Mexico: cannabis legalization postponed until September

Mexico has once again postponed its legalization of cannabis and hemp. The decision, initially set for April 30, has been postponed until at least September due to the coronavirus pandemic, and suspension of legislative activities.

Because of the delay, lawmakers will have to pass the legalization bill during their next scheduled legislative session, which runs from September 1 to December 15, according to Politico.mx.

Prior to this latest setback, the Justice, Health and Legislation Committees of the Mexican Senate, approved the plan to legalize cannabis, This is an important step, as it requires consensus from all the political parties.

This delay should, however, give legislators the opportunity to improve the measure. Key critics are pushing to strengthen social equity provisions, provide protections for cannabis consumers and ensure that the market empowers domestic farmers, particularly those most affected by the war on drugs.

The bill would allow adults aged 18 and over to possess and cultivate cannabis for personal use. Individuals would be able to grow up to 20 plants as long as the total yield did not exceed 480 grams per year. Medical patients could apply to grow more than 20 plants.

Personal possession would be capped at 28 grams, but possession of up to 200 grams would be decriminalized.

The Mexican Institute of Cannabis Regulation and Control, a decentralized body created for the purpose, would be responsible for regulating the market and licensing cannabis businesses. The bill proposes a 12% tax on cannabis sales, with part of the proceeds going to a fund for the treatment of drug addiction.

Public consumption would be authorized, except in non-smoking areas. Hemp and CBD would be exempt from the regulations applicable to THC products.

Once the legislation has been passed, it could take several months or even years to implement the regulations governing the cultivation and sale of cannabis products.