No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveCosta Ricans propose bills to legalize marijuana

Costa Ricans propose bills to legalize marijuana

The Legislative Assembly’s Popular Initiative Office in the past three years has received nine pieces of legislation from the public calling for the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, the daily La Nación reported Monday.

The majority of the proposals called for legalization for medicinal use. Another bill argued the weed could be taxed and the revenue could be used to treat addiction.Other bills sought the decriminalization of personal cultivation of marijuana, a serious crime in Costa Rica. While marijuana use is illegal in Costa Rica, the law is not enforced. But laws against marijuana cultivation and distribution are enforced.

Several lawmakers said they have not looked at the proposed bills, and personally are against legalization of marijuana.

A poll from the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Institute (IAFA) said that in 2010, 7 percent of the country – about 301,000 people – had tried marijuana. Two percent – about 86,000 Ticos, mostly men aged 18-35 – smoke pot regularly, the study found.

The head of IAFA, Patricia Orozco, and Costa Rica’s Drug Czar, Mauricio Boraschi, told La Nación they disagreed with legalization legislation, saying marijuana can cause health problems and be a gateway drug.

Legalizing illicit drugs has been a hot topic in Central America this year after Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina brought up the idea. However, the U.S. is against any legalization policy, which has deterred any more detailed discussions about marijuana legalization in the region.

Trending Now

US Doubles Bounty to $50 Million on Venezuela’s Maduro

The Trump administration stepped up pressure on Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro today by offering a $50 million reward for tips that lead to his capture....

Argentina Deep Sea Expedition Reveals Stunning Marine Life

A robot explores the dark, cold, deep sea floor of the South Atlantic, transmitting images of vibrant coral and fish never seen before as...

Chinese Influence in Costa Rica Grows from Business to Education

Will the 21st Century someday be known as the Chinese century? Time will tell. They seem to be off to a good start when...

Costa Rica Urges U.S. to Pause Tariffs Amid Export and Agriculture Concerns

The Costa Rican government has asked the US government to pause the tariffs announced last Thursday while negotiations between both countries continue. Costa Rican...

El Salvador’s Bukele Challenges Critics Over Indefinite Re-Election Reform

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele rejected on Sunday the notion that the approval of indefinite presidential re-election in El Salvador marks “the end of democracy,”...

Costa Rican Scientists Cut Microalgae Farming Costs by 95%

A team led by Costa Rican biologist Maritza Guerrero has developed a natural biostimulant using microalgae that promises to revolutionize agriculture. The product, named...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica