Colombia is taking another significant step in the development of its medical cannabis industry. New regulations are intended to both simplify the export of cannabis products and improve access for patients domestically. In doing so, the South American country is positioning itself more emphatically as an international player within the rapidly growing market for medicinal cannabis.
New export procedures
An important part of the changes is the further development of foreign trade procedures. Through the Colombian VUCE system (Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior), permits and controls for the export of seeds, plants, extracts, and other cannabis products are being further streamlined.
For producers, this means more clarity regarding which documents, permits, and approvals are required to export products to international markets. Companies focusing on Europe, in particular, can benefit from this.
Medicinal cannabis flowers via the pharmacy
In addition, Decree 1138 of 2025 ensures that medicinal cannabis flowers can be made available to patients with a valid prescription through pharmacies under certain conditions. With this, Colombia is shifting further towards a pharmaceutical model in which quality, control, and patient safety are central.
The new regulations must professionalize the domestic market and at the same time strengthen Colombia's international competitive position.
Focus on the European market
Colombia boasts favorable climatic conditions, relatively low production costs, and a growing group of certified producers. Combined with the new regulations, many companies want to focus on exporting to markets where the demand for medicinal cannabis continues to grow, such as Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
In addition, increasing emphasis is placed on full product traceability and compliance with international quality standards, including EU GMP certification. These standards are essential for companies wishing to supply medicinal cannabis to European patients.
International competition is increasing
With the latest regulations, Colombia demonstrates its ambition to further develop into one of the most important export countries for medicinal cannabis. As more and more countries modernize their regulations, international competition is also increasing. Producers will therefore have to distinguish themselves not only on price, but above all on quality, certification, and reliability.
Source: Drugs Inc. Colombia
