We fought, we believed and in the end we did it. The Referendum on cannabis it is safe. The government extension the deadline for submitting signatures to the Court of Cassation is until October 30th. But now, what happens?
Let's do a quick summary. After reaching the threshold of 500 thousand signatures, in record time, the municipalities had the task of sending the electoral certificates which certify and confirm the signature of the voters. A task that many of them have not fulfilled.
In Italy, the time for collecting signatures goes from January 1st to September 30th, exception for this year, due to pandemic. In fact, in June it was decided that all ongoing collections would have until October 30th.
“We are not asking for a favor, a privilege, but a due reparation for damage that has already been done, because many Municipalities have not returned the certified signatures within 48 hours, a deadline that cannot be extended by law”, he underlined Riccardo Magi, President of +Europa.
A failure to comply on the part of the Government which triggered the reaction of thousands of people, supporters of the cause, who demanded recognition of their rights.
Be wary of municipalities, demonstrations and hunger strikes. I took to the streets, in the squares, under Montecitorio, in the name of Democracy. It was hard work, but in the end the goal was achieved. The Council of Ministers approved the extension until October 30th. But now what happens?
What is the process to follow?
Once 500 thousand signatures have been reached, these are deposited at the Court of Cassation. Court which will have to verify that the laws regulating the referendum have been respected. Once this is done the ball passes to Constitutional Court, which will have to ensure its admissibility.
After which, in the event of a positive outcome, the President of the Republic, which announces the referendum with a decree, setting the date. We remind you that the repeal referendum can only take place on a Sunday between 15 April and 15 June, barring unforeseen circumstances.
The day of the vote, to ensure that the referendum is valid, it is necessary that you at least go there to vote half plus one of those entitled to vote. It goes without saying that, having reached the minimum number, which in Italy is approximately 23 million, to be approved, the number of YES must exceed NO.
What can we do?
Our commitment is fundamental for the realization of this dream. In Italy we never talk about cannabis, or, when we do, it is to demonize it. Misinformation is the order of the day. We must push on the opposite front. Here are some initiatives in support of the cause:
- "After collecting around 600,000 signatures online, we have no intention of stopping." writes Meglio Legale on social media, thus announcing the start of the collecting signatures, street by street, city by city, region by region. What are you waiting for? Get ready to sign.
- Inform, in our small way, as many people as possible, on the reasons why the legalization of cannabis is an issue of primary importance in our country. Economic, social and environmental benefits in support of a shattered society.
- Unity is strength is our motto. Participate in demonstrations that carry the name of this sacred plant high. Making our way through the rubble, to make ourselves heard, even by those who are hard of hearing. Attract the attention of the mass media. Shout to the whole world that cannabis it's not just a drug to stay away from.
