Politics

Mexico’s Supreme Court decriminalizes recreational use of cannabis

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Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled to decriminalize recreational use of cannabis. The court suggested that public health laws banning personal use of the drug are unconstitutional.

However, Mexico has yet to reverse criminal penalties for consuming or cultivating cannabis. NPR reports, “Frida Ibarra of the nongovernmental group Mexico United Against Crime, says there isn’t the political will to fully decriminalize marijuana. She said, ‘We need to redirect government resources,” she says, ‘and fight real crimes and criminals in Mexico like kidnappers and murderers, not small-time marijuana users.’”

However, some believe Mexican President Obrador will not accept the ruling. Professor Francisco Burgoa, a constitutional lawyer, said, “Congress urgently needs to legislate, but I think that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is not personally in favor.” Until legislation is passed, marijuana users and growers can still be arrested and criminally charged.

Mexico United Against Crime said, the ruling “does not decriminalize the activities necessary to carry out consumption” such as production, possession, and transportation. The legislation hoping to be enacted allows Mexicans to carry up to 28g of marijuana and grow up to eight plants at their home, for personal use. Proponents of decriminalization hope to lessen drug-related violence and allow the marijuana market to blossom. 

ARTICLE: ANTOINETTE AHO

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE
PHOTO CREDITS: ROLLING STONE

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Antoinette Aho

Antoinette is a community college student in Sacramento, California. She is a Politics Editor at Fact Based America, a correspondent for Campus Reform, and a student journalist. She previously worked for Turning Point USA as a High School Coordinator.

Antoinette is a community college student in Sacramento, California. She is a Politics Editor at Fact Based America, a correspondent for Campus Reform, and a student journalist. She previously worked for Turning Point USA as a High School Coordinator.

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