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Italy is Considering Legalization of Recreational Cannabis

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Lawmakers in Italy started the discussion surrounding the legalization of recreational cannabis on Monday, according to MSN.com. There are strong opinions on both sides of the debate, so battles in parliament are to be expected.

Those who support the legalization of cannabis in Italy believe that doing so would eliminate profits for the mafia, however the Roman Catholic Church and other conservative groups oppose legalization. Currently, the possession of cannabis is not permitted, and those guilty of personal use can be subjected to having their passports and other personal documents confiscated.

Now, the new bill that was introduced to the lower house would allow for people to possess 5 grams of cannabis while in public or possess 15 grams at home. Cannabis cultivation would also have looser guidelines, with people being allowed to grow five plants at home or up to 50 in a social growing group. Additionally, the new law would allow for the commercial cultivation by state-licensed individuals, as well as the production of other forms of cannabis.

The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Benedetto della Vedova is one of the advocates who support the legalization of cannabis. She wrote on Facebook, “Legalise cannabis to take profits from the mafia, free police to do other work, control substances that are in circulation, fight consumption among adolescents, move money from traffickers’ accounts into the state coffers.”

Italy has been facing a recession for three years, and it is believed that legalization can help pull the country out of their downward economical spiral. With conservative leaders like Pope Francis blatantly opposing the use of any type of drug, only time will tell as to what lawmakers in Italy will ultimately decide. The debate is to re-open in September.

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