No Marijuana Legalization, Says Peruvian Government

The country has decriminalized possession of small quantities

The Peruvian government has responded to a recent report prepared by the Organization of American States (OAS) that called for a serious discussion about decriminalizing marihuana, El Comercio reported.

In response the Peruvian government said it commended the OAS report, but said it had no plans legalize the selling or production of marijuana or other drugs.

According to the daily, Carmen Masias, head of Peru's anti-drug agency Devida, said possession of 8 grams or less of marijuana was decriminalized in the country, and said this policy "avoided treating users as criminals, and rather considers them to be addicts."