Mexico: Members of Parliament recognize the therapeutic value of THC

It would appear that Mexico is one step closer to cannabis tolerance. On April 28, the Mexican Congress approved the legalization of medical cannabis, passed almost unanimously, with 374 votes in favor and only 18 against or abstentions.

The bill to authorize the scientific and therapeutic use of cannabis was passed easily in the Senate last December. The bill is the result of an initiative by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, who wants to put an end to the drug trafficking that has plagued the country for decades. Mexico has been producing and consuming cannabis illegally for a very long time, with much violence surrounding the illegal production and distribution of the plant.

In particular, the president had El Chapo extradited on the eve of his inauguration, a strong signal in the direction of one of Mexico's biggest drug traffickers.

Bill recognizes THC's therapeutic value

Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has issued a statement recognizing the therapeutic benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is recognized as a «psychoactive substance with therapeutic value», but with one condition: its isomers must be less than or equal to 1%, and must not present a health hazard for Mexican patients.

Until this proposed law, Mexicans had already legalized cannabidiol (CBD) for medical use, but products imported from American states that have legalized medical cannabis were too expensive for patients who absolutely needed them. From now on, Mexicans will be able to grow their own cannabis and receive medicines for medical and scientific use.

Products that meet this requirement will be marketed and administered to patients in need, provided they have a doctor's prescription for the use of medicinal cannabis.

The Mexican population seems to be very divided on the issue of cannabis legalization. According to a survey of the country's population, 72.4 % of respondents are in favor of legalizing medical cannabis, while 76.2 % are against legalizing recreational cannabis.

In addition, plant production, licensing and the decriminalization of cannabis consumption are issues that have yet to be addressed in Mexico, despite the country's major breakthrough in therapeutic cannabis.

Mehdi Bautier