Here's what's behind Mexico's radical move toward legalizing marijuana during its war on drugs
The new law would allow individuals to grow up to 20 marijuana plants and produce up to 17 ounces of the drug each year
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Mexico may legalize marijuana, a radical shift for a country whose prohibition on narcotics has been at the heart of its long and violent war against drug traffickers. Legislation submitted to Congress by the party of President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador would regulate cannabis, allowing it to be grown, sold and consumed for recreational use. Proponents of legalization say it would reduce bloodshed in Mexico by weakening drug cartels and freeing up police officers and prosecutors to focus on more serious crimes. But the proposal has critics, including the Catholic Church, which holds significant sway in Mexican politics. A poll in Mexico last year showed a majority of respondents opposed legalizing marijuana. (See also: Drug law reform comes to Mexico)
