Colombia Becomes Legal Marijuana Producer

After its congress voted to legalize medical marijuana in May, Colombia is turning to the multi-billion dollar medical marijuana industry in attempts to drive job creation in rural areas. On Tuesday, Colombian Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria said that seven companies have applied to manufacture medical marijuana products in Colombia and that there are many more permits available. The Colombian government rarely penalizes the consumption of marijuana, and users are permitted to carry a personal dose of 20 grams. However, producing and selling are still illegal.