Colombia

Overview

Colombia has a historical and complex relationship with cannabis that goes far beyond tourism. The country the world associated with drug trafficking for decades is building one of the largest medical and industrial cannabis sectors on the planet — and tourists can be part of that story.

Since 1994, Colombia's Constitutional Court has protected the right to personal drug use as part of individual autonomy. Since 2016, medical cannabis has been legal and regulated. Colombia is today one of the world's largest exporters of medical cannabis flower to Europe and North America.

But there's a contradiction: all of this system is for export and medical use — there is no regulated recreational market. Tourists expecting to buy in a store will find the informal market, not shops.

Practical summary: In Colombia, you won't be arrested for 20g. But purchasing is informal, quality is variable, and exposure to risky situations can be greater than in destinations with regulated markets. The real attraction is green tourism — visiting licensed cannabis farms is a uniquely Colombian experience.

Legal Status

The "Dosis Mínima" — 20g

Colombia's legal protection is broader than most decriminalized countries:

• Limit: 20g of cannabis (well above Portugal's 2.5g or Germany's 5g)
• Legal basis: Constitutional Court Ruling C-221/1994
• Protection: Users cannot be arrested, prosecuted, or fined for possession within the limit
• Caution: Police may still confiscate even within the limit in some contexts

What happens above 20g? Above the "dosis mínima," the substance is treated as trafficking. Drug trafficking penalties in Colombia are serious — 64 to 108 months in prison.

⚠️ Tourist warning: The 20g safety margin exists, but carrying large quantities even "within the limit" may attract undue police attention. The limit is for protection, not for travel supply.

Medical Cannabis and Colombia's Industry

Colombia is one of the global leaders in medical cannabis exports. What this means for tourists:

Rural and educational tourism:

• Departments of Cauca, Tolima, Meta, and Magdalena have clusters of licensed farms
• Some companies offer educational tours: plant visits, harvest processes, extraction laboratories
• One of the most unique experiences available to visitors — you see cannabis being legally grown at an industrial scale

Companies with tourism operations: The sector is growing, but research reputable companies with licenses from the Ministerio de Salud and ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario).

CBD: Colombian CBD products are high quality and available in health stores, pharmacies, and online. A legal and interesting option for tourists.

Where the Informal Scene Is

Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena have informal cannabis markets. Some practical observations:

Bogotá:

• La Candelaria (historic center) and bar zones in Usaquén and Chapinero have informal presence
• Better quality than smaller cities

Medellín:

• El Poblado and Laureles have a more active scene
• Generally good quality, but greater exposure to risky situations

Cartagena:

• Ciudad Amurallada and Getsemaní — watch for tourist price gouging
• Higher risk of adulterated products

⚠️ Important warning: Colombia's informal market lacks the guarantees of regulated markets. Risks include: adulterated products (mixed with other substances), extortion, scams, selective police attention (especially toward foreigners). Assess risks carefully.

Tips for Tourists

On arrival:

• Never bring cannabis from another country — international trafficking
• Colombia and neighboring countries have police cooperation on drug trafficking

On the ground:

• Always prefer buying from sources you know at least minimally (hostel recommendation, trusted contact)
• Avoid street negotiations in tourist zones — inflated prices, questionable products
• Stay within the 20g limit at all times
• Don't consume in public near children or institutional spaces

Green tourism:

• Research reputable agritourism companies in the cannabis space
• Many farms are in ecotourism regions (Cauca, Coffee Axis)
• Visiting a licensed farm is a way to engage with the industry without legal risk

FAQ

Can I be arrested for having cannabis in Colombia? No, if within 20g for personal use. The Colombian Constitution protects the right to personal use. But police can confiscate and the informal market has its own risks.

Does Colombia have cannabis stores for tourists? No regulated recreational market exists. No legal stores or dispensaries. Medical cannabis is for residents with prescriptions.

Can I visit cannabis farms? Yes — and it's one of the country's most unique experiences. Licensed farm tourism is real and growing.

What's the possession limit? 20g ("dosis mínima") — one of the most generous limits among decriminalized countries.

How does Colombia compare to Uruguay for tourists? In Uruguay, tourists cannot legally buy at pharmacies (residents only). In Colombia, no formal market exists for anyone. Colombia has a larger possession limit (20g) and more informal market openness, but with greater associated risks.