While Colombia has been infamous as a major player in the illegal drugs trade due to its production of illicit marijuana and cocaine, the country is slowly but steadily making its mark as a major player on the international market for medical marijuana, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Currently, Colombia has a number of farms that are dedicated to cultivating medical marijuana for the export market. Some of the most significant destinations for this medical marijuana are Canada, the UK and many other countries around the world.
The BBC World News report points out that many nations around the world are legalizing the use of medical marijuana. Such laws are fueling the global demand for medical marijuana products, and Colombia is stepping up to meet that demand.
According to Rodrigo Arcilia (President Colombia Cannabis Association), the country has a number of factors working in its favor as the cultivator of choice for medical marijuana. For example, the country has 12 hours of sunlight each day. This provides favorable growing conditions for the plant throughout the year. This is unlike other countries which have to rely on indoor grow facilities powered by expensive grow lights.
Additionally, Colombia has cheap land that can be used for growing marijuana. The cost of agricultural land in some locations, such as Florida, is very high and this makes it hard for companies to access large tracts of land that they can devote to growing marijuana. Colombia doesn’t have such problems.
There is an abundant supply of skilled and semi-skilled labor in Colombia. Growing marijuana can be a labor-intensive undertaking, so affordable labor is critical for a successful operation. Colombia checks this box as well.
These factors may explain why there are 25 medical marijuana companies in Colombia already growing the plant. Clever Leaves, one of these 25 companies, has already created more than 500 jobs to Colombians.
However, many employees in this legal industry reveal that they have had to deal with the stigma arising from the country’s reputation as a source of illicit drugs. These employees say that they are mistaken for people working for drug lords and some have been forced to be less forthcoming about what they do for fear of the discrimination that could be directed their way.
Analysts wonder what suggestions industry players like VPR Brands LP (OTCQB: VPRB) and Wildflower Brands Inc. (CSE: SUN) (OTCQB: WLDFF) would have for helping Colombia to shed its reputation as a home of drug cartels in favor of a more positive one as a country helping to provide medical marijuana to the people who badly need it around the world.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com