Colombia authorizes the export of dried cannabis flower for medicinal purposes. According to Thomson Reuters, while Colombia has been hailed as a pioneer in regulating the possession, production, distribution, commercialization and export of seeds, plants and substances derived from cannabis - like oils, creams and extracts for medicinal purposes - investors have long complained about what they say is a tortuous export-approval process.

Decree 811 of 2021 allows the flower that enter free trade zones to be cut, dried and perform processing, packaging and repackaging activities.

The objective is that cannabis in the country is not only used for pharmaceutical and scientific purposes, but also to enhance the industry as a whole. The endorsement of this Decree is aligned with the increase of cannabis licenses approvals, which increased about 79% during the first four months of 2021.

"This means Colombia can enter to play a big role in the international market," Duque said after signing the decree, adding the new rules would allow Colombia's cannabis industry to expand into food and drinks, cosmetics and other sectors.