Although the demonstration reflects the decriminalization of drug use, the congresswoman used the opportunity to call for support for the "urban peace" initiative.
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NewsMarijuana and Isabel Cristina Zuleta. Photo: iStock / Isabel Zuleta's social media.May 11, 2026 06:53 Updated: May 11, 2026 06:53
Senator Isabel Cristina Zuleta's participation in a marijuana march held last Saturday, May 2, in Medellín, sparked debate due to the statements she made during her speech to the attendees, in which she defended the free development of personality, rejected the persecution of consumers, and called those who participated in the mobilization "heroes." READ ALSO: The congresswoman shared a video of her speech on social media and accompanied the post with a message in which she supported the cannabis movement. "We support the cannabis movement in its march today in Medellín, we have been having massive marches for two days that bother the elite," Zuleta wrote. We support the cannabis movement in its march today in Medellín, we have been having massive marches for two days that bother the elite. Defending freedoms cannot continue to be criminalized. Advancing rights means building peace in our cities. Illegality... pic.twitter.com/TAbu0vkWeI— Isabel Zuleta (@ISAZULETA) May 3, 2026
Defending freedoms cannot continue to be criminalized. Isabel Zuleta, Senator of the Historical Pact. In the same post, the senator stated that "advancing rights means building peace in our cities" and affirmed that "illegality only fuels violence and perpetuates war; persecution is not the solution." She also added: "Regulate, recognize, and respect: that is the way." However, during the speech that appears in the video she herself posted on her X account, Zuleta focused part of her speech on defending individual freedoms and the so-called "urban peace" process. READ ALSO: "We respect freedoms; consumers are not persecuted; that is the proposal of the Historical Pact. You have the free development of personality, which is a right," she said to the attendees. The phrase that generated the most reactions was when she addressed those participating in the mobilization directly. "This march is a source of pride; this march is a source of pride for the country. Feel free to be proud of yourselves; you are making a difference," she said. Photo: Alexis Múnera3. Advances and Obstacles (2024 - 2026): Projects in Congress: the Historical Pact has achieved historic victories in legislative debates (even reaching the 8th debate out of 8 necessary), but it has faced strong opposition from conservative and right-wing parties, which has led to the failure of several projects due to a lack of a few votes or legislative time. Regulation via Decree: Faced with difficulties in Congress, the government has made progress in technical regulations. For example, steps have been taken to facilitate the trade of medicinal cannabis flowers, and efforts have been made to decriminalize administrative aspects of carrying a minimum dose. READ ALSO: 4. Differentiation by use Medicinal: They support the expansion of this industry for export and internal use. Adult use: This is their main political banner in the issue of drugs, seeking a legal and regulated market similar to that of Uruguay or Canada. Industrial (Hemp): They promote the use of the plant for textiles, paper, and food as a productive alternative for the Colombian countryside. Daniela Gutiérrez Munardangut@eltiempo.com @dannagutierrezmnr NEWS Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. NEWSLETERS EL TIEMPO Register for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up-to-date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and consult our journalistic content without limits.