The Colombian government on Tuesday opposed a proposal to hold a referendum on drug legalization in the country.
Justice Minister Ruth Stella Correa assured that for now the government will not be backing up proposals on avenues towards drug legalization that were discussed last week.
On Friday, Inspector General Alejandro Ordoñez, a staunch opponent of legalization, launched a proposal to hold a national referendum in which Colombians decide whether or not the consumption of drugs in the country should be legalized.
Correa rejected the idea, saying that there is no room for such proposals when Colombia has maintained a clear policy of fighting drug use. The official explained that paths to legalization can only change after studies have been made of the potential outcome.
However, Colombia has been changing its outlook towards drug consumption since Santos’ administration took office in August 2010. Following a court order, Congress decriminalized the carrying of small amounts of drugs for personal use and by determining drug use as a mental health issue, paved the way for drug addicts to be granted medical insurance to beat their habit.