In the first committee of the Senate, the discussion on the regulation of cannabis for adult use, or use of recreational cannabis in Colombia, began. The cards are on the table; the National Government supports the regulation of cannabis for adult use, while parties, such as the Democratic Center and the Conservative, argue principles and values to oppose the reform promoted by the representative to the Chamber Juan Carlos Lozada.

Senator María José Pizarro Rodríguez, Historical Pact Coalition, rapporteur of the initiative, said that the benefits of the legal cannabis market would allow the country to earn more than 400 million dollars per year, and would generate around 17 jobs per hectare of marijuana planted, in addition to other prerogatives, namely: Take away the business of traffickers and reduce crime; protect consumers by controlling products; generate education and prevention programs; generate safe and special protection environments for children; generate comprehensive public health programs; regulate and promote the economy of medicine and alternative uses, and correspond to court rulings.

For his part, the Minister of the Interior, Luis Fernando Velasco, said that the legalization of the trade of cannabis for recreational use is another way to combat crime and the multimillion-dollar profits generated by criminal organizations dedicated to this business.

On the other hand, Senator Paloma Valencia, Democratic Center, and Senator Germán Blanco, Conservative Party, agreed in their arguments, noting that they did not agree with the initiative because they considered it a gateway for greater addictions and public health problems, and the violation of their moral values.

Congresswoman Pizarro Rodríguez emphatically replied that it is precisely prohibitionism that has given corrupting power to those who illegally exploit the marijuana business in our country.