Last week, activists in Italy submitted more than 600,000 signatures for a referendum to legalize cannabis cultivation as well as the growing of other psychoactive fungi and plants such as magic mushrooms. The reform campaign hopes that with these signatures, their measure, which was filed in September, will be brought before voters next year.
The activists were able to collect a high number of signatures because of a change in policy that permitted them to gather signatures in person as well as online. It should be noted that before the measure is brought before the voters, some steps need to be taken.
The Supreme Court of Cassation now has 30 days to ensure the petitions that have been submitted are valid, after which the petitions will be transferred to the Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court will then ascertain if the referendum can proceed and if it’s legal. In addition, the court will find out if the initiative conflicts with international treaties that Italy is party to, the nation’s fiscal system or its constitution.
Advocates assert that the scope of their proposed initiative meets the legal standard. If the courts approve the initiative’s progression, voters will be allowed to decide on the change in policy between April and June 2022.
In an interview, president of the referendum committee, Marco Perduca, stated that the rate at which activists were able to gather so many signatures confirmed that people were tired of the criminal sanctions imposed on actions that didn’t harm anybody and that marijuana was very popular in Italy. Perduca, who is a member of the Associazione Luca Coscioni, added that the referendum was a step forward in the march that begun years ago and has allowed the anti-prohibitionist movement in the country to become more political and grow as years go by.
The proposed initiative is unique, especially in comparison to the ballot measures that have been enacted in the United States. The measure would end the criminalization of marijuana cultivation but maintain the decriminalization fine imposed on its use and possession.
Under the initiative, law enforcement officials are strongly discouraged from going after individuals who are in possession of cannabis that they have grown legally. A member of the Chamber of Deputies, Riccardo Magi, stated that years of prohibition had been unsuccessful because it didn’t affect the mafias controlling the drug market and neither did it decrease drug circulation.
In other news, the House Justice Committee in Italy has advanced a separate measure which would decriminalize home growing cannabis for personal use.
As the wave in favor of reforming the laws surrounding psychedelics grows, companies such as Tryp Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF) are doing their part by studying how a variety of psychedelic substances can be used medicinally.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Tryp Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TRYPF
About PsychedelicNewsWire
PsychedelicNewsWire (PNW) is a specialized content distribution company that (1) aggregates and distributes news and information on the latest developments in all aspects and advances of psychedelics and their use, (2) creates PsychedelicNewsBreaks designed to quickly update investors on important industry news, (3) leverages a team of expert editors to enhance press releases for maximum impact, (4) assists companies with the management and optimization of social media across a range of platforms, and (5) delivers unparalleled corporate communication solutions. PNW stays abreast of the latest information and has established a reputation as the go to source for coverage of psychedelics, therapeutics and emerging market opportunities. Our team of seasoned journalists has a proven track record of helping both public and private companies gain traction with a wide audience of investors, consumers, media outlets and the general public by leveraging our expansive dissemination network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets. PNW is committed to delivering improved visibility and brand recognition to companies operating in the emerging markets of psychedelics.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text “Groovy” to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the PsychedelicNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by PNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
Do you have questions or are you interested in working with PNW? Ask our Editor
PsychedelicNewsWire (PNW)
San Francisco, California
www.PsychedelicNewsWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@PsychedelicWire.com
PsychedelicNewsWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.