Puerto Rico changes marijuana possession policy
Alejandro Garcia Padilla, the governor of Puerto Rico, has signed an executive order changing the legal regulations regarding marijuana possession. The new regulations stipulate that possession of six grams or less of marijuana will only result in a fine, community service, or rehabilitation.
The resources allocated for prosecuting marijuana-related crimes are intended to prevent distribution to minors, prevent profits from illegal sales from going to cartels, gangs, or criminal enterprises, prevent the diversion of marijuana to states where it is legal, prevent violence in both distribution and cultivation, and prevent companies with legal cannabis-related activities from using it to traffic illegal drugs.
Also to prevent driving under the influence of drugs and cultivation on public lands.
In December 2014, the Department of Corrections spent $2.3 million on the confinement of marijuana users and possessors. The governor also stated that public funds should be used to combat violence, corruption stemming from drug trafficking, and other serious crimes.
García Padilla stated, "I hope this is a first step so that this issue can be addressed through legislation in the near future.".
Fountain: Univision.com