The left bloc proposed this Friday the decriminalization of recreational cannabis use, arguing that it is a matter of public health and safety, and called for a debate in parliament that would allow it to “arrive at a good law.”
The parliamentary leader of the Left Bloc, Fabian Figueiredo, presented this Friday in the Assembly of the Republic a bill “on the storage, cultivation and consumption of cannabis for non-medical purposes”, based on the German model, which “is in accordance with all international treaties to which Germany and the Portuguese State are bound.
“The model in place in Germany, but very similar to the one in place in Malta, gives us the guarantee that if a similar law is approved in Portugal, it can come into force without any further problems,” he said. Fabian Figueiredo said at a press conference.
The proposed model is to create cultivation associations with a maximum of 500 members, each of which can dispense up to 25 grams of cannabis per day and 50 grams per month, and allow up to three plants to be grown independently at home.” for personal consumption only.”
From the age of 18, people can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal use.
BE also proposes to work with local authorities to develop pilot projects to allow cannabis to be sold through commercial channels.
“This is a working model that has been carefully studied and to which Portugal should pay attention” and be inspired to “step forward” and complete its anti-drug policy.
The leader of the parliamentary group explained that cannabis is the most consumed illicit substance in Portugal, with 12.2% of the population using it throughout their lifetime.
“To ensure that this substance, which is part of the consumption habits of Portuguese society, continues to be controlled by those who do not care about public health, continues to finance the underground market and continues to depend on criminal networks is a mistake,” deliberate.
He also warned of a growing number of “psychotic cases” in Portugal due to cannabis use, as the substance is not controlled.
For these reasons, Fabian Figueiredo argued that the legalization of cannabis “is a public health issue, but also a safety issue.”
“Portugal should look at the different countries that have legalized cannabis and look at the findings of this legalization process in Canada, Uruguay, Malta, Germany, in the 24 US states, where the results are positive, crime rates have decreased, safety has increased and, in some cases, also reduction in consumption,” he said.
According to the parliamentary leader, it is necessary to ensure that Portugal takes “sensible and safe measures” and therefore he proposed that “there should be a debate in Portugal, in the Assembly of the Republic, that will allow us to reach a good agreement.” law”.
He addressed parties, starting with those belonging to the “political families” that in Germany had taken “this important step,” to the left, to the Socialist Party, to the Liberals, to the Greens, to the Livre and to the PAN.” but also to all voices in the Social Democratic Party who understand that it is responsible, safe and right to promote a model of cannabis legalization that respects international treaties and European Union rules.”
“Portugal, like other countries, will benefit much more if the state dictates the rules for the consumption of this substance. People will stop using cannabis not because it is illegal, but quite the opposite,” he said.
On Saturday, Lisbon and Porto will host the 2024 Cannabis Marches, initiatives to protect and fully legalize the plant and all its uses (recreational, medicinal and industrial).
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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