Best Cannabis Lawyers in Mocoa

About Cannabis Law in Mocoa, Colombia

Cannabis in Mocoa follows the national legal framework of Colombia, with some local rules about use in public spaces. In Colombia, carrying a small amount for personal use has been decriminalized by court decisions, but it is not fully legalized. Police may seize small quantities in public and issue administrative fines. Medicinal and scientific use is legal and highly regulated through licenses. Cultivation, production, distribution, and sale without the proper licenses remain criminal offenses.

Mocoa is the capital of Putumayo, a border department with active policing of drug related crimes. Local authorities can regulate where and when consumption is allowed in public places, and they coordinate with national agencies on licensing and enforcement. Anyone living in or visiting Mocoa should understand both national rules and any municipal restrictions before possessing or consuming cannabis.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are stopped by police with cannabis, if you are cited for consuming in a restricted public area, or if you face criminal charges for possession above the personal dose, distribution, or trafficking. A lawyer can evaluate whether the stop, search, or seizure was lawful and protect your rights during questioning and any court process.

People who wish to work with medical or industrial cannabis in Mocoa often need legal help to obtain cultivation or manufacturing licenses, to comply with health and agricultural regulations, and to manage issues like land use, environmental permits, security plans, and product registrations. Businesses also seek help with contracts, investment, corporate setup, labor policies, tax compliance, and intellectual property.

Patients and caregivers may need advice on how to access medical cannabis legally, how to carry prescribed products, and how to handle issues at work, in housing, or at school. Landowners and landlords may need counsel on what is permitted on their property and how to respond to complaints or inspections. Indigenous communities and projects near indigenous territories may require guidance on prior consultation and coordination with indigenous authorities.

Local Laws Overview

Personal dose. Colombia does not criminally punish possession of a small amount of cannabis for personal use, consistent with Constitutional Court rulings. The classic benchmark for marijuana has been up to 20 grams as a personal dose. Although this quantity is not a criminal offense by itself, police can confiscate drugs and issue administrative fines in public spaces under the National Police Code and later regulations. Local authorities in Mocoa can enforce these rules and may set additional limits on consumption in certain areas.

Home cultivation for personal use. Colombian case law has recognized tolerance for limited home cultivation for personal consumption, often discussed in terms of up to 20 plants. This is jurisprudential and enforcement can vary. Cultivation connected to sale, distribution, or exceeding personal use can lead to criminal investigation. Anyone considering cultivation should consult a local lawyer, as outcomes depend on facts and evolving jurisprudence.

Public consumption. The National Police Code restricts consumption of psychoactive substances in certain public spaces, especially around schools, parks, and places frequented by minors. Courts have limited absolute bans, but municipalities may establish rules for specific zones, times, and conditions. In Mocoa, expect active enforcement in family areas and near schools. Violations can lead to confiscation and fines even when the amount is a personal dose.

Criminal offenses. Trafficking, distribution, and carrying above the personal dose are crimes under the Penal Code and can lead to significant prison terms, higher if minors are involved or if other aggravating circumstances apply. Selling or supplying cannabis without a license is illegal regardless of amount.

Driving. Driving under the influence of drugs is prohibited and can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, and criminal liability if there is an accident. Police can conduct sobriety and impairment checks.

Medical cannabis. Law 1787 of 2016 and later decrees regulate the medical and scientific use of cannabis. Licenses are required for cultivation and manufacturing. Patients may access registered products or magistral preparations with medical prescription, subject to health regulations. Carrying prescribed medical products is permitted, but carrying raw flower without proper authorization is a risk.

Industrial and non psychoactive cannabis. Non psychoactive cannabis in Colombia is generally defined by a 1 percent THC threshold on dry weight. Industrial activities like fiber or seed production and certain derivatives are regulated and require licenses and registrations. Product categories such as cosmetics, foods, and supplements must comply with health, labeling, and advertising rules before commercialization.

Business compliance. Licenses are issued by the Ministry of Justice for cultivation and by health and agricultural authorities for seeds and derivatives. Businesses must comply with quotas where applicable, security and traceability requirements, good manufacturing or agricultural practices, and environmental rules. In Putumayo, environmental permitting and oversight commonly involve the regional environmental authority for the Amazonian area.

Borders and travel. It is illegal to take cannabis across Colombian borders even if you have a medical prescription. Airports and border checkpoints enforce strict drug laws. Foreigners in Colombia are subject to the same rules as Colombians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recreational cannabis legal in Mocoa

No. Colombia has decriminalized possession of a small personal dose, but recreational sale or distribution remains illegal. Public consumption is restricted and can lead to confiscation and fines. Criminal penalties apply to trafficking and possession above the personal dose.

How much cannabis can I carry without facing criminal charges

The personal dose for marijuana has been recognized as up to 20 grams. Possession at or under that amount is not a criminal offense on its own, but police can still seize it and fine you in public spaces. Amounts above the personal dose can lead to criminal investigation.

Can I grow cannabis at home in Mocoa

Colombian jurisprudence has recognized tolerance for limited home cultivation for personal use, often discussed as up to 20 plants. However, this is not a blanket authorization, and outcomes can depend on circumstances and local enforcement. Cultivation linked to sale or distribution is illegal. Consult a local lawyer before planting.

Where can I consume cannabis

Consumption is generally prohibited near schools, parks, and other places frequented by minors. Municipal rules may further restrict public consumption or designate specific areas. Private property use is subject to landlord, condominium, or community rules and nuisance laws.

What happens if police find me with a personal dose in public

Police can seize the substance and issue an administrative fine under the National Police Code. You should present your identification and remain calm. Do not obstruct the procedure. You have the right to respectful treatment and to challenge an improper fine.

Can I drive after consuming cannabis

No. Driving under the influence of psychoactive substances is prohibited. Penalties include fines, license suspension, vehicle immobilization, and potential criminal consequences if there is an accident or injury. Plan safe transportation instead.

How do I legally access medical cannabis in Colombia

You need a medical evaluation and a prescription for a registered product or a magistral preparation. Dispensing must comply with health regulations. Self cultivation for medical use without the appropriate authorizations is risky. Carry your prescription and proof of the product’s origin if questioned.

Are CBD products legal in Mocoa

CBD products derived from non psychoactive cannabis are regulated. Before sale, they must meet the legal THC threshold, be produced by licensed entities, and obtain any required health registrations and labeling approvals. Unregistered products sold online or informally can lead to enforcement actions.

Can foreigners possess cannabis while visiting Mocoa

Yes, foreigners are subject to the same rules as Colombians. Possession up to the personal dose is decriminalized but still subject to seizure and fines in public spaces. Never attempt to cross borders with cannabis, and follow local restrictions on consumption.

What should I do if I am accused of trafficking

Remain silent about the facts until you speak with a lawyer. Request legal counsel immediately. Do not consent to searches beyond what is legally required. A defense lawyer can challenge the legality of stops and searches, the handling of evidence, and the classification and weight of substances.

Additional Resources

Personería Municipal de Mocoa. Local ombudsman office that can guide residents on rights, complaints, and access to public defense services.

Defensoría del Pueblo Regional Putumayo. National human rights ombudsman with a regional office that provides legal orientation and protection of fundamental rights.

Fiscalía General de la Nación Seccional Putumayo. The prosecutor’s office that investigates and prosecutes crimes, including drug related offenses. Victims and accused persons can obtain procedural information.

Policía Nacional Estación Mocoa. Local police station for reporting incidents and clarifying Police Code procedures, fines, and seizure protocols.

Ministerio de Justicia y del Derecho - Dirección de Política de Drogas y Actividades Relacionadas. National authority for cannabis licensing and policy for medical, scientific, and industrial activities.

INVIMA - Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos. Health regulator for registration and control of cannabis based medicines, magistral preparations, food, supplements, and cosmetics.

ICA - Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario. Agricultural authority that oversees seeds, cultivation standards, and phytosanitary controls for cannabis crops.

Corpoamazonia. Regional environmental authority for Putumayo that handles environmental permits and oversight for agricultural and industrial projects that affect natural resources.

Alcaldía de Mocoa and Secretaría de Gobierno Municipal. Municipal authorities for public space regulations, Police Code enforcement, and local administrative procedures.

Cámaras de Comercio del Putumayo. Business registry and advisory services for company formation, compliance, and formalization of cannabis related businesses.

Next Steps

Clarify your situation. Write down what happened, when and where, who was present, and any interaction with authorities. Keep copies of tickets, seizure records, prescriptions, and product labels.

Do not discuss facts publicly. Avoid posting details on social media or messaging groups. Anything you say can be used against you in an investigation.

Consult a local lawyer early. Look for a defense attorney if there is a risk of criminal charges, or a regulatory lawyer if your issue involves licensing or compliance. Ask about experience with cannabis matters in Putumayo.

Prepare documents. Bring your identification, any medical prescriptions, product purchase records, property or lease documents if relevant, and any correspondence with authorities. For businesses, prepare corporate documents, standard operating procedures, and compliance records.

Assess goals and risks. Discuss with your lawyer whether to challenge a fine, seek dismissal, negotiate, or pursue licensing or regulatory approvals. Ask for a clear plan, timeline, and estimate of costs.

Follow compliance steps. If you operate or plan a cannabis venture, map required licenses, health registrations, environmental permits, security and traceability obligations, and internal policies. Engage with authorities proactively and keep meticulous records.

This guide is informational only and not legal advice. Laws and local rules change frequently. For specific guidance in Mocoa, consult a qualified Colombian lawyer who can evaluate your facts and provide tailored counsel.