Mexico: on the eve of legalization, Parliament calls for public consultation

Mexico is well on its way to becoming the third country in the world to legalize recreational cannabis. Regulations are expected to be ready in october 2019, deadline set by the Mexican Supreme Court for Parliament.

A citizen consultation

To gain a more accurate picture of public opinion, Parliament has set up the website Senado de la Republica, on which Mexicans can register to take part in a series of events organized by the Senado de la Republica, to give their views on the forthcoming legalization of cannabis. The first event, called «Café à thème : vers une réglementation du cannabis», will take place on August 12, 14 and 16. Each day, three time slots are available, each accommodating 72 people. Any adult can register to take part in the launch event until August 15, or until all time slots are booked. More events may be announced. Parliament is also seeking written views on legalization on this site, for those unable to travel.

The legalization of cannabis in Mexico would make it possible to counter the illegal trafficking of drug cartels, and the violence that goes with it. Mexico is a major exporter of illegal cannabis, and one of the leading suppliers to the American black market.

It will then be up to four parliamentary commissions (Justice, Health, Second Study of Legislation and Public Safety) to draft the bill after receiving public comments. The current Mexican government leads the parliamentary majority, which would allow the legalization bill to be approved without significant resistance. Even if Mexico manages to create the necessary cannabis regulations by October, however, it is unlikely that the country will have the resources to begin work before the end of the year. Lawmakers expect the law to take effect in 2020.

Edit: the citizen consultation is available here and open to all contributions.