Pro-Cannabis Alliance suggests changes to legalization bill

By The Star Staff

The Pro-Cannabis Alliance proposed on Tuesday amendments to House Bill 1191, which seeks to create a regulatory framework for the controlled use of cannabis.

Cannapymes Committee President Edna Díaz recommended that “Bill 1191 must evaluate both the benefits for the country’s economy and the impact and repercussions it may have for small and midsize entrepreneurs in this industry.”

“Everyone agrees that there has been an excessive growth of the industry by which they have been adversely affected, and that the bill could be positive for the industry,” she said. “However, imposing further charges such as the $25,000 licensing fee on those dispensaries that wish to sell under the ‘controlled adult use’ classification is detrimental to the industry.”

United Retailers Center President Jesús Vázquez noted that “times have evolved and the mission of the institution is to open the forum in order to educate small and midsize entrepreneurs and the citizenry in general.”

The measure seeks to create a regulatory framework for the controlled use of cannabis by people over 21 years of age.