Small Amounts Of Marijuana Still A Criminal Record Stain In Puerto Rico: New Law Fails To Pass House

In the ever-shifting landscape of Puerto Rican politics, few issues have sparked as intense a debate as that surrounding cannabis. The recent vote in the House of Representatives on House Bill 209, aimed at preventing first-time minor marijuana possession convictions from appearing on criminal records, mirrors this intricate political and social tapestry. The bill, proposed by José "Quiquito" Meléndez Ortiz of the New Progressive Party, failed to garner the necessary votes for passage, highlighting deep divisions on the issue.

Bill 209 faced a wall of opposition, with 23 votes in favor and 19 against, falling short of the required 26. Opponents like Edgardo Feliciano and Roberto Rivera Ruiz de Porras vehemently argued for the need to maintain a clear stance against the illegal purchase and possession of marijuana, even in minimal quantities. This perspective reflects an underlying fear: that normalizing marijuana possession, even small amounts, could send a dangerous message to Puerto Rico's youth.

See also: Snoop Dogg Shatters Cannabis Clichés: Consumers Are Highly Educated, Successful, Motivated

On the other hand, voices like Representative José “Che” Pérez, who supported the measure, emphasized the importance of seeking alternatives that don't harm individuals' future employment prospects for minor marijuana-related offenses. In his words, damaging a person's permanent record over an issue that "should not be a crime today" goes against societal interests.

This debate isn't confined to the House of Representatives. Entities like the Department of Public Safety and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice have voiced their reservations. The DPS didn't find the measure relevant, given the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, while the Department of Justice highlighted Executive Order 35, which already establishes certain priorities in handling marijuana possession cases.

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Furthermore, a measure proposed by Jorge Alfredo Rivera Segarra of the Popular Democratic Party to impose more restrictions on the Medicinal Law, regulating cannabis for medical purposes, was approved. This measure focuses on protecting minors and regulating the location and operation of medical cannabis dispensaries.

See also: Trump's Likely VP Pick, Nancy Mace, Wants Marijuana Legalized, Although She's 'Pretty Damn Conservative'

This legislative back-and-forth over cannabis in Puerto Rico is a microcosm of a broader discussion happening worldwide. While some see decriminalization as a way to mitigate harms associated with the substance's criminalization, others fear such a move might adversely affect society, especially the youth. What's clear is that the path toward a coherent cannabis policy in Puerto Rico remains, for now, shrouded in uncertainty.
Article via El Planteo

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