This afternoon, Project Dignity spokesman in the House of Representatives, Lisie J. Burgos Muñiz, participated in the final hearing on House Bill 152, which aims to amend Law 42-2017, known as the Law to administer the study. development and research of the Hemp for innovation, applicable standards and limits, “Medicinal law”.
This law aims to ensure that employers do not discriminate against employees who are medical cannabis patients, in both the public and private sectors.
“From the first day the measure was considered, I have been raising a flag about the adverse effects this project could have on the labor sector. The way the piece of legislation is drafted is ambiguous, unconstitutional and vague, ”said Burgos Muñiz.
Proyecto Dignidad’s spokesperson assured that she had requested additional views to those of February 26, “so that the opinions of experts on human behavior, mental health and addiction could be heard,” but her request was not answered.
“I have not reached the legislature on my own, I represent a wide sector of the conservative people who decided to join the ranks with Proyecto Dignidad because they were just tired of not being considered at the time of the legislation” , Burgos Muñiz explains.
Representative Burgos Muñiz filed amendments to protect the rights enshrined in the constitutional provisions of the separation of church and state and the first amendment to the United States of America constitution. These amendments were also designed to protect educational institutions, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and faith-based community organizations. These amendments were not approved in today’s final recital hearing vote.
“We notice that New York City has about 9 million residents and about 40 Medical Cannabis Dispensaries, while in Puerto Rico, with 2/3 less the population of New York City already has 127 Dispensaries and 200 Dispensaries. pending discharge. Another fact that surprised us is that the majority of people certified as medical cannabis patients in Puerto Rico are in the 21 to 30 age group, closely followed by the 31 to 40 year old population. The way this piece of legislation has been evaluated is outrageous. These statistics are really alarming, ”said Burgos Muñiz.
“It cannot be that Puerto Rico continues to legislate to protect the economic interests of one sector alone, without considering the implications such measures will have on the already compromised mental health and poor economic development of our people. Without going through a rigorous process, this legislation is a burden that will ultimately affect all sectors of our society, ”concluded the also chairman of the Commission for Social Welfare, People with Disabilities and the Elderly.
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