The legalization of marijuana in Mexico and its effects

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug for the younger population. Although it is a substance considered illegal, in many countries the possession of a small amount is allowed. quantity for own consumption or for medicinal purposes, or consumption in certain clubs and associations regularized.

Some countries have decided to legalize cannabis, while others are in the process of doing so due to different reasons. In this article we are going to see one of these cases, specifically the legalization of marijuana in Mexico.

• Related article: "The 4 types of marijuana: cannabis and its characteristics"

cannabis and marijuana

Cannabis is a substance derived from one of the different varieties of the cannabis plant, the most common and well-known being cannabis sativa.

This substance has a psychoactive effect, producing alterations in the functionality of the nervous system and altering its biochemistry. Specifically, it belongs to the group of psychodysleptics or disturbers, which have an effect by modifying the activity of the brain and can produce perceptual alterations.

The most common form in which cannabis is presented is marijuana, the product that results from chopping the leaves and stems of the plant. It is usually consumed smoked, sprinkled on food or in the form of an infusion.

Cannabis, both in its marijuana form and in other forms, usually initially produces a sensation of well-being and euphoria to later go on to produce a state of relaxation that is capable of even of reduce pain level of a person, having an analgesic effect. It also affects motor skills and the digestive system, facilitating hunger, making vomiting difficult and helping to prevent tremors and convulsions.

All these properties mean that since ancient times it has been used medicinally to treat many ailmentsAlthough currently most of its consumers use it recreationally. This has caused different countries to react differently to its use in various fields, from allowing its use to penalizing and prohibiting it.

The situation in Mexico

Mexico's position regarding the use of cannabis and marijuana has traditionally been against its use. Thus, cannabis was a prohibited substance, penalizing its possession beyond five grams and its application in different areas, including its therapeutic use.

However, recently the country is undergoing a change in this opinion. Over the past year, Mexican President Enrique Peña proposed before the Senate an Initiative to Reform the General Health Law in which he proposed the acceptance of the therapeutic use of marijuana.

Said modification was proposed from the perspective of the need to move from prohibition and criminalization, which ultimately leaves the use of cannabis in the hands of the organized crime and a market that flourishes without control, to a situation that seeks to regularize the situation of said substance and can serve as a mechanism for prevention and control.

At least in the beginning, It is proposed that legal access be carried out from authorized pharmacies that they would have permission to import medicines made on that basis.

Reasons given for legalization

The proposed initiative was based on and was born from reflection on multiple aspects, some of which we will describe below.

Medical benefits of drugs based on this substance

The therapeutic use of marijuana has proven to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of different disorders.

In some cases in which judges have authorized their use, they have allowed the reduction of seizures in epileptic subjects, severe tremors in Parkinson's cases or the pain of various diseases such as cancer. About forty disorders could benefit from this type of treatment.

However, its efficacy as a medicinal product has not yet been conclusively demonstrated, since a balance must be established between the possible positive effects and undesirable side effects, which is complicated given that the consumption of this plant has been associated with a risk greater than suffer psychotic breaks.

Ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice in favor of the Mexican Society for Tolerant and Responsible Self-Consumption (SMART)

In some cases the judicial system has failed in favor of the medicinal and even recreational use of cannabis, as happened when the Supreme Court of Justice allowed the SMART association to use it.

Social insecurity due to organized crime around drug trafficking

Mexico has waged a tough fight against organized crime and drug trafficking for years, resulting in a lot of crimes and deaths and the existence of a high level of insecurity for its population.

The approval of this proposal would serve to legalize consumption and improve control over a conflicting element, diminishing the power of those who traffic this substance.

Changes in neighboring countries

The different regions adjacent to the Central American country have been developing diverse policies that affect the situation in the country and the fight against drug trafficking.

For example, in the United States, the states of Colorado, Washington, and California have passed laws that allow the recreational use of marijuana. This causes Mexico to react with similar policies, or otherwise the power of the different drug cartels could increase by having a greater possibility of trafficking with neighboring countries.

Proposed Changes in Legislation

The proposed initiative included a series of changes to the legislation that would allow the clinical use of marijuana. Specifically, the following stand out.

First, the core of the proposal was aimed at allowing the therapeutic and scientific use of marijuana. To this end, it is intended to authorize research with marijuana and its active principles.

A second point to note is the authorization of the use of medicines based on marijuana and its active principles, whether they are imported or in the future, nationally produced medicines are prepared and marketed.

Finally, it is intended to extend the limit in terms of the amount that is allowed to possess up to 28 grams, having this retroactive character change so that those inmates incarcerated for possessions greater than 5g are released originals.

This last change seeks to stop prosecuting consumption, having effects on the recreational use of the substance.

Final score

The vote carried out in the Senate would result in 98 votes in favor and 7 against regarding the proposal to authorize the medicinal and scientific use of cannabis.

However, other proposals such as the increase to 28 grams with respect to the amount allowed and the possibility of legalizing self-cultivation were postponed until a more complete analysis could be carried out regarding its possible effects.