Cannabis Advocacy At The FIFA World Cup In Qatar: One NGO And Its Huge Flag Defy Host Country's Strict Laws

By Franca Quarneti via El Planteo

If you paid attention, you may have seen it: a flag of the Argentine Cannabis Confederation, waving during the soccer games of the Argentine National Team at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

In fact, it is quite difficult not to lay your eyes on it, since the 420-friendly flag has dimensions of 26 x 5 feet, one of the biggest flags that were seen among Argentine soccer fans.

In an exclusive conversation with El Planteo, Leandro Ayala, president of the Argentine Cannabis Confederation, stated: "I run into people on the street and they say to me 'are you from the Cannabis Confederation? How proud, I felt represented'. And they send me the photos of the people who were in the stadium. So cool”.

And he continued: “It is the biggest rag in the World Cup, at least until the game with Mexico. So far, the biggest rag is a cannabis rag.”

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In addition, Ayala said that bringing the flag into the country had its complexities, as well as positioning it in the stadium.

“I was with Khalifa, the first cousin of the prince, of the Emir, talking about cannabis. He offered me a [legal] weed and we took the photo with the flag,” the Argentine businessman said surprised.

Lastly, the Argentine Cannabis Confederation is holding a raffle: if you are watching a match and see the flag, take a screenshot and tag the Argentine Cannabis Confederation on Instagram. You can win a good gift!

What is the Argentine Cannabis Confederation?

The Cannabis Confederation seeks to promote the organization and political leadership of the Argentine cannabis industry to guarantee access for national producers and small businesses.

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Likewise, on its website the Cannabis Confederation state that its mission is “nuclear all the actors behind this plant, consolidate the union of all these actors, make the general public visible and aware of this plant and all the applications that humanity can give it for its development, conservation and sustainable management of resources natural resources and the environment from justice and solidarity, participating in the execution and administration of strategic development projects at the local, national and international level”.

How is the Cannabis And Drug Situation in Qatar

As reported by the Daily Mail, Law 9 of 1987 on the Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances establishes that people caught smuggling drugs into Qatar may face 20-year prison terms and fines of between $26,000 and $80,000.

Additionally, enthusiasts with a record of similar crimes will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. It should be noted that the crimes committed outside the Arab country count when defining whether there is a history.

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What about prescription drugs? Supporters should note that their prescription drugs may be considered controlled substances in Qatar.

For this reason, the organizers of the soccer World Cup reported: “If you need to bring controlled or prescribed medicines to Qatar, make sure you bring the official prescription from your doctor, the hospital note, or a letter from your physician detailing the medicine, the prescribed amount and dosage.”

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Image via El Planteo