Cannabis consumption in public legalized in Colombia
The Colombian Constitutional Court has decided to reject the government's request to ban public drug and alcohol consumption, a flagship measure of the current administration.
Drugs and alcohol can still be consumed in public.
The Court is formal: the police code, which came into force in 2017 and was made a pillar of President Ivan Duque's anti-drug policy last year, contravenes the constitutional rights of the Colombian people. As a result, citizens will still be allowed to consume drugs and alcohol in public.
This court decision is highly significant: it means that people remain free to smoke marijuana and drink beer in public, in accordance with the constitution and despite insistent demands from the Colombian government.
The current president, Ivan Duque, stated that he "accepted and respected the decision, but that it would violate the rights of children."
"Freedom of personality development is not superior to the free determination of drug addiction," he continued.
The Constitutional Court repudiates President Duque.
Nevertheless, President Duque insisted that the police would continue to confiscate drugs and sanction those transporting them, even if these doses are light and considered for personal use.
Duque justified himself: "I accept and respect the rules, but as president of Colombia, I will not rest for a minute to rid the streets, public parks, and school districts of drugs. We will resolutely fight this crime in every corner of the country."
The Constitutional Court's response is clear: "The consumption of alcohol and drugs is a fundamental right of Colombians that cannot be restricted or suppressed by the authorities, according to the court. The decision is yet another against Duque, who has barely been able to implement his right-wing agenda during his first year in power due to resistance from Congress and the Court."
