In the original proposal on the decriminalization of cannabiscovered by AG, Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen argued that a state-controlled sale could eliminate the basis of the black market.
However, the proposal met a massive wall of skepticism from the other parties in Inatsisartut. After assessing the political realities in the wake of the debate, Jerimiassen therefore chose to withdraw the proposal.
In the original proposal on the decriminalization of cannabiscovered by AG, Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen argued that a state-controlled sale could eliminate the basis of the black market.
However, the proposal met a massive wall of skepticism from the other parties in Inatsisartut. After assessing the political realities in the wake of the debate, Jerimiassen therefore chose to withdraw the proposal.
– It soon became clear that there was no support for my bill among the other parties. As the political landscape looks today, there is simply a lack of will to even initiate a dialogue on the decriminalization of cannabis, says Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen.
According to himself, the decision to take the proposal off the table was made based on a sober analysis of the parliamentary working conditions. In a busy meeting in Inatsisartut, according to Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen, it is about choosing your battles carefully, so that the political work does not end in symbolic defeats.
– Although the proposal was already on the agenda, I now choose to use my energies in other areas. Since there is a prospect that the proposal will be rejected anyway, I prefer to prioritize my time on tasks where we can achieve results. By withdrawing the proposal now, we free up time to deal with other legislative proposals rather than wasting effort on a case with minimal chances of approval, explains the chairman of Atassut.
To start a necessary dialogue
Although the first reports from the other parties have been dismissive, Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen is keeping the door open for future cooperation across parties. He refuses to give up the belief that there are like-minded people in the room who are just waiting for the right moment.
– I have not yet decided whether I am alone in the fight for decriminalisation. I do not want to prejudge the positions of my colleagues, because it is quite possible that there are other politicians in the room who are prepared to take up the task together with me. For me, the most important thing has always been to start a necessary dialogue, says Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen.
Force debate
Although the specific bill is now taken off the table, this does not mean an end to the debate. On the contrary, Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen plans to attack the problem from a new angle, which will force the other parties and the national government to take a position without being able to hide behind a quick vote.
– Instead of a direct bill, I am now considering making the subject the subject of an inquiry debate in the coming years. It is a strategic tool that can ensure an open debate directly in the meeting room. In this way, we force the subject into the light and ensure that Naalakkersuisut is also involved and must deal officially with the issue, explains Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen.
Must be discussed a little more thoroughly
The AG has reached out to all parties for a comment, but so far only Inuit Ataqatigiit has responded to the inquiry.
Inuit Ataqatigiit is aware of the scope of the proposal, but the party urges caution. Here, it is not believed that the debate can be concluded with a simple yes or no, as the consequences reach far into the various layers of society
– We have of course discussed it in the party, and it is not a decision you can just make. Our position is that there are many other aspects that are going to be affected if you decriminalize cannabis. Therefore, it is something that needs to be discussed a little more thoroughly than we can make a decision right here and now, explains Paarma Lund Kreutzmann (IA).
