To President Biden Called on the nation’s governors to condone state-level marijuana possession convictions, a The Senator in Puerto Rico introduced a bill to eliminate penalties for low-level cannabis possession in US territory.
Independent Senator Jose “Chaco” Vargas Vidot recently introduced Senate Act 1042 Decriminalize the private use of cannabis.
“In Puerto Rico, the move to medicalize cannabis has been made, but there has been a lack of courage to decriminalize it. When we say that cannabis has medicinal benefits, there is no logic in criminalizing those who use it. It’s time to change that,” said Vargas Vidot said.
Vargas Vidot said the measure would establish one undisputed presumption of self-consumption. it would apply to possession of up to five grams of marijuana, although distribution would still be criminalized and there would be no retailers for legal adult access. According to Telemundo Puerto Rico, Vargas Vidot has also called for broader drug decriminalization.
Prison inmate profile data published by the correctional facility (DCR) reported that in 2019, 65% of prisoners in prison had problem drug use.
“Undoubtedly, these numbers reflect an issue of substance availability in the country’s prison facilities,” said Vargas Vidot.
“So people who say they weren’t drug users before being convicted are beginning this process of use and addiction within the institution. For those people who have already battled the disease of drug addiction, upon entering the prison system, the condition worsens within the prison system,” he added.
In the meantime, Governor Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia said, “He will not comply with executive order in Puerto Rico.” According to him, DCR data shows that no one on the island is jailed for possession of marijuana.
“The governor has already said he will not give in to the executive order due to lack of will and…
