Magalí Ledesma, an attorney and lecturer at the Faculty of Legal Sciences at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), is set to propose the introduction of a novel course focusing on cannabis law within the university's curriculum. This initiative highlights the increasing recognition of cannabis law as a significant area of legal practice, especially as the number of drug-related offenses continues to rise across society.
Ledesma plans to present her proposal to university authorities this coming May, coinciding with the institution's call for educational proposals from faculty members. "One of the causes most abundant are related to drug offenses. The majority of those processed and convicted are for consumption, planting, and possession, so a lawyer must have specific preparation because these are the things most seen on the street," she remarked, emphasizing the urgency for legal education to adapt to contemporary challenges. This educational shift is not merely academic; it aims to equip future lawyers with the specialized knowledge necessary to navigate the realities of drug-related legal issues.
Discussing the rationale behind the proposed course, Ledesma showcased the importance of viewing drug laws with depth and nuance. "There must be a surgical view when these crimes are treated; there is much bibliographical material in law, precedents-sentences which must be studied deeply," she said. This perspective advocates for moving beyond punitive and prohibitionist views of cannabis, instead of embracing a more comprehensive approach encompassing industrial, agricultural, health, and therapeutic dimensions of drug policy.
Given the historical stigma associated with cannabis, Ledesma asserts the necessity of culturally redefining how society engages with drug use and legislation. "We must stop associATING cannabis consumption with crime; we must think of cannabis and hemp from another perspective," she stated. This change is not only about educational reform but also about reshaping public discourse around drug consumption. She believes integrating these ideas will lead to more effective and compassionate legal practices.
Currently, Ledesma leads a seminar on drug policies, titled “Políticas de drogas y Reducción de daño,” which has been recognized and successfully implemented by the UNLP. This seminar, developed alongside the UNLP's Institute of Legal Culture, aims to address these pressing issues from both legal and social perspectives. "The first step has already been taken; now we are seeking for the seminar to become a course," she explained, indicating optimism for the transition of this subject from supplementary seminar to integral coursework.
The demand for knowledge surrounding cannabis law among students has been significant. Ledesma emphasizes how her students often express interest due to their personal experiences with cannabis, whether through personal use, family situations, or peer interactions. "Students show great attraction to the topic, whether due to personal, family, or friends’ use, and they appreciate the knowledge they gain," she noted, confirming the relevancy and necessity of this proposed course. This deep appreciation for education surrounding cannabis reflects broader changes within societal attitudes and legal frameworks.
Despite potential resistance, including concerns over societal perceptions of promoting drug use within the academic environment, Ledesma reassures stakeholders of the serious academic foundation guiding the course. Folloowing the success of her existing seminar, the formal establishment of cannabis law studies as part of the curriculum would mark the first such initiative nationally, positioning UNLP as a leader in modern legal education.
Lastly, Ledesma's expertise extends beyond academia; she is also involved with the Asociación de Reducción de Daño Argentina (ARDA), strengthening her commitment to advocating for harm reduction policies. Acknowledging recent governmental setbacks, particularly concerning the termination of the Reprocann program, Ledesma explained, "The program is precarious by nature, coming to patch the Ley de drogas (Law 23737), which from my perspective is the root of all problems." Her reflections reveal not only the urgency of addressing current legal inadequacies but also the broader discourse needed around drug laws as society transitions to more informed practices.
With trends indicating growing support for cannabis law reforms, Ledesma's proposal points toward the future of legal education. Introducing cannabis law as part of the curriculum would undoubtedly prepare students for the realities they will encounter, ensuring they possess comprehensive knowledge on the subject. Consequently, it paves the way for significant changes within professional legal practices and societal perceptions of drug use, heralding the need for reform.