Canadian cannabis companies invest millions in Pablo Escobar's home turf in Colombia - Producing a gram of cannabis in Colombia costs 5 cents, co

Near the hometown of the late Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar, a growing number of Canadians are seeking their fortunes in the international drug trade.

Today, however, they're doing it legally.

At least seven licensed Canadian cannabis producers have set up shop in Colombia, investing more than $100 million in the conflict-hit country that has become a new frontier in the legal marijuana business, according to a review of company filings.

"I would be very cautious," said Robert Tetrault, a portfolio manager who tracks the cannabis sector for Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in Winnipeg. "As a shareholder, do you want to find out your facility in Pablo Escobar's home turf just got seized or there are now tariffs, added costs or corruption?"

[link to www.cbc.ca (secure)]