slimvictor
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Dozens of people marched Saturday through Puerto Rico's capital amid growing support for a recent bill filed by a former police chief that aims to legalize marijuana for personal use, unleashing an unprecedented debate in this conservative U.S. territory.
The crowd marched to the seaside Capitol building, where Sen. Miguel Pereira filed a bill this week stating it should be legal for those 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. The former federal prosecutor and corrections secretary said possession cases are costing the government money, noting that 80% of inmates are serving time for non-violent crimes.
His comments have polarized the island, with some legislators demanding his resignation.
"It's outrageous that someone who was elected by the people tries to use his position to cause addiction, sicken and destroy Puerto Rican society," Sen. Itzamar Pena said.
Critics say the proposal would further fuel violence on an island of 3.7 million people that reported a record 1,117 killings in 2011, with police saying that 70% of killings are drug-related. Others expressed concern that police, teachers and doctors would smoke while working.
"This measure has to be studied extremely carefully," Sen. Jose Perez Rosa said. "It's not like alcohol, where acceptable levels (of use) exist."
Currently, those charged with marijuana possession can face up to three years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
cont at
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...ico-debates-legalizing-marijuana-use/2100075/
The crowd marched to the seaside Capitol building, where Sen. Miguel Pereira filed a bill this week stating it should be legal for those 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana. The former federal prosecutor and corrections secretary said possession cases are costing the government money, noting that 80% of inmates are serving time for non-violent crimes.
His comments have polarized the island, with some legislators demanding his resignation.
"It's outrageous that someone who was elected by the people tries to use his position to cause addiction, sicken and destroy Puerto Rican society," Sen. Itzamar Pena said.
Critics say the proposal would further fuel violence on an island of 3.7 million people that reported a record 1,117 killings in 2011, with police saying that 70% of killings are drug-related. Others expressed concern that police, teachers and doctors would smoke while working.
"This measure has to be studied extremely carefully," Sen. Jose Perez Rosa said. "It's not like alcohol, where acceptable levels (of use) exist."
Currently, those charged with marijuana possession can face up to three years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
cont at
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...ico-debates-legalizing-marijuana-use/2100075/
