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Colombia President Signs Order Legalizing Medical Cannabis

December 22, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Colombia President Juan Manual Santos signed an executive decree today legalizing the cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis. The move comes a little over a month after Santos said he would sign the decree, and just two weeks after the nation’s Senate gave approval to medical cannabis legalization legislation.

The new law, which will establish a regulatory framework for licensed cultivation centers and dispensaries, represents “a major step that put Colombia at the vanguard and forefront of the fight against illnesses,” Santos said during the order’s signing ceremony.

Colombia Senate Approves Bill to Legalize Medical Cannabis

December 14, 2015December 14, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Just a month after Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos announced that he would soon sign an executive decree to legalize the possession and cultivation of medical cannabis, the nation’s Senate has beat him to the punch, voting 46 to 6 to pass legislation that would legalize medical cannabis, including establishing a system of licensed cultivation centers and dispensaries.

“Cannabis inhibits nausea, helps recovering appetite and quality of life; it relieves from pain,” Senator Juan Manuel Galan, the bill’s primary sponsor, said after the vote. “Today, the patients won.”

Colombia to Legalize Cultivation and Sale of Medical Cannabis Through Executive Order

November 28, 2015November 12, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Colombia will soon legalize the cultivation and distribution of medical cannabis through an executive decree made by President Juan Manuel Santos, according to the Associated Press.

The new law will establish a regulatory system for everything from licenses for growers and retailers to establishing rules for export of products made from cannabis.

According to Senator Juan Manuel Galan, 400,000 Colombians currently suffer from epilepsy and other ailments and other ailments that could be benefited from the use of cannabis.

Justice Department: DEA Agents had ‘Sex Parties’ with Prostitutes Paid for by Drug Cartels

March 27, 2015March 27, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

By John Bresnahan and Lauren French, Politico.com

Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly had “sex parties” with prostitutes hired by drug cartels in Colombia, according to a new inspector general report released by the Justice Department on Thursday.

In addition, Colombian police officers allegedly provided “protection for the DEA agents’ weapons and property during the parties,” the report states. Ten DEA agents later admitted attending the parties, and some of the agents received suspensions of two to 10 days.

Colombia Senate Committee Approves Legislation to Legalize Medical Cannabis

November 12, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Legislation to allow for the medical use of cannabis has been approved with a 13 to 2 vote by a Colombia Senate committee. The proposal, which is supported by President Juan Manuel Santos, now heads toward a full Senate vote.

If approved into law, the proposal – put forth by Senator Juan Manuel Galán – would legalize the possession, use and private cultivation of cannabis for those who receive a recommendation from a physician. The proposal would also allow for dispensaries, which would provide patients with safe access to the medicine.