Colombia President Signals His Support for Bill That Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Medical use of marijuana has taken a step closer to reality in Colombia after President Juan Manuel Santos revealed his support for the bill that will legalize medical use of marijuana in the country.

The ruling Liberal Party proposed the measure for a vote in the current session of the Colombian Congress, which opened July 20.

Drug Abuse | Drug Addiction | Substance Abuse - Overview
The use of Drugs for reasons other than its prescribed recommendation, is known as Drug abuse or substance abuse. Drug abuse or substance abuse is initiated by various biological and social factors.

"We look favorably on the initiative on the medical and therapeutic use of marijuana," Santos said, during a forum on the country's drug policies.

He said the measure was both a "compassionate" response to pain experienced by patients with terminal illnesses, and a way to remove criminals as the middlemen.

The consumption and sale of marijuana is prohibited in Colombia, but the South American country decriminalized possession of up to 20 grams of cannabis in 2012.

Impact of Drug Abuse on Health and Society
Drug abuse is a negative social trend that pushes youth to drug addiction in the pretext of getting psychological effects like excitation.

Colombia produces marijuana but is better known as the world's largest exporter of illegal cocaine.

Juan Manuel Galan, the author of the bill, said it would be debated in September.

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Drug abuse during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the mother as well as the fetus. It is advisable to stop usage of illicit drugs well before pregnancy.

Santos said the "war on drugs," first launched in the 1970s by US president Richard Nixon, has failed.

But he said "Colombia will not act unilaterally" in making changes in policy.

"It is a global problem and the application of a new focus likewise should be the fruit of a global consensus," he said.

Source-AFP