Mexico and the United States share more than a border. The majority of our produce, low income workers and illegal drugs come from our neighbors to the south and cannabis is no exception. With recent pushes by Colorado and Washington to legalize marijuana, the war on drugs seems to be coming to a screeching halt, leading mexican officials to follow suit.
Since 2006, 60,000 people have been killed in the mexican drug war and Mexican drug cartels take in between $19 and $29 billion annually from U.S. drug sales. The Bill introduced by lawmakers in Mexico City would permit the use of medical marijuana, strengthen the Mexico City governments ability to set drug policy, and increase the amount of marijuana allowed for personal use from 5 grams to 30. Setting it apart from similar measures in the US, it would also raise personal limits for LSD, methamphetamine and cocaine, a stipulation that makes some lawmakers uneasy.
As Obama, and members of Congress recognize, cannabis is not a schedule 1 drug, and shouldn't be treated as such. Mexico City is taking a bold step forward to recognize the potential in revenue for a responsible, regulated marijuana market and with mexico such a prominent provider of cannabis, there is no doubt the ripple effect from legalization measures would have a tremendous impact, saving lives and money.
However, since decriminalizing cannabis five years ago, some lawmakers are weary of giving more power to the people. According to the a poll in the newspaper El Universal, of the 66 members of Mexico City's legislature only 11 openly supported the bill while 30 were against it, leaving the rest undecided.
Time will tell only tell how much longer cannabis laws can hold among a growing tide of opposition.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
