Colombia Emerging as a Global Supplier of Cannabis

Arthur de Cordova, the CEO & Co-Founder of Ziel, an international cannabis and agricultural microbial control solutions company, tells Business of Cannabis how Colombia is making major steps towards solidifying its foothold in the European cannabis market, and across the globe. 

Global opportunities in the cannabis industry are at an all-time high, with markets in the European Union, the United States, Latin America, and Canada all maturing and experiencing significant growth.

As these markets evolve, the standardisation of regulations for imports and exports is expected to streamline the global cannabis trade.

Major exporters of medical cannabis, such as Colombia, are in a position to become early market leaders by complying with the regulations of nations that currently rely on international imports due to limited or no domestic production capabilities.

Colombia’s Emergence as a Key Cannabis Player

Since legalizing medical cannabis in 2016, Colombia has rapidly developed its production and distribution capabilities.

This advancement accelerated the establishment of regulatory processes needed for exporting cannabis, especially after the country lifted its ban on the export of dried cannabis flower in 2021.

This regulatory shift marked a pivotal moment for the country’s cannabis industry, presenting a significant opportunity for Colombia to influence the global market by becoming a leading export hub.

Colombia’s environment is ideal for large-scale outdoor cultivation, offering 12 hours of daily sun year-round which allows for multiple cannabis harvests annually.

Additionally, labor and land are more economical in Colombia than in places like Europe and the US, positioning the country to emerge as one of the world’s foremost low-cost suppliers.

In order to export to a growing number of countries, Colombia is adhering to regulations that are standard across Europe for producing organic cannabis.

Colombian growers seeking to export to the over 20 European countries that have legalised medical cannabis, including Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Ireland, must follow EU GACP (Good Agricultural and Collecting Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines for growing and manufacturing, and adhere to microbial limits established by the European Pharmacopoeia.

By implementing these standards, Colombia is prepared to meet the rising demand for cannabis across the EU, signaling rapid and continuous growth for Colombian cannabis exports. Consequently, international investment in Colombia’s cannabis industry has continued to expand, with a focus on exporting to Europe and Australia.

In Germany, wholesale importers favor cannabis treated with non-ionizing radio frequency over ionizing radiation due to the added burden of registering products treated with ionizing radiation (AMRadV which can lead to an 8-12 month approval process).

Moreover, consumer preferences are also driving demand for products not treated with ionizing radiation (X-Ray, gamma, E-beam). With a focus on low-cost outdoor cultivation and influxes of international investment, Colombian growers are poised to meet the increased demand for non-ionized, organically treated cannabis in Europe.

Colombia’s focus on adhering to global standards hints at a promising future where quality and consumer safety are guaranteed in every harvest worldwide.