A survey of 147 Colombian adults found that the most common response to proposed tobacco and marijuana control policies was indifference, with only small minorities consistently favoring or opposing regulation.
People interested in public attitudes toward cannabis regulation, especially in Latin American contexts.
36-37% of Colombians expressed no opinion on substance control policies
What the researchers found
Three positions emerged for each substance: generally unfavorable regardless of policy (22% tobacco, 17% marijuana), depends on regulation level (18% tobacco, 22% marijuana), and always favorable regardless of policy (23% tobacco, 25% marijuana). The largest group (37% tobacco, 36% marijuana) expressed no opinion at all.
Why it matters
Drug control policies can only succeed with public understanding and support. This study reveals that in Colombia, the predominant public response to both tobacco and marijuana control policies is indifference, suggesting that policy effectiveness may be undermined by public disengagement rather than active opposition.
The numbers in context
147 adults surveyed with 32 policy vignettes each. Indifferent/no opinion: 37% (tobacco), 36% (marijuana). Always favorable: 23% (tobacco), 25% (marijuana). Depends on regulation: 18% (tobacco), 22% (marijuana). Generally unfavorable: 22% (tobacco), 17% (marijuana).
How the study worked
A sample of 147 Colombian adults evaluated 32 vignettes describing control policies that varied across four factors: behavior targeted (tobacco or marijuana), preventive measures (e.g., information campaigns), regulatory measures (e.g., prohibition for minors), and penalty severity (e.g., imprisonment). Cluster analysis identified distinct attitudinal groups.
What this study cannot tell us
Small pilot sample of 147 adults that may not represent the broader Colombian population. Vignette-based surveys measure stated attitudes, not actual behavior or policy compliance. The study was conducted at a single point in time and may not reflect shifting attitudes.
How to read the evidence
Small pilot survey (n=147) using vignette methodology; provides directional insight but limited generalizability.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
The similarity in public attitudes toward tobacco and marijuana control is notable. In both cases, roughly equal proportions were for and against regulation, with the largest share simply disengaged. This suggests that Colombian drug policy debates may be driven by small, vocal minorities while most citizens remain uninvolved.
Questions still open
- Would larger samples from different regions of Colombia show different patterns? Does public indifference actually reduce policy effectiveness, or can policies work regardless of public engagement? How do these attitudes compare to other Latin American countries?
Common questions
Were attitudes different for tobacco versus marijuana?
Why does public indifference matter?
Read the original research
Mapping Colombians' positions on national policies to control tobacco and marijuana consumption: a pilot study.
Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 20(1), 16
Citation
Del Rio Forero, Daniel; Marín, Claudia Pineda; Sastre, María Teresa Muñoz; Kpanake, Lonzozou; Mullet, Etienne. (2025). Mapping Colombians' positions on national policies to control tobacco and marijuana consumption: a pilot study.. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 20(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00646-w