Chile takes step toward cannabis decriminalisation
Lower house of congress votes to decriminalise drug for personal use
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Chile has taken a step forward in decriminalising the use of cannabis after the lower house of congress approved by a wide margin a bill that seeks to change the law. The bill would allow the possession of up to 10 grammes of cannabis and the growing of up to six plants. Up to now, planting, selling and transporting marijuana has been punishable by up to 15 years in prison. But it still has some way to go to become law. A health committee will study the bill before the lower house votes again on each of the specific elements. It then passes to the senate.