Mexico Legalizes Drug Possession
Mexican President Felipe Calderon has enacted a law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use, including heroin and meth.
Mexico has never been in the habit of jailing users and addicts the way we do in the States, so practically speaking the new law isn’t expected to change all that much for most people (with the possible exception of beat cops losing a source of bribes). Still, it’s considered controversial largely because of the way the United States has reacted to similar legislation in the past.
In 2006, President Fox proposed and Congress passed a legalization bill but then chucked it when Washington complained. This time around, Gil Kerlikowske has said the administration will take a “wait-and-see” approach.
The new law allows Mexicans to carry up to five grams of marijuana, half a gram of cocaine, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of meth, and, for good measure, a little LSD.
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“The new law allows Mexicans to carry up to five grams of marijuana, half a gram of cocaine, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of meth, and, for good measure, a little LSD.”
What about tourists and spring breakers, etc?
Mary-
I’m in Mexico right now and am about to head out to find a dealer!!!
I had breakfast with a friend of mine this morning from Guadalajara who seemed to believe that the law only applies to the DF – not every state in the country. True or false? Also- to andygeiger’s question, does the law only apply to citizens or to everyone in the country??
The law is federal, and as far as I know applies to anyone in Mexico. So go for it, Rick!
[...] Mary Cuddehe: Mexico has never been in the habit of jailing users and addicts the way we do in the States, so practically speaking the new law isn’t expected to change all that much for most people (with the possible exception of beat cops losing a source of bribes). Still, it’s considered controversial largely because of the way the United States has reacted to similar legislation in the past. [...]