Chile Considers Legalising Cannabis
Chile is joining the ranks of countries that may legalise cannabis.
A group of Chilean parliamentarians recently presented a bill that, if enacted, would allow the legal use of cannabis for recreational purposes. The proposal has been met with broad support from social organizations and politicians.
The pro-cannabis movement in South America is gaining momentum. Following recent reports from Brazil and initiatives taken in Colombia, Chile is also joining the ranks of countries that could legalise cannabis for use by adult citizens.
One of the main advocates of the changes is presidential candidate Vlado Milosevic, who announced that if he wins, he will seek to remove marijuana from the list of dangerous substances. He also announced the preparation of regulations that would allow home cultivation and the creation of a regulated cannabis market.
On April 9, representatives of several political groups, including Frente Amplio, the Communist Party, the PPD, Acción Humanista and the Socialist Party, presented a bill in Congress to regulate the use of marijuana for personal purposes.
Details of the bill and proposed regulations
According to Camila Berriex's report published in El Planteo, the bill aims to legalize home cultivation, set limits on the possession of cannabis and formally recognize the activities of non-profit organizations involved in personal cultivation. The idea for the bill comes from a group of parliamentarians operating under the banner of "Regulación por la paz", led by MP Ana María Gazmuri - a well-known advocate of access to medical marijuana.
The bill contains specific legal solutions. According to its provisions, adults would be allowed to own up to six flowering plants, store up to 800 grams of dried cannabis per year and carry up to 40 grams in public spaces. However, cannabis use would only be allowed in private places. However, it would be prohibited to consume it in public areas, including schools, public transport or near minors. The bill would also allow for the creation of cultivation communities with a maximum of 500 members, provided that distribution is done exclusively among members and is not commercial.
“This regulation aims to regain control that is currently in the hands of organized crime,” Gazmuri explained. “As long as people do not have legal access to cannabis, they will be pushed into the illegal market.”
The legal framework for legalisation varies from country to country. Canada has the most developed system for selling cannabis for adults, available to citizens and tourists throughout the country. Uruguay, on the other hand, has also allowed legal sales, but limited to citizens only.
Chile could adopt a model similar to those adopted in Germany and Malta, where home cultivation, personal consumption and the operation of cannabis clubs are legal. However, it is worth noting that, compared to these countries, Chile has much higher limits on the amount of cannabis allowed for possession and cultivation.
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