B-006: Constitutional Reconsideration: Marijuana Legalization Act

[Alfonso Velez]

Madam Speaker,

While I respect the President's view--the fact is that this Parliament has spoken in an overwhelming and non-partisan fashion for this bill. Only 44 members of this Parliament voted against it because this Parliament understands that this matter is important--and that people should have the liberty to decide for themselves whether or not to consume Marijuana and whether or not to purchase it. I won't repeat the speech I gave previously on this matter, but I want to address the specific issues raised by the President in his veto message.

This young nation not only needs to be based on liberty, but also needs a strong economy. We also must balance the need for a strong economy with ensuring that the Government is sufficiently funded by taxes--but that these taxes are reasonable and do not stifle economic growth. Happily in this area, Marijuana legalization provides us with an opportunity to bring these sales out of the black market where transactions are not taxed and aren't regulated, and ensures that people can buy Marijuana legally and safely, helping the coffers of our nation in the process and stimulating the economy.

In short, Madam Speaker, this isn't just about liberty--it's also about the economy. That's why I can't agree with the President's view that we should only decriminalize Marijuana consumption but keep its sale illegal, unregulated, and untaxed. It just doesn't make sense. Therefore, I respectfully disagree with his requests made in his veto message and I believe this Parliament should hold fast to the decision it made by an overwhelming and multi-partisan fashion and pass the bill without any changes and therefore pass it into law, the concerns of the President notwithstanding.