MEXICO CITY — Many U.S. states have legalized the consumption, growth and trade of marijuana. And in Mexico, a federal law might turn the country into the largest market and producer of cannabis.
The law was approved by Mexico’s lower chamber, but it still needs to be revised by the Senate and signed by the president.
Hear Rodrigo Cervantes Talk About Mexico's Marijuana Policies With Host Mark Brodie On The Show
If approved, possession of personal doses of marijuana and small home crops would be permitted, while larger production and retail would be allowed with a license.
Paul Armentano is the deputy director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The U.S.-based nonprofit says U.S. officials should follow the example.
“It will disrupt the illicit markets, it will end low-level marijuana arrests and it will create new jobs and new revenues,” Armentano said.
Armentano says data shows a drop on marijuana seizures in Mexico as a result of the cannabis laws in the U.S. But some experts say the law won’t stop drug trafficking and could provide a legal path for criminal organizations.
Medical cannabis production and distribution was already permitted in Mexico on a limited basis.
