Chile Moves To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis With Backing From Presidential Candidate
Chile is entering a new chapter in its cannabis policy. Lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive bill to regulate adult-use cannabis, advocacy groups are rallying behind it and one of the country’s top presidential candidates has pledged to push for legalization if elected. The coordinated momentum marks one of the most significant efforts to dismantle Chile’s longstanding prohibitionist approach.
On April 9, a coalition of legislators from the Frente Amplio, Communist Party, PPD, Acción Humanista and Socialist Party introduced a bill to regulate cannabis for personal use. As reported by El Planteo’s Camila Berriex, the proposal seeks to authorize home cultivation, establish legal possession limits and recognize nonprofit cultivation associations. The initiative was launched by the parliamentary group “Regulación por la paz” and led by lawmaker Ana María Gazmuri, a longtime medical cannabis advocate.
“This project allows us to catch up with international standards,” Gazmuri said. “Uruguay, Canada and Germany have already shown that regulating cannabis not only protects users but also reduces the illegal market and allows the state to focus its resources on pursuing truly serious crimes.”
Also read: Cannabis Stays Legal In Germany Following New Coalition Deal
The bill outlines several major changes: adults would be allowed to cultivate up to six flowering plants, store up to 800 grams annually and carry up to 40 grams in public. Consumption would remain restricted to private spaces; public use—including in schools, transport or around minors—would be prohibited. Cultivation collectives of up to 500 members would be legal as long as distribution is limited to members and not commercialized.
“This regulation is …