Portugal: Socialist Party proposes working group to evaluate adult use of cannabis

The leader of the parliamentary bench of the Socialist Party, Eurico Brilhante Dias, announced the intention to set up a working group to debate and deepen reflection around the regulation of the use of cannabis for non-medical purposes. The news was released today by Agência Lusa, which adds that the PS admits moving forward with a legislative initiative after the debate, in collaboration with other parliamentary groups and Portuguese society.

The start of regulation of recreational cannabis in Portugal may be imminent, following the European trend to review policies regarding the legalization of adult use of cannabis. According to Agência Lusa, the Socialist Party (PS) is now announcing intentions to evaluate the use of cannabis for non-medical purposes. The PS parliamentary bench announced its intention to create a working group with the purpose of analyzing this issue, through the creation of a draft resolution to formalize the initiative.

The decision was revealed by the leader of the PS bench, Eurico Brilhante Dias, during the party's first meeting after the parliamentary vacation period. The leader of the PS parliamentary bench stated that the intention is to create a working group dedicated to exploring the use of cannabis for recreational purposes, an area that has been the subject of growing debate around the world.

The draft resolution outlines the formation of this working group, which would operate within the parliament's Health Committee. The PS leader argues that this is an issue that directly involves public health and, therefore, it is appropriate that the commission responsible for health be the host of this effort.

“We are going to study, we are going to delve deeper, we are going to listen to different experts in different areas to deepen our reflection,” Brilhante Dias told Lusa, emphasizing the party’s commitment to conducting a complete and informed analysis. The main objective is to complete this process by the end of the year, culminating in a conference focused on the non-medical use of cannabis.

PS open to collaborate with other parliamentary groups
The PS parliamentary leader stressed that, after debating and delving deeper into the topic, the party will consider the possibility of presenting a legislative initiative. However, Brilhante Dias also made it clear that the PS does not intend to follow this path alone. On the contrary, it is open to collaboration with other parliamentary groups.

“This is a path we want to take with the other parliamentary groups”, assured Brilhante Dias, highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach to such a complex and relevant topic. Furthermore, Dias highlighted the need to involve Portuguese society in this process. Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping policies related to the non-medical use of cannabis and the PS is committed to promoting an open and inclusive discussion on the subject.

This PS movement occurs at a time when the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes is being discussed in various parts of the world and especially in Europe. Portugal, known for its progressive model in the area of ​​drugs, appears to be maturing this issue, through an approach based on evidence and social consensus. The creation of this working group represents an important step in deepening the debate on the adult use of cannabis in Portugal, which has already been proposed to the Assembly of the Republic on several occasions and by various political quarters.