In June 2024 Brazil's Supreme Court approved decriminalizing marijuana possession for personal use. The court said possession of up to 40 grams or six female plants counts as personal use. Consumption remains illegal, but penalties are administrative rather than criminal.
Under the new precedent, police may stop someone with up to 40 grams but should not arrest them. The court said the ruling can be applied retroactively when it benefits the defendant. In August, a higher court applied the precedent and freed a person who had been jailed for a small amount.
The change could affect millions of people and may help lessen prison overcrowding. Some groups welcomed the decision but said more education and support are necessary.
Difficult words
- decriminalize — stop treating an act as a criminal offencedecriminalizing
- possession — having or owning something physically
- personal use — use by one person, not for sale
- precedent — earlier decision used as a legal example
- administrative — relating to rules or government procedures
- retroactively — applying to events that happened before
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Discussion questions
- Do you think this change could reduce prison overcrowding? Why or why not?
- What education or support would help people after this ruling?
- How do you feel about possession being decriminalized but consumption still illegal?
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