Buenos Aires, Argentina: Imprisoning adults who possess small amounts of cannabis is unconstitutional, the Argentinean Supreme Court ruled this week.
The Court unanimously determined that pot possession is private behavior and does not “constitute a clear danger” to others.
The ruling strikes down the government’s longstanding anti-marijuana law, which allowed for minor pot offenders to be sentenced for up to two years in prison.
“Each individual adult is responsible for making decisions freely about their desired lifestyle without state interference,” the Court determined. “Private conduct is allowed unless it constitutes a real danger or causes damage to property or the rights of others.”
Commenting on the decision, NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said, “Cultural norms governing the possession and use of marijuana are rapidly shifting around the world, as well as here in America. Forcibly taking away someone’s liberty for the use of cannabis is no longer seen as a practical or acceptable public policy.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500.