Mexico: Secretary of State for Tourism floats idea of legalizing cannabis in tourist areas

Cannabis should be legalized in two of Mexico's major tourist destinations, Cancun and Los Cabos, in order to reduce violent crime, said the Secretary of State for Tourism last Thursday.

Enrique de la Madrid explained, in particular, that Mexico could follow the United States’ example and legalize cannabis in certain parts of the country, and he urged the states of Quintana Roo (for Cancun) and Baja California (for Los Cabos) to move forward with this idea.

That's what he told me @edelamadrid on his personal proposal regarding the legalization of marijuana in Mexico's tourist areas pic.twitter.com/tIUopvZXQb

— Joaquín López-Dóriga (@lopezdoriga) January 26, 2018

«It's absurd that we aren't making this decision as a country,» Enrique de la Madrid told the reporters present.

«Even though there is a lot of work to be done across the country, I like to think it could be done in Baja California and Quintana Roo,» he added, describing these provinces as victims of bad drug laws.

Both provinces have indeed been affected by rising gang-related violence and drug trafficking in recent years, with homicide rates of 69 per 100,000 residents (1 for France).

The Secretary of State then clarified his remarks on Twitter, stating that this was merely his personal opinion and not that of the government.

I want to emphasize that my opinion on the legalization of marijuana is a personal reflection, based on many years of analysis and study of the issue. I am convinced that we must debate this issue as part of the solution to violence and insecurity in Mexico.

— Enrique de la Madrid (@edelamadrid) January 25, 2018

«I would like to emphasize that my opinion on the legalization of cannabis is a personal reflection, based on my analysis and study of the subject over the past several years. I am convinced that we should discuss it as a solution to the violence and insecurity in Mexico.»

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has mixed views on the subject. Although the legalization of the medical cannabis bill was passed in December 2016 and either effective as of May 2017, his bill for comprehensive regulation has been stalled in the Senate since June 2016.

Mexico, however, is expected to see its first cannabis products (cannabis-infused foods, beverages, medications, and cosmetics) set to hit stores in 2018.