In Colombia, the recreational use of cannabis is currently prohibited, although possession of a minimal amount is allowed, as established by the Constitutional Court. The issue of legalizing cannabis for recreational use was a source of controversy during the administration of Gustavo Petro, even reaching a bill that was rejected in Congress towards the end of the first legislature. However, the issue is still under discussion.
What the ministers say
Interior Minister Luis Fernando Velasco addressed the issue in an interview with Yamid Amat for EL TIEMPO, arguing that cannabis “must be legal and contribute to the generation of wealth”.
The minister also highlighted the potential of this market, not only for Colombia but for the whole world. Regarding consumption and regulation, he explained that the legalization of cannabis does not usually lead to an increase in excessive consumption, citing examples from countries that support this assertion. He mentioned that in Portugal, where marijuana and other drugs were legalized some time ago, consumption has decreased thanks to stricter regulation. He also stressed that regulation reduces overdose deaths.
Velasco also pointed out the paradox of being allowed to carry a minimum dose of cannabis, while its purchase remains illegal, which he said benefits the black market due to the lack of regulation. He explained how regulation can reduce the violence associated with the marijuana trade.
The Minister also presented examples of the cannabis market in the United States, particularly in the states of Colorado and California, where the industry is effectively regulated.
The Minister of the Interior expressed his confidence that the legalization of recreational cannabis in Colombia is only a matter of time and reiterated his commitment to this change. He said he hoped that next year a legislative reform could be carried out that would allow the regulation of recreational cannabis, turning this controversy into a source of income for Colombian farmers and using the taxes collected to treat people affected by more dangerous drugs than cannabis.
He added: “(…) of course taxes will be applied. The revenue generated will be used for the treatment of people affected by other more dangerous drugs. I don’t drink a lot of alcohol and I’ve never tried marijuana, but I know that alcohol causes more harm than cannabis”.
Karma Koala Podcast 247: Speaking with Dr. Natalie Corthésy senior lecturer university of West Indies & Enrico Bonadio professor of law City St George’s University of London about their forthcoming Edward Elgar title, “Intellectual Property and Cannabis”
Stumbling around the latest legal publishing lists for my other legal information website that I publish Practicesource.com I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that Edward Elgar are to publish a standalone title on cannabis and intellectual property next month.
Well researched and written cannabis legal titles are as rare as hen’s teeth and this will be the first title that I’m aware of that has taken a detailed look at the topic.
A quick email to the publishers put me in touch with author – editors, Professor Enrico Bonadio and Dr. Natalie Corthésy who guide us through the why, what and wherefores of the book.
This episode makes especially pleasurable listening as the English language never sounds better than when given to us by an Italian and a Jamaican.
I hope to get them both back sooner rather than later to dig into a bit more detail about specific IP issues popping up around the planet
In the meantime do buy the book and support the publishing house. We need them, now, more than ever.
The Book
This pioneering book explores the relationship between intellectual property (IP) and cannabis. Expert scholars from across the globe reflect on the legal, cultural, and socio-economic significance of cannabis, addressing the difficulties of adapting legal frameworks to this unique and multifaceted product.
Chapters delve into key issues at the intersection of IP and cannabis, from branding and packaging to social equity concerns surrounding the rapid growth of the market. Contributing authors demonstrate the intricate contradictions between positive IP protection and cannabis regulation, drawing on case studies from jurisdictions where the product is legalised to varying degrees, including Canada, Jamaica, Uruguay, and the Netherlands. Covering different plant varieties, moral rights, and links between cannabis and traditional knowledge, this incisive book highlights the challenges of harmonising global cannabis laws while balancing innovation and tradition.
Providing novel interdisciplinary insights into the controversies and complexities of the law surrounding cannabis, this book is an essential read for students and academics in intellectual property law, pharmaceutical law, innovation and economics. It is also an invaluable toolkit for policymakers in governments and tribunals, as well as commercial entrepreneurs.
Edited by Natalie Corthésy, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, Enrico Bonadio, Professor of Intellectual Property Law, The City Law School, City St George’s, University of London, UK and Yentyl Williams, Research Assistant to the Dean, Faculty of Law, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
Publication Date: May 2025 ISBN: 978 1 03532 938 0 Extent: c 384 pp
Learn more and place your order at
Enrico Bonadio is Professor of Law at City St George’s University of London.
He teaches, researches and advises in the field of intellectual property (IP) law.
His current research agenda focuses on the intersection between IP and technology and protection of non-conventional forms of creativity, amongst other topics. He published so far three monographs – (i) ‘TRIPS and genetic resources’ (Jovene 2008); ‘Copyright in the Street – An Oral History of Creative Processes in the Street Art and Graffiti Subcultures’ (Cambridge University Press 2023); (iii) ‘Food, Philosophy and Intellectual Property – 50 Case Studies’ (with Andrea Borghini) (Routledge 2024). He is currently working on his fourth monograph (together with Bryan Khan) entitled ‘Copyright, Litigation and Music Borrowing in Jamaica’ (with Bryan Khan) (Routledge forthcoming 2026).
He is also the editor or co-editor of the following books:
– ‘Intellectual Property and Religions: Confluences of Faith, Ownership and Law’ (edited with Nicola Lucchi and Bryan Khan) (Hart Publishing forthcoming 2026)
– ‘The Cambridge Handbook of Intellectual Property and Generative Artificial Intelligence in Europe’ (edited with Peter Mezei and Eduardo Alonso) (Cambridge University Press forthcoming 2026)
– ‘Street Art and Democracy’ (edited with Siri Egeland) (Routledge forthcoming 2026)
– ‘Cannabis and Intellectual Property’ (edited with N. Corthésy and Yentyl Williams) (Elgar forthcoming 2025)
– ‘The Future of Geographical Indications: European and Global Perspectives’ (edited with A. Zappalaglio) (Elgar forthcoming 2025)
– ‘A Research Agenda for Patent Law’ (edited with N. Shemtov) (Elgar, forthcoming 2025)
– A Research Agenda for EU Copyright Law’ (edited with C. Sganga) (Elgar, forthcoming 2025)
– ‘Non-Fungible Tokens, Creativity and the Law: within and beyond Copyright’ (edited with C. Sganga) (Routledge 2024)
– ‘Music Borrowing and Copyright Law’ (edited with C. Zhu) (Hart Publishing 2023)
– ‘The Cambridge Handbook of Investment-Driven Intellectual Property’ (edited with P. Goold) (Cambridge University Press 2023)
– ‘Intellectual Property Excesses – Exploring the Boundaries of IP Protection’ (edited with A. O’Connell) (Hart Publishing 2022)
Natalie Corthésy is a graduate of The UWI Faculty of Law Cave Hill. She obtained her LLM from University College London and read for her PhD at Queen Mary University of London. She teaches Intellectual Property Law, Advanced Copyright Law, Geographical Indications in the Global market, Employment Law, Industrial Relations Law and Tort Law. She is the Associate Dean of Outreach and Continuing Legal Education and Coordinator of the LLM in IP Law and the Cultural and Creative Industries which she was instrumental in conceptualizing and launching with the assistance of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Dr Corthésy is also a published poet and I’ll be making sure I read her collection
Here she talks about her work
Dr. Yentyl Williams
Trade & IP | Strategist | RA to Dean UWI MonaLaw
Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters associationt Faculty of Law, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus TUTOR IP LAWl Technical Consultant – Trade Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters AssociationJamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association
– Trade Policy and Advocacy
– Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
– Standards, IP, and Non-Tariff Barriers
– Research and Analysis
– Training and Capacity Building
– Reporting and Administration – Trade Policy and Advocacy – Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement – Standards, IP, and Non-Tariff Barriers – Research ane
– Tutor of IP Law to 3rd year Law students (Copyright, Trade marks, Patents).
– Co-develop Geographical Indications LLM course & guest lecture.- Tutor of IP Law to 3rd year Law students (Copyright, Trade marks, Patents). – Co-develop Geographical Indications LLM course & guest lecture.
The most fulfilling part of an MJBizCon presentation is right after the Q&A, when the speaker is met by exuberant and inspired audience members.
Questions are asked, cards are exchanged and the excitement is palpable.
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Cannabis industry experts interested in inspiring their peers and advancing the industry have until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 11 to apply to speak at MJBizCon 2025. Replies will likely go out in May.
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This year’s MJBizCon – the 13th edition – is scheduled for Dec. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Speaking at the world’s largest marijuana business conference and trade show “offers a chance to share insights and strategies that empower others to elevate their businesses
The weekend is for fun, so here are some affordable cocktails to kick back and relax
There has been a buzz about tariffs and the global stock markets are quaking. But most don’t realize at the end of hte day, as people settle down, their favorite cocktails will be hit. Foreign alcohol is significantly impacted by tariffs imposed by the current adminstartion. These tariffs include a 25% levy on all beer imports, additional tariffs on aluminum used in beer cans, and varying tariffs on wines and spirits from different regions. Popular brands such as Guinness stout (produced by Diageo), Italian Campari liqueur, and imported beers like Corona and Heineken are directly affected. Tequila has been on the list, but currently has escaped. To help the wallet and the throat, here are the best tariff friendly cocktails.
What better way to relax than with some good, old-fashioned bourbon. This cocktail combines the rich flavor of barrel aged bourbon with spring treats like strawberries and fresh basil.
Ingredients
¼cupfresh strawberries, cut into chunks
5leavesfresh basil
1tablespoonlemon juice
2teaspoonssimple syrup
3fluid opsbourbon
1/2cupice, or as needed
3fluid ozssparkling water, or as needed
Create
Muddle strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant
Add bourbon and ice
Stir to combine
Top with sparkling water
Hard Ball
After a tough week or if you just want to start the evening off with a different note, consider this cocktail. The story of peanut butter whiskey, most notably Skrewball, begins with Steven Yeng, a Cambodian refugee who, after immigrating to the US, developed a love for peanut butter and later combined it with whiskey to create a popular cocktail at his bar, which eventually led to the creation of the brand in 2018. Skrewball is made in San Diego.
Ingredients
1½ ozsSkrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
4 ozsBerry flavored Hard Seltzer
Create
Combine ingredients in a highball glass
Add ice
Stir and enjoy
American Mule
Vodka’s history is rooted in Eastern Europe, with both Russia and Poland claiming its origins, though the word “vodka” itself is Russian, meaning “little water”. While the exact origins are debated, the earliest written records of vodka-like spirits appear in the 14th century, with the word “wódka” appearing in Polish documents in 1405. But why not put an American spin on it using Tito’s, which is made in Texas, and have a popular American Mule.
This cocktail feels like you are diving directly into summer, skipping spring. The cucumber brings a whole level of freshness. Crisp, cool and completely tariff free.
Ingredients
3cucumber wheels, thickly sliced
1/2ozsimple syrup
2 ozs gin
3/4ozlime juice, freshly squeezed
Cucumber wheel, sliced thinly for garnish
Create
Add the cucumber wheels and simple syrup into a shaker and muddle
Add the gin, the lime juice and ice and shake until well-chilled
