Venezuela: a citizens' movement calls for the legalization of cannabis consumption and cultivation

A citizens' movement, Thoughts on Marijuana, submitted a request last Friday to the Venezuelan National Assembly for a debate on the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, following Uruguay’s example.

According to Esluve Sosa, co-author of the petition, Venezuela is one of the countries with the strictest cannabis crackdowns. He presents his initiative as a way to spark a discussion on legalization, and the decriminalization of cannabis use and personal cultivation in Venezuela, as well as promoting research and the production of alternative medicines and all possible uses of this plant, in addition to contributing to the country’s economy.

Sosa also believes that the issue is currently being debated around the world, and is based on the realities and needs of the population. He also finds it surprising that, given all the shortages of medicine, paper, and textiles in the country, the government has never considered hemp cultivation and urges it to take a closer look.

This movement is not the only group in Venezuela working on a project like this involving cannabis. Sosa believes that the more organizations talk about it, the faster the goal will be achieved: «Pressure must be applied at various points and from various angles.»

Among other points, Sosa believes that the interests involved in banning this plant—particularly the United States—have imposed their decision on the rest of the world.

Sosa stated that the organization’s next steps are to educate law enforcement agencies about cannabis, as well as to share this vision at universities and in communities through forums, in order to raise awareness among the Venezuelan public about the importance of this plant and the need to discuss its legal status.

Finally, he emphasized that legalizing this plant would help eliminate drug trafficking, even though some politicians are reluctant to address this issue.

If the movement is called Thinking about marijuana, «It’s because not only does the plant need to be legalized, but we also need to think about it—to consider what it’s used for and what benefits it can bring to society,» Sosa said.