Albert Tió Is Going To Prison For Cannabis Reform
The Gen X father of three hopes that presenting himself for arrest, with a pending 15,000 Spanish signatures already for his release and a pending case at the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, will finally ignite the cannabis movement to push for full and final reform.
For any who think that the cannabis industry has moved beyond the terrible days of the drug war, think again. While in the United States the President-elect and his Vice President, a former prosecutor, are promising to at least implement federal decriminalization, the fight over such basic issues is far from over in other places either.
Indeed, the reason that long-time activist and organizer of the Spanish club scene, Albert Tió is presenting himself to authorities this week is to light a torch to paper which has been simmering in Europe for most of the decade – certainly since cannabis reform came to not only North America, but this region too.
Indeed, the Spanish club industry, and its organization, has been one of the largest forces pushing further legalization here since 2014 – and outside of Germany, one of the most influential – far beyond Barcelona. Indeed, the recent move on the Spanish territory of the Canary Islands to normalize medical use would not have been conceivable just five years ago.
However for such activities, Tió is now facing a five year jail sentence which he will presumably begin serving over the holiday season.
He is not expected to serve long. Indeed along with 15,000 signatories petitioning the Ministry of Justice for his pardon and an appeal at the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg, his has become the next face of canna heroism not only in Spain but across the continent.
Indeed, Tió will arrive at jail surrounded by supporters to bid him adieu.
Cannabis martyrs are not hard to find. That is why the Spanish government, will, presumably, begin to face a tide of reform that is not receding anywhere as it creates another one.
Indeed, in Mexico, the Supreme Court had to rule twice to force legislators to consider implementing regulations for the domestic market. But rule they did.
Cannabis reform is going “Spanish” – even as it assumes the language and now mantle of activism of the global movement of green change that will not be quenched, anywhere on the planet.
You go girl!
Be sure to attend the next International Cannabis Business Conference when the conference returns to Europe in 2021.
