Colombian Minister of Foreign Relations Maria Angela Holguin said that the legalization of marijuana in California would cause Colombia to “rethink” its policy against drugs.
Holguin said that Colombia would continue the fight against drugs, but the outcome of California’s referendum would effect the country’s approach to future drug policy. According to El Tiempo the minister has also said that Colombia’s new seat on the United Nations Security Council could be “a good place” to begin a “worldwide discussion” on drug policy.
On Saturday, President Juan Manuel Santos acknowledged that the new law could affect Colombia’s fight against drugs. He argued that it would be impossible to explain to a Colombian farmer why cultivating the drug is illegal while consumption of it is now legal in California. Santos added that he believes legalization will increase consuption of the drug.
Holguin and Santos are meeting Monday with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and a delegation from the U.S. to launch the U.S.-Colombia High-Level Partnership Dialogue. According to W Radio Steinberg said he will discuss the potential legalization of marijuana with Santos and emphasize that the two countries must continue to work together to fight drugs.
The state of California will vote on legalizing the sale, transport and consumption of marijuana on November 2.