Argentina rules on personal marijuana use

The Supreme Court in Argentina has ruled that it is unconstitutional to punish people who use marijuana for personal consumption.
The court said that marijuana use must not harm others and made it clear that it did not advocate decriminalisation. The Argentine court ruled that: “Each adult is free to make lifestyle decisions without the intervention of the state.”
The decision struck down a 2006 lower court ruling involving eight people sentenced to jail terms for carrying marijuana cigarettes.
Supreme Court President Ricardo Lorenzetti said private behaviour was legal, “as long as it doesn’t constitute clear danger”. The Argentinean government is supporting the initiative, with congress expected to introduce amendments to the current drug laws.
The aim of this change in policy is to enable police to focus on the organised criminals in the drugs trade instead of dealing with petty cases. The move has been criticised by some groups who say it will encourage damaging behaviour and lead to health problems.
Claudio Izaguirre, director of the Argentine Anti-drugs Association said: “There will be an increase in the drug trade and the people that fall into addiction will not, unfortunately, access treatment.” 
Argentina’s move follows similar rulings by several other countries across the region including Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador and Columbia.