On Tuesday, the Finnish parliament is addressing a citizen initiative seeking to legalize cannabis, allowing for regulated use, possession, cultivation, production, and sale with age restrictions. The initiative proposes starting legal preparations for a law that would treat cannabis similarly to alcohol and tobacco, introducing taxation on cannabis sales to mitigate social costs associated with its use. The live updates from Ilta-Sanomat will provide detailed coverage of this significant public discussion as it unfolds.

The citizen initiative, known as "Make cannabis legal, regulated, and taxed," is centered on providing a framework for the legal use of cannabis. It suggests not only the legalization of personal usage but also the removal of criminal records for minor offenses related to cannabis, which advocates argue will contribute to social justice and reduce law enforcement burdens. Supporters of the initiative believe that regulating the cannabis market can lead to safer consumption, similar to existing regulations for other substances.

Furthermore, the initiative is backed by arguments around economic benefits, including potential tax revenues from cannabis sales and job creation in a new market. Green party MP Atte Harjanne has previously stated that this could lead to better utilization of police resources, allowing them to focus on more serious crimes rather than cannabis-related offenses. As the parliament debates this initiative, its outcomes may have a lasting impact on Finnish drug policy and societal perceptions regarding cannabis use.