As minority senator next year, Popular Democratic Party Sen. Miguel Pereira said Friday he will continue to push for the approval of his bill that would legalize marihuana for recreational use in small portions and called for the development of a cannabis industry.
Pereira proposed more than a year ago the decriminalization of individual possession of 14 grams or less of marihuana so that under such circumstances individuals would not face jail time. He noted that some 100 college students were arrested during the last intercollegiate athletic competition with less than two marihuana joints each.
Five states have already legalized in the past few days the recreational use of marihuana. What are we waiting for? I dont know what we are waiting for he expressed during an interview Friday.
Pereira said he believes the war on drugs has been lost.
The conversation must continue, he said, and I intend to continue this conversation.
He added Puerto Rico should broaden the use of medical marihuana, as there are some 17,000 Puerto Ricans who are expected to benefit from the drug, which has been said to provide relief for some 15 diseases. The medical marihuana project does not cover smoking the marihuana for medicinal purposes but using it in other forms.
He noted other uses for the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant has more fiber per ounce than cotton. What are we waiting for to develop that market? he asked.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Pereira – Drug War Has Been Lost, Continues Fight To Legalize Marijuana
Author: Eva Llorens Velez
Contact: (787) 728-3000
Photo Credit: Gillian Flaccus
Website: Caribbean Business
