Uruguay To Legalize Marijuana Cultivation and Possession

Activist Post

Uruguay may once again prove to live up to its official motto of "liberty or death."  Already considered one of the freest countries in the world in terms of economic and political liberties, the Uruguayan government has agreed on draft legislation that will legalize possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal consumption.

According to the national newspaper El Pais:

The initiative, to be approved Tuesday 26 April by the Deputies thwart FA, allows the tree plantation, cultivation and harvesting as well as the industrialization and trade of up to eight cannabis plants per household. 

Notwithstanding this, 'be understood as quantity for personal consumption, to 25 grams of marijuana', is set according to the Article 3... 

(Persons will) Be exempt from the responsibility of  'transport, in their possession, regardless of depositary, keeps them in stock or owns a quantity for personal consumption.'

Prior to this bill, possession of less than 25 grams of marijuana was already decriminalized in Uruguay, but the act of growing, transporting, or sharing it remained illegal.  Under this bill, the government will regulate the provisions and access to seeds for cultivation.

El Argentino reported few differences between political factions indicating ensured passage of the proposed legislation:

The proposal prepared by the MPP, the Socialist Party and the New Area, which also has the support of Colorado Congressman Daniel Fernando Amado and Radio, Independent Party, is considered 'a good first step' for the pro-legalization groups of marijuana, but not a satisfying finish.  

'It's an important first step. We agree that there is a need to solve a legal vacuum. But we also believe that the issue can not be exhausted here,' said Martin Collins of Prolegal, an organization working for change in legislation on drugs in Uruguay. Collazo added that 'any person who does not want to plant at home is entitled to purchase in the legal market, as buying alcohol or snuff today.' In that sense, he said, 'we must work towards the legalization of the production and marketing' of marijuana. 

Despite minor differences in the projects of organizations, any objections will not be manifested against it because 'there are a lot of people who plant in their homes today, and run the risk of being punished for that ... we ultimately want to solve this type of situation,' said Collazo. 

Uruguay, known for its economic freedom, was one of the only countries in the world to not experience a technical recession during the 2008-2009 global financial collapse. Uruguay approved industrial hemp for cultivation in 2010, and this new legislation is said to be an economic benefit as well.

The gains in personal liberty for consumption will reduce law enforcement costs and provide more access for treatment of addictions.  The Archbishop of Montevideo and head priest of the Uruguayan Episcopal Conference, Nicolás Cotugno, did "not object" to the bill, if "a means to help overcome drug addiction" is included, reported El Argentino.

The new text of the bill does just that.  It states that “the Executive Branch to ensure that attention and treatment will be provided to all people with an addiction to controlled substances in this Act."

Legislators hope that this new law will provide a model for the rest of South America to bring common sense regulations to marijuana possession so it is not treated the same as crimes that actually affect society.

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