Is weed legal in El Salvador? No, it is not. Salvadoran laws say that it is illegal to produce, sell, and carry any kind of marijuana product in El Salvador, either for medicinal or recreational purposes.
Weed is illegal in El Salvador; possession of any type of cannabis has severe legal consequences and will result in harsh punishment. As of right now, there is nothing that shows that the law will change anytime soon.
Should Marijuana in El Salvador be legalized? This is a hard question to answer as you have plenty of arguments for and against it from people living in El Salvador. Legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes is a priority for some people, whereas Marijuana for recreational purposes is a secondary matter.
There is no question that cannabis for medicinal purposes can help individuals with some health conditions. Experts believe that this item’s use might not cure the individual; nevertheless, it can help them manage the effects of medicine and the disease itself.
For instance, the use of hemp is legal in the UK, with recent changes to legislation allowing it to be used for medical purposes. Hemp contains a variety of active compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, that are believed to have various therapeutic effects. Some studies suggest that hemp can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and even help with certain types of pain.
Marijuana for recreational purposes is an entirely different issue; it is more a matter of I want it instead of I need it. The use of Marijuana for recreational purposes is a personal matter; I have an opinion on the subject, but I will keep it to myself.
If you ask Salvadorans about Marijuana legalization, everyone will have an opinion on the subject. Indeed, there are plenty of good arguments for legalizing it. Nevertheless, there are many good opinions about keeping Marijuana an illegal substance.
The opinions on legalizing Marijuana in El Salvador are many. But, they help answer the question of if Marijuana should be legalized in the country.
Arguments in Favor for Legalizing Marijuana in El Salvador
Since Marijuana is illegal in El Salvador, the legalization of Marijuana is a touchy subject. Some legalization arguments include that it can help those who need it for medicinal purposes, it can decrease crime, and it can help the economy.
Specialists have proven that cannabis can definitely help people with severe medical conditions. If it were legal, people in the country could easily have access to these treatments.
Now, how can legalizing Marijuana reduce crime? Some examples are that people who use it will not have to go to shady areas to buy it; it will be available at proper and safe locations. Additionally, crime organizations will not have to fight for the control of drug territories or corridors.
Lastly, the legalization of Marijuana will help the economy by providing another income source; the production, distribution, and sale can be taxed at a higher rate. Without a doubt, even at a higher tax rate, people will still produce it, sell it, and consume it.
To sum up, weed is illegal in El Salvador, but arguments for the legalization of this substance are many and all over the place. Even if it were to help the economy, reduce criminal activity, and help sick people, it is still a touchy subject to approach in El Salvador.
Arguments Against the Legalization of Marijuana
People who oppose the legalization of Marijuana have strong feelings about the issue. Some of these individuals believe that by making it legal, more people will start using it. Furthermore, some religious people believe that it is immoral to legalize it.
If weed were legal, why would more people use Marijuana? The argument is that legality will mean that it is okay to use it, and people will start using Marijuana. They also think that keeping it illegal sends a strong message that this product should not be used.
Additionally, legality will open the door for providers and sellers to push people to start using the product. The argument is that legalization will end costing more due to addition.
The legalization of Marijuana to religious people is something else altogether. Many religious individuals believe that making it legal is an immoral thing to do.
When asked why it is wrong to legalize it, many respond that it is the way God wants it. It is hard for me to argue with that logic, so I will leave it at that.
People who have arguments against the legalization of Marijuana in El Salvador are passionate about their beliefs. On a personal note, I do strongly respect their opinions.
The Current Status of Marijuana Legalization
As of 2020, the Salvadoran general assembly has nothing working regarding the legalization of Marijuana.
In 2019, deputy Francisco Zablah proposed the Salvadoran Congress steps to legalize the therapeutic use of cannabis under the Ministry of Health’s supervision.
Zablah’s initiative to reform the Regulatory Law of Activities Related to Marijuana was received by the general assembly and then sent to a study commission. However, nothing came of it.
My Point of View on the Legalization of Marijuana in El Salvador
Before I share my perspective on weed legalization, it is necessary to clarify that I have first-hand knowledge of the medical marijuana topic. Therefore, I might be biased when it comes to the issue.
My point of view is that the country should study and legalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes. However, I think the country is not ready to legalize Marijuana for recreational purposes.
My opinion is that cannabis for medical purposes should be made legal. Any individual with health problems should have the option to choose to use Marijuana to deal with their illness.
On the other hand, marijuana use for recreational purposes needs to stay illegal for now. My point of view is that Salvadoran society is not ready for legal recreational Marijuana. As a society, we need to be better educated on it before making it legal.
My position is that cannabis for medical purposes should be legalized as soon as possible. But, allowing people to use it legally for recreational purposes should be done at a later time.
Legalizing Marijuana in El Salvador
The issue of whether cannabis for medical reasons or Marijuana for recreational purposes should be made legal is a hot topic in El Salvador. In all honesty, debating this issue has not started yet.
I am not advocating for anyone to get involved in this issue, either for it or against it. I believe that this will be a hot topic of discussion in EL Salvador for years to come.
