Chile Takes Step Toward Cannabis Decriminalization

Following Uruguay’s steps, Chile is
moving forward in decriminalizing the use of cannabis, reports The
Guardian. The lower house of congress recently
passed a bill allowing up to 10 grams (0.35 ounces) of cannabis and the
cultivation of up to six plants.

Studies show that cannabis use is higher in Chile compared to
the rest of the region and support amongst Chileans for drug legalization is
swelling. The city of Santiago hosted Latin America’s first medical cannabis
farm earlier this year as the country observed with curiosity.

Chile is a socially conservative Latin
American country, though applause and cheers from the public met the measure. A
health committee must analyze the bill before the lower house votes again to
pass individual components, then it moves to the senate.

However, the initial vote was important in establishing the
future framework for complete legalization. Communist official, Karol Cariola,
who is part of President Michelle Bachelet’s leftist coalition, said, “It is a
historic day for medicinal users who wish to stop being persecuted and be able
to access a medicine that they can grow in their gardens.”

Since the oppressive 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet,
Chile has always been one of the region’s most conservative countries. But with
social mindsets changing, leftist governments have currently taken small steps
toward a more liberal path; For example, the recent legalization of gay
marriage. As the Chilean  landscape
changes in terms of legal flexibility for its residents, we’ll keep a close eye
on the changing scheme of cannabis acceptance.