatalities and violence. What was the reasoning behind the ban on cannabis? Why was it eventually decriminalised? What about the countless Colombians who tragically lost their lives because of that ban?” Petro inquired during his time in Vienna, where he also spoke with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Together, they discussed trade agreements for Austria to source products from regions where coca farmers are transitioning to legal crops.
Petro implied that the continued prohibition of cannabis is rooted in its association with youth protest culture, particularly in northern countries. He stated that cannabis "should be legalised just like corn." With only a few months remaining in his presidency, Petro has yet to achieve full decriminalisation of cannabis through Congress. Nonetheless, he has consistently advocated for the normalisation of cannabis use.
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Liz Filmer
