Mexico legalizes medical use of cannabis

Following a major debate on the anti-drug policy in Mexico, senators overwhelmingly approved the use of medical cannabis.

Overwhelming support from lawmakers

Since April, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto proposed legalizing the medical use of cannabis. It took Mexican lawmakers six months to draft this regulation. The bill was put to a vote in the Senate yesterday. Senators approved it by a wide margin, with 98 votes in favor and 7 against.

The civil parties called for the full legalization of cannabis as a means of combating illegal trafficking. Miguel Barbosa, a senator from the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), described this legislation as «well below the people’s expectations.» Armando Rios Pitern, from the same party, is now calling for progress on opium-based medicines.

But President Nieto doesn't see it that way. For now, he is focusing on providing patients with affordable access to medical cannabis.

However, politicians are highlighting the progress this law has brought about. Senator Cristina Diaz of the centrist party, a supporter of the president, states: «This law lays the foundation for a new industry in our country.» The law will still have to go before the Chamber of Deputies for a few amendments.

What will patients' rights be?

The Ministry of Health will be responsible for regulating medical cannabis and will ensure compliance with the rules established in this new law. A company specializing in cannabis will be able to: buy, sell, import, and export cannabis and its derivatives, provided that their concentration of THC does not exceed 1%. Medical cannabis will be dispensed at pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription signed by a doctor.

An individual will be able to grow and use medical cannabis freely. They will also be able to possess 28 grams of recreational cannabis versus 5 grams before the law.

In South America, the issue of medical cannabis brings all political parties together. In Mexico, 9 out of 10 senators have approved regulations, while in Argentina, all 221 members of the House of Representatives had voted in favor of legalizing medical cannabis oil.

Théo Caillart