Riot police dispersed crowds of pro-marijuana protesters in Bogota after new laws came into place to strengthen police powers against the drug.

Footage filmed on October 20 in the Colombian capital shows people smoking and holding banners in support of being allowed to carry small doses of marijuana.

The possession and consumption of cannabis was previously protected by a constitutional court ruling enforced in 1994 and reaffirmed in 2012.

But Colombia's new president, Ivan Duque, signed a decree banning the possession and use of all illegal drugs in public spaces – including small amounts for personal use.

This Saturday a mobilization was called against the new decree of the police on the minimum dose and the consumption of this in public areas, this march was dissolved by the group of the riot police ESMAD, since the police did not let the free passage of the march for the 7th race, one of the most important avenues of the city of Bogotá.