Chile celebrates as lawmakers move to decriminalise marijuana

Chile looks set to decriminalise cannabis after the country approved a bill yesterday to allow its people to grow small amounts of marijuana for medical purposes.

The public gallery in the lower house of congress erupted into cheers and applause as 68 members – compared with 39 – voted for the bill.

The announcement has been praised as being a ‘big step forward’ in the usually socially conservative country’s stance on drugs.

Until now, planting, selling or transporting marijuana in Chile has been a punishable offence which could have resulted in up to 15 years imprisonment.

Now, Chileans will be able to able to grow six plants at home, allowing the possession of up to 10 grams (0.35 ounce).

Protesters have been marching in Chile's capital, Santiago, calling for the legalisation of cannabis in the country (via MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/Getty Images)
Those who voted against the bill criticised yesterday’s outcome,...

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URL: 
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/chile-celebrates-as-lawmakers-move-to-decriminalise-marijuana-10374198.html