Mexico’s Senate seems to be away from legalizing cannabis. In doing so, it would become only the third country globally to have set the green flag on adult-use of the plant, after Uruguay and Canada.
Last year, we saw cannabis history made several times over. Canada became the first modern country to legalize recreational cannabis almost one year ago. Also, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its very first cannabis-derived drug. The latter is a notable big deal, thinking that cannabis remains an illicit substance at the federal level in the United States.
Also, in 2018, Mexico’s Supreme Court decreed that an all-out ban on recreational use. Also, the possession of the plant or Homegrown cannabis was illegal. What makes this decision so important is that it was the fifth time in several years that the country’s highest court had given a similar verdict. In Mexico, when the Supreme Court touches a related finding five times, it becomes the governing set throughout the country.
Table Turns On Legislation Towards Mexico’s Cannabis Reform
Officials in Mexico currently have a dozen bill revisions on the board but will not move on any of them until a public discussion. This adds Mr. Winterburn— expert of a functional Mexico program to cannabis legalization.
As he said, “Legalising cannabis is a pretty forward-thinking move from any country when you consider the very idea is at such an early stage in the process of progression throughout the world.”
And added, “So, it needs a forward-thinking approach which, on the face of it, is precisely what we’re seeing here.”
“From a cynical perspective it also covers all the bases too – let’s say, further down the line, cannabis legalization actually goes quite badly wrong… well, the government can just turn to the people and say ‘hey, you told us you wanted this,’ but I seriously doubt that’s even in their thinking.”
So, Julio Ramon Salazar — leader of the Senate Justice Committee, asked ministers to use the summer break to work on the progress of cannabis legalization.
He was conducive to a government data website that shows people yearning to attend public gatherings. He said, “Initiate various legislative activities of open parliament in order to know and listen to the opinions that reflect the environment. And the feeling of society with respect to such an important issue. Together with that, contribute to obtaining a regulation according to the reality of our country”.
Mexico Is Setting A Green Flag On Cannabis Legalization
The Senate is marking a vital measure towards improving the country’s approach to cannabis by excluding it as a source of income for those who are on the wrong side of the equation.
Mexico’s Cannabis Legalization Key Points
- Adults age 18 and older can own cannabis for personal use, cultivate and grow marijuana up to four plants, and buy from licensed retailers.
- An independent body called the “Cannabis Institute” would be in-charged of issuing licenses. Furthermore, in setting potency limits, and controlling the enforcement of the law, among other duties.
- Low-income people, small farmers, and native people would have a licensing priority.
- Strict restrictions would be imposed on cannabis packaging. That includes requiring clear, graded containers that do not feature depictions of real or fictional people and mementos.
- Cannabis can only be consumed in private spaces.
- Only medical cannabis patients would be allowed to buy infused edibles and drinks.
- Unknown cannabis seeds or plants would be subject to forfeiture.
- No pesticides could be used on cannabis plants.
Mexico Cannabis Reform Bill
Lawmakers have said that the bill is based on a proposal that Interior Secretary Olga Sánchez Cordero filed last year. Still, the boards are also blending more than a dozen other cannabis reform bills that have been proposed.
The fast action would recommend that Mexico’s lawmakers are keen to adhere to a Supreme Court deadline set last year.
Appeals for the Mexican officials to go even further by setting the production, supply, and trades at a federal level are also winning drive. Many senior figures believe regulation would guarantee quality products and prevent cartels from operating bootleg supplies.
The Dilemma
Not everyone in Mexico’s Senate is certainly in favor of the idea of a broad-based bill that would not simply allow Mexicans adults the right to possess and use certain measures of cannabis without the fear of prosecution but also allow businesses to produce and sell marijuana.
There have also been doubts about the idea of privately-run cannabis businesses infiltrating the Mexican cannabis market.
Whats Next on Mexico’s Action Toward Cannabis Legalization?
Setting an opinion into a different perspective, Mexico’s Supreme Court finally put Mexico on the path to legalization. The call that lawmakers craft and announce legislation by no later than one year from its ruling. A reform bill that will be voted on, and hopefully passed.
