The courts reject the decriminalization of cannabis
The Joint Congress-Senate Committee for the Study of Drugs has rejected, with the votes against of the PP, the non-legislative proposal of United Left to decriminalize the consumption and possession of cannabis as well as to develop a regulatory framework for cannabis associations and clubs.
Deputy María del Puerto Gallego, of the PSOE, has acknowledged that 'the war on drugs has totally failed' and is in favor of promoting a social debate, while Deputy Ricardo Sixto of IU asserts that 'the experience of prohibition is too long and has not produced the effects that were sought' and that legislative reforms should be made to both the Penal Code and the Citizen Security Law to decriminalize the consumption and possession of cannabis.
Ricardo has also stated that there are increasingly more national and international voices promoting this legal change and argues that Spain should 'emulate' those countries that have regulations for the consumption and production of cannabis.
CANNABIS CLUBS
The IU proposal also called for the study and development of a clear regulatory framework for cannabis associations and clubs, which have a great influence in large cities.
Sixto asserts that the existing regulations are precarious and need to be strengthened.
On the contrary, the PP argues that a debate should be opened regarding establishments that operate as a hidden business for the enrichment of a few, have not prevented the black market, and in some cases are even allowing minors to enter.
Meanwhile, the PSOE is in favor of creating a clear regulatory framework to end the current confusion and criticizes the Government's inflexible policy towards these establishments, which are in a 'legal limbo with many contradictions and legal uncertainty'.
Fountain: Europa Press