Mexico: reforming cannabis laws is a priority

The President of the Mexican Senate, Roberto Gil Zuarth, has declared that cannabis law reforms will be a priority at the next sessions of Congress next month. He hopes his colleagues will pass legislation allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

The head of the Senate is also confident that mechanisms will be put in place that could lead to the early release of people currently incarcerated for possession of small quantities of the drug, but believes that it will take longer for lawmakers to find a consensus for the full legalization of cannabis in Mexico.

«We are looking for the best model, based on experiences like those of Uruguay or American states like Colorado, without implying that we will import one,» said Zuarth. «We need to take into account specific problems like corruption to legislate on this».

These statements come just days after the Mexican Congress begins a series of 12 debates on cannabis regulation laws, which are expected to address issues such as prison overcrowding, consumer health, public safety, the medical use of cannabis and ways of regulating production.

Next week, the administration of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto will separately launch a series of 5 regional public forums on the issue of cannabis.

The government has also created a site to consolidate information around global cannabis policies. It includes an interactive map that explores the different laws governing cannabis consumption in countries where it is authorized.

In November, the President of Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that individuals had the right to right to grow and distribute cannabis for personal use. While this decision only applied to 4 people, the right to grow and consume cannabis could become widespread if the Court were to rule on similar cases again and again.

Cannabis law reform is gaining ground on the Mexican political scene. Earlier this month, Mexico City's mayor announced his support for legalization, saying it would deal a financial blow to drug cartels. «My position is always to defend freedoms,» said Miguel Ancera Mancera, who is expected to run for president in 2018.