Mexico Passes Drug Legalization Law

08/22/09  Print This Post Print This Post    5 Comments   Popular   Written by Julie Schwietert
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Photo: elpablo

Back in February, Matador reported that several Latin American countries were considering changing the region’s strategy in the war on drugs. Mexico followed up yesterday.

It was a small item in today’s New York Times: “Mexico Legalizes Drug Possession.”

But the news may have big implications for drug policy in the Americas.

Mexico’s federal government passed a law yesterday that decriminalizes possession of small amounts of marijuana, as well as cocaine, heroin, meth, and LSD.

The law, which established legal limits for personal possession, represents a shift from a punitive drug policy to one that treats drugs as a public health issue. If successful, the law may serve as a model for other countries in the region.

The law went into effect today.

Community Connection:

Drugs can be taken too far, of course. Read about Bolivia’s cocaine bars and weigh in: Do these represent a “Latin American Adventure or Playing With Fire?”


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About the Author

Matador ID: collazo

Julie Schwietert is the managing editor of Matador Network. She contributed a chapter to the recently published book, The Voluntary Traveler, and is currently working on five features for Fodor's Puerto Rico, 6th Edition.

5 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Beverly Ivie replied on August 24, 2009

    My husband and I thought we’d have to fly to Amsterdam to celebrate his up-coming retirement so we could party like we both deserve to ,,finially. Smiling as I write this, at the same time I’m sad, sad that our goverment has not caught on to the good things legalization can do ,the money it could generate, save the farmers ,how it can help the sick and dying, i could go on an on but we all know. But brothers and sisters, I only hope theres room left for a couple of Alabama hippies cause the day after he retires, less than 100 days, we are on our way!!!! Thank You,Thank You, Thank You Mexico, Queenhippiechic and moochie

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  • Foxy Moron replied on September 13, 2009

    First parts/all mexico bans plastic bottles, now this… hey america get off your high horse (no pun intended) and make some changes for the better!!!

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  • Foxy Moron replied on September 13, 2009

    uuuuh I mean plastic bags……. thanks either way mexico.. this TEXAS lady will be visiting ya sometime soon!

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  • Third World replied on September 24, 2009

    I really don’t want to follow Mexico as a model for anything, people leave there for better lives, just like my family….

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