Chile Moves To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis With Backing From Presidential Candidate

Chile is entering a new chapter in its cannabis policy. Lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive bill to regulate adult-use cannabis, advocacy groups are rallying behind it and one of the country's top presidential candidates has pledged to push for legalization if elected. The coordinated momentum marks one of the most significant efforts to dismantle Chile's longstanding prohibitionist approach.

On April 9, a coalition of legislators from the Frente Amplio, Communist Party, PPD, Acción Humanista and Socialist Party introduced a bill to regulate cannabis for personal use. As reported by El Planteo’s Camila Berriex, the proposal seeks to authorize home cultivation, establish legal possession limits and recognize nonprofit cultivation associations. The initiative was launched by the parliamentary group “Regulación por la paz” and led by lawmaker Ana María Gazmuri, a longtime medical cannabis advocate.

"This project allows us to catch up with international standards," Gazmuri said. "Uruguay, Canada and Germany have already shown that regulating cannabis not only protects users but also reduces the illegal market and allows the state to focus its resources on pursuing truly serious crimes."

Also read: Cannabis Stays Legal In Germany Following New Coalition Deal

The bill outlines several major changes: adults would be allowed to cultivate up to six flowering plants, store up to 800 grams annually and carry up to 40 grams in public. Consumption would remain restricted to private spaces; public use—including in schools, transport or around minors—would be prohibited. Cultivation collectives of up to 500 members would be legal as long as distribution is limited to members and not commercialized.

"This regulation is about regaining the control that today is in the hands of organized crime," Gazmuri added. "While people don't have a legal way to access cannabis, they will continue being pushed into the illegal market."

Civil Society Steps Forward

The push for reform is not just political; it's cultural. In another feature by El Planteo's Hernán Panessi, leading voices from Chile's cannabis community emphasized that the legislation reflects long-standing grassroots advocacy and a deep societal shift.

"It’s a project that appeals to the general public because we have a deep problem with drug trafficking," said activist Muy Paola. "I have faith there's a cultural change—that information flows differently now, and people can talk on the street, at work, in universities."

Cannabis lawyer Hernán Bocaz framed the legislation as a necessary tool to protect human rights. "This bill comes to safeguard those essential rights and also civil rights," he said. "It also seeks to regulate collective cultivation associations, which already exist, so we can move away from criminal laws once and for all."

Simón Espinosa, CEO of En Volá, echoed the sentiment: "We believe any regulation that protects citizens is a step in the right direction—for the millions of cannabis users in Chile, and to weaken the illegal market. It also aligns with international regulations in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, Canada, Germany, and many others."

Despite broad enthusiasm, there's caution. "We're happy, but staying alert to how this will be discussed and prioritized on the legislative agenda," said Espinosa. "We've been disappointed many times by politicians."

Presidential Politics: Cannabis Enters The National Debate

Reform has also become a central issue in Chile's upcoming presidential election. Lawmaker Vlado Mirosevic, one of the most visible presidential candidates, has publicly supported legalization. In an exclusive interview with El Planteo, Mirosevic said he would push to remove cannabis from Chile's list of dangerous substances and introduce a bill to legalize both home cultivation and a regulated market.

"If I were elected president of Chile, I would remove cannabis from the list of dangerous drugs and promote a law in Congress to decriminalize home cultivation and regulate the market," he stated. "There could be different models. I'm open to either a state monopoly or regulated private initiative. We need to assess what works best."

Mirosevic, who describes himself as a humanist liberal, said he doesn't consume cannabis himself but believes legalization is necessary from a public health and civil liberties perspective. "The failure of drug policy is evident," he said. "What remains to be done is to legalize cannabis."

He also drew a distinction between his approach and more libertarian views in neighboring countries. "The version of liberalism we represent is progressive, center-left… a humanist liberalism that interprets human beings in all their complexity, not just economic relationships," he said.

A Nation At A Crossroads

Chile's current cannabis policy places adult-use consumption in a legal gray area, often linked to drug trafficking offenses. Medical marijuana is legal but highly restricted. For years, civil society groups have called for clear regulation, especially as cannabis consumption remains widespread across the country.

Now, with a legislative proposal in Congress, a supportive civil movement and a presidential candidate openly advocating reform, the country may be closer than ever to redefining its relationship with cannabis.

Whether the bill garners enough support to pass remains uncertain, but the narrative has already shifted. From courtrooms to Congress and presidential campaigns, cannabis legalization is no longer a fringe idea in Chile; it's part of a national conversation.

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