In a significant Senate vote on Tuesday, Colombia’s proposed constitutional amendment to legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use was unsuccessful.
The amendment, backed by President Gustavo Petro’s administration, fell short with only 47 favorable votes out of the 90 senators present.
According to the Colombian constitution, a minimum of 54 votes is required for a constitutional reform to be enacted.
María José Pizarro, one of the advocates for the unsuccessful reform, expressed concern over the decision’s implications.
She stated that it could contribute to the persistence of criminal activities and maintain an ineffective prohibition policy.
The amendment’s primary objective was to establish a legal market for recreational marijuana.
Marijuana consumption is decriminalized in Colombia, but its sale is limited to medical purposes.