Dried Cannabis Flower Now Available in Pharmacies for Medical Use

Published on October 31, 2025

A Landmark Decree Expands Access

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — In a significant step forward for medical cannabis, the Colombian government has authorized the sale of dried cannabis flower in pharmacies for the first time, marking a pivotal expansion of the country's therapeutic program. Decree 1138 of 2025, signed on October 28, allows pharmacies to dispense flower as a finished product for human and veterinary medical use under prescription, building on the 2016 legalization of medical cannabis. This move aims to enhance patient access while bolstering local small producers, though it stops short of recreational legalization amid ongoing congressional debates.¹

Key Details of Decree 1138: From Extracts to Flower

Prior to this decree, Colombia's medical cannabis framework—established by Law 1787 of 2016—limited domestic sales to processed derivatives like oils, extracts, and capsules, with dried flower restricted to exports. The new regulation changes that, enabling flower sales in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription, subject to strict quality controls and traceability from "seed to sale."²

• Priority for Small Producers: For the first two years, only micro, small, and medium-sized Colombian enterprises can supply the domestic market, fostering inclusion and economic opportunities for local farmers.³
• Medical and Veterinary Use: Flower can be prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety, with veterinary applications for animal health.¹
• Regulatory Safeguards: Products must undergo lab testing, labeling, and dosing guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy, aligning with international standards.²

Julián Wilches, founder of Clever Leaves—a major Colombian exporter—and former director of drug policy at the Ministry of Justice, noted the market's nascent stage: "We're regulating a very small market, with only about 1,000 patients accessing treatments—0.002% of the potential population."¹ This underscores the decree's focus on gradual, informed growth.

Broader Context: Medical Momentum Meets Recreational Push

Colombia's cannabis sector has boomed since 2016, positioning the country as a global exporter with $10.8 million in medical sales in 2023, primarily to markets like Germany and Australia.⁴ The decree supports this by extending sell-by dates for extracts and promoting domestic innovation, but recreational reform remains on the horizon.⁵

Two constitutional amendment bills for adult-use legalization advanced in the Chamber of Representatives in September and October 2025, introduced by the Liberal Party and coalition partners.⁶ President Gustavo Petro, a vocal advocate, recently urged U.S. President Donald Trump to legalize cannabis exports during a tense diplomatic exchange over U.S. military actions against Colombian drug boats, stating, "Legalize the export of cannabis just like any good."⁷ Petro has long argued that prohibition fuels violence, pushing for full legalization to reduce illicit trade and generate revenue.⁸

Despite decriminalization of personal possession since 1994, recreational sales remain illegal, with a 2024 Senate bill falling one vote short—setting up a potential 2025 retry.⁹

Implications for Patients, Producers, and the Global Market

For patients, the decree means easier access to versatile treatments, potentially lowering costs and improving outcomes for the estimated 1,000 current users.¹ Small farmers stand to benefit most, with the two-year exclusivity clause shielding them from multinational competition and injecting funds into rural economies.³

Globally, Colombia's reforms could solidify its role as a low-cost producer, exporting to emerging markets in Europe and Latin America.¹⁰ However, challenges persist: a 2025 study in the Journal of Illicit Economies and Development highlights the need for context-specific adult-use regulations to curb armed group involvement in illicit grows.¹¹

Industry experts like Arthur de Cordova of Ziel predict a "new green chapter," with Colombia poised to lead Latin American cannabis tourism and innovation if recreational legalization follows.¹²

Looking Ahead

As Decree 1138 takes effect, Colombia's cannabis landscape evolves from export powerhouse to domestic health asset. With recreational bills gaining traction and international pressure mounting, 2025 could be transformative. Yet, balancing medical access with anti-violence goals will test policymakers.

Conclusion

Colombia's pharmacy flower authorization is a win for patients and producers, inching the nation toward equitable reform. Does this signal full legalization soon? Share your views below.

Follow Colombia's Ministry of Health for implementation updates.

References

1. EL PAÍS América Colombia, "Colombia autoriza la venta de cannabis medicinal en farmacias," October 29, 2025. Link
2. EL PAÍS América Colombia, "Las claves del Decreto 1138 de 2025: ¿cómo funcionará la venta de cannabis medicinal en las farmacias de Colombia?," October 31, 2025. Link
3. Marijuana Moment, "Hemp dispute threatens bill to end federal shutdown (Newsletter: October 30, 2025)," October 30, 2025. Link
4. MJ Biz Daily, "Colombia cannabis exports reach $10.8M; sell-by dates extended," April 1, 2024 (updated 2025). Link
5. CannaIntelligence, "Colombia: Market and legal data analysis of the cannabis sector," 2025. Link
6. Respect My Region, "Cannabis in Colombia Is Entering A New Green Chapter," October 12, 2025. Link
7. Marijuana Moment, "Trump pushed to legalize cannabis by Colombian president (Newsletter: October 28, 2025)," October 28, 2025. Link
8. International CBC, "Colombia's President Calls For Cannabis Legalization," March 3, 2025. Link
9. Leafwell, "Is Marijuana Legal in Colombia?" Updated October 3, 2025. Link
10. Business of Cannabis, "Colombia Emerging as a Global Supplier of Cannabis," October 29, 2024 (updated 2025). Link
11. Journal of Illicit Economies and Development, "Transitioning to Legality: How to Regulate the Adult Use Cannabis Market in Colombia," July 22, 2025. Link
12. Respect My Region, op. cit.