Imagine relaxing on the beaches of Mexico and being able to legally smoke a joint. If that sounds awesome to you, get ready for some good news. The laws against recreational cannabis in Mexico got struck down on Monday. Pretty soon, you might be able to order more than a beer at the bar. Just don’t go lighting up yet! Here’s what you need to know about the regulations for recreational cannabis in Mexico.
Before Decriminalization
On Monday, the use of recreational cannabis was completely banned in Mexico. Before that, you had to petition the court for an individual injunction to grow and consume your own plants. The first injunctions were granted to four applicants back in 2015 and that was just the beginning. After granting more injunctions, the courts ordered the need for the creation of a legal cannabis market. The order came in 2017 but due to the multiple extensions needed, Congress has made little progress.
Recreational Cannabis in Mexico Today
If you want to use recreational cannabis in Mexico, you can now apply for a permit from The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS). The costs relating to the application have not been announced but hopefully, it will be less than the previous alternative, a court injunction. If granted, a permit would allow the holder to:
- Grow up the eight plants
- Possess and transport up to twenty-eight grams of dried flower
- Personal consumption in private
Without a permit, it is illegal to carry more than five grams of dried cannabis flower. Consuming cannabis in public or in the presence of minors remains illegal and there is no mention of the use of cannabis edibles, topicals, or extracts.
Going Forward if Mexico Decriminalizes Recreational Cannabis
There is a positive outlook towards the future of recreational cannabis in Mexico but activists say it’s not enough. Zara Snapp, co-founder of the think tank Instituto RIA made a statement, “This is a step forward for the rights of cannabis users, but there’s still work to be done in congress to be able to regulate the market in a socially just way.” Supporters of this law hope that decriminalization will reduce drug-related violence. Unfortunately, it might just be a bit too late because the cartels today don’t care about cannabis; hard drugs, kidnapping, and extortion are much more lucrative.
Would you like to smoke weed down in Mexico after Mexico decriminalizes recreational cannabis? What are your thoughts on these legal changes? We want to hear your opinion! Share it with us in the comments or on our social media.