On Wednesday, Brazil’s Supreme Court concluded that it is no longer a crime to purchase or have in one’s possession not more than 40 grams of marijuana for personal use albeit the police can still confiscate the drug. Using marijuana in public places remains illegal as well as consuming up to 40 grams of the drug when caught. In this case, whoever will be found smoking marijuana and holding under 40 grams (enough for around 80 joints), shall not be jailed but only dealt with by appearing before the court where a certain warning on its dangers issued. Police however are still allowed to arrest anybody selling beneath the amount of 40gms in instances where there is a clear intention to sell it.
With a population of about 203 million individuals, making it number one across the globe, this verdict has also shown that people now silently accept cannabis. At present over 20 countries – majority being those from Europe and America – have decriminalized or legalized recreational usage of hemp products.
The SC explained that until Congress passes a law its guidelines regarding private use of marijuana will remain valid. Conservative forces within Brazil’s parliament are trying to enact legislation making any form of possession of marijuana illegal. If such a law is passed by Parliament, then it would override this judgement although there may still be constitutional objections against it.
