Chile's New Presidency Raises Uncertainty for Cannabis Policy
Chile's shift to a hard-right presidency under José Antonio Kast raises uncertainty about the future of cannabis policy, with activists concerned over potential setbacks
Key Points
- 1José Antonio Kast elected as Chile's president, raising cannabis policy concerns
- 2Kast's inconsistent cannabis stance creates uncertainty for future regulation
- 3Cannabis not prioritized in Kast's campaign, overshadowed by security focus
- 4Legislative proposals for decriminalization face challenges under current administration
- 5Activists emphasize need for organization and advocacy to advance cannabis rights
Chile is entering a new era with the election of José Antonio Kast as president, defeating Jeannette Jara with 58% of the vote. This political shift to the right raises questions about the future of cannabis regulation in the country, a topic that has seen a pendulum swing between progressive and conservative policies over the years
Kast's historical stance on cannabis has been notably inconsistent. In 2016, he described the legalization of marijuana as a potential social catastrophe, yet a year later expressed conditional support for medicinal cannabis. By 2019, he reverted to a hardline stance, warning of marijuana's destructive effects on society. This inconsistency leaves many Chileans uncertain about the future of cannabis policy under his leadership
During the presidential campaign, cannabis was not a focal point, overshadowed by broader issues of security and macroeconomic concerns. Activists like Muy Paola, director of Santiago Verde, express concern that cannabis users and their rights will not be prioritized under Kast's administration. Bernardita Ruffinelli, a Chilean journalist, notes that Kast's focus on large-scale drug trafficking suggests that everyday cannabis use is unlikely to be addressed
The legislative landscape remains murky, with proposals such as Bill 17.568-11 aiming to decriminalize personal possession and cultivation of cannabis. However, the prospects for these initiatives seem dim under the current political climate. Congresswoman Ana María Gazmuri highlights the need for community pressure to advance cannabis rights, pointing out that previous administrations have not provided the necessary political will to move forward
Looking ahead, the cannabis community in Chile faces a challenging environment. Activists like Simón Espinosa emphasize the need for strategic organization and pressure to keep cannabis issues on the political agenda. Despite the challenges, there is hope that increased visibility and advocacy can lead to meaningful change, ensuring that cannabis policy reflects both scientific evidence and human rights considerations