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Latvian Saeima rejects proposal for decriminalization of marijuana

BC, Riga, 03.09.2015.Print version
Saeima in Latvia turned down a proposal for decriminalization of marijuana today, informs LETA.

87 MPs from various Saeima groups voted against the motion, except Artuss Kaimins (Alliance of Regions of Latvia), who abstained. Raivis Dzintars (All For Latvia-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK), Rihards Eigims (Greens/Farmers), Andrejs Elksnins (Harmony) and Juris Vilums (Alliance of Regions) did not vote.

 

Previously Saeima Mandate, Ethics and Submissions committee also rejected the motion.

 

As reported, the signature drive for marijuana decriminalization was launched on www.manabalss.lv on January 23, 2012. A total of 10,373 signatures of the petition were previously checked by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. 256 signatures were deemed invalid as they were provided with false personal identity codes, while another 748 were signed by residents under the age of 18.

 

The petition's advocates called for abolishing the penalties for use of marijuana, as well as growing or possession of limited amounts of marijuana for own needs if the person is 18 or older.

 

According to spokesman Donats Blazevics, decriminalization is the most effective way how to solve drug problems in society, adding that the World Health Organization suggests the same.

 

Meanwhile, Latvian pharmaceutical companies are expressing strong objections against any attempts to legalize or facilitate free turnover of narcotics in the country, furthermore, youth's interest in mild drugs will only grow because of promotion of such public initiatives, this according to Alla Cudovska, a spokeswoman for the Pharmacists' Society of Latvia.






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