Sourcing cannabis and cannabis oil can be complex — but it doesn’t have to be.
In addition to considering Canadian regulations and laws, Canadian cannabis companies and investors must evaluate the legal framework of the countries from which they source their cannabis.
NuSierra, which proudly cultivates and extracts cannabis oil in Colombia, has undertaken the legwork to ensure its Canadian partners are knowledgeable of Colombia’s legal framework. We want companies and investors who have a stake in cannabis in Canada to feel confident investing in high-quality Colombian cannabis and cannabis oil.
International Law: The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961
When it comes to exporting and importing cannabis, it’s important to understand both domestic and international regulation. The United Nations’ Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 has 186 signatory nations, including both Canada and Colombia. Part of the treaty allows for member nations to regulate the cultivation, manufacture, and import/export of cannabis for strictly medical purposes.
When this treaty was ratified in 1961—and amended in 1972—public perception of cannabis was quite different than today. At that time, few studies had shown the effectiveness of cannabis as medicine, or investigated the effects of personal use. In the past few years, prohibitions around the study of cannabis have loosened, and a new body of research emerged supporting the beneficial effects of medical cannabis.
And, for the first time ever, a World Health Organization (WHO) committee is currently reviewing the status of cannabis’ scheduling under the UN Single Convention. This WHO review is a prerequisite for any change to the treaty. Preliminary reports prepared by the WHO include positive findings for the use of medical cannabis, and specifically include findings derived from the use of cannabis extract-based products.
NuSierra is committed to keeping our partners and clients informed on any pertinent changes in international regulation. The industry is dynamic and rapidly evolving. We’re here to support and guide you through the process.
Colombian Cannabis Law: Decriminalization and Legalization
In 2016, Colombia implemented a legal framework for the regulated cultivation and manufacture of medical cannabis for domestic use and for exportation. In addition, the government of Colombia identified the cultivation of medical cannabis as an important source of legitimate income for farmers and a potential boost to the national economy.
Colombia maintains a strict system to regulate the production of medical cannabis rivaling those found in the US and Canada. Colombian regulators require complete tracking and auditing of medical cannabis from “seed to sale;” at every step in the cultivation and production process, producers must track and report how cannabis plants and products are handled, transported, altered, or manufactured. A full suite of standard operating procedures for security, cultivation, extraction, testing, and transportation must be implemented. Every batch of medical cannabis or cannabis extract must be tested for purity at an accredited laboratory, and must meet strict thresholds for pesticides and contaminants.
I’ve seen just about every regulation that can be implemented upon medical cannabis, good and bad. Colombia’s regulatory requirements are among the strongest in the world. They are well thought-out and allow medical cannabis companies to operate efficiently while also meeting the highest standards of product safety.
-Joseph Wright, NuSierra Co-Founder & Former Director of the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program
In addition, Colombia holds the world’s largest quota for the production of medical cannabis from the UN’s International Narcotics Control Board—the agency tasked with enforcing the UN Single Convention. In 2018, Colombia requested and received a quota of 40.5 tonnes, totalling 44 percent of authorized world production.
Sourcing Colombian cannabis is a wise move for Canadian cannabis companies and investors. Colombia’s geography makes it an ideal growing location. Its vicinity to the equator means the country is temperate year-round, allowing for constant growth and cultivation. Labor costs for growing, harvesting, and making cannabis products are competitive in the world marketplace.
Working Within Colombia’s Cannabis Laws
To ensure we meet both Colombian and Canadian regulations, we go above and beyond the law. NuSierra is committed to ethical business practices that comply with Colombian law and benefit the Colombian economy. As part of our promise to our partners, we ensure the highest standard in cannabis oil production, utilizing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and environmentally-sound production process.
We have quality controls in place at every step of the growing, harvesting, and extraction process. In addition, we use objective third-party to testing to ensure that our products meet international pharmaceutical standards.
NuSierra monitors all legislation that may impact our clients and partners, keeping them informed of any changes in the Colombian cannabis industry that may affect their business.
About NuSierra
From the Sierra Nevada mountains to your dispensary, NuSierra connects Colombian cannabis oil to the global marketplace.
NuSierra’s medical cannabis is grown-naturally by horticulturists and master growers in the sunny heartland of Colombia. We partner with companies who sell cannabis in Canada, providing them with the highest-quality cannabis oils on the market.
If you’re in a legal medical Cannabis market and able to import cannabis, contact us to learn how we can help you grow your business.
