Mexico is decriminalizing cannabis as the Supreme Court passed laws last Monday evening that will legalize the recreational use of cannabis.
The decisive 8-3 ruling comes after proponents pushed for decriminalization as a means of reducing drug-driven cartel violence in the country. The court declared the cannabis ban unconstitutional in 2018, prompting lawmakers to continue to pass a bill.
However, after a bill signed by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador struggled to get through Congressional deliberations weeks after the deadline, the court moved to a vote.
Now, to legally obtain cannabis, citizens must apply for a permit from the country's health regulator, the Federal Commission for Protection from Health Risks (COFEPRIS), the Supreme Court said.
Once allowed, anyone over the age of 18 may possess up to 28 grams of cannabis, the Supreme Court ruled. Previously, Mexican citizens had access to cannabis, but only after filing a court order. In addition, the use of medical marijuana has been legal in Mexico.
Mexico is decriminalizing cannabis but will also allow the cultivation and harvesting of marijuana plants after obtaining a permit from Cofepris, a Supreme Court statement said. The court ruled that minors should not consume cannabis and that one should not drive or engage in dangerous activities after consuming it.
Sources including CNN (EN), France24 (EN), Marijuana Moment (EN), The Guardian (EN)
