Mexico to Fully Legalise Cannabis: Who Will Benefit?

In Mexico City a hazy pop up cannabis garden occupied by dedicated activists currently sits outside the historic senate building. For the last 10 months plumes of sweet smoke have served as a daily reminder to passing senators that change is necessary sooner rather than later. With people growing and smoking cannabis in plain sight, the authorities have turned a blind eye as more serious crimes demand their attention. Back in 2018 the Supreme Court deemed the illegality of personal use and cultivation unconstitutional, but progress has been slow, until recently when a near-final version of the bill was formed. With two deadline extensions granted due to lack of agreement and then COVID-19, the final bill has been under intense debate by lawmakers. The new deadline was set to be 15th December, however just 4 days ago Senate leader Ricardo Monreal announced that the bill will be ready by the end of October, indicating that agreements have been reached quicker than expected. 

With the first documented usage of cannabis going back to the 16th century, Mexico has a long and complicated history with the cannabis trade. The illegal cannabis industry is a large part of the country’s identity, with landrace cannabis having an ancient presence on the fertile land. Many activists are nervous of the upcoming legalisation, worried that the 200,000+ local farmers and ultimately the users will be put aside in favour of big firms from North America. Early drafts of the bill indicate this scenario may become a reality, which protestors say would mean the ongoing criminalisation of many Mexicans. Alejandro Madrazo from Mexico’s Centre for Economic Research and Teaching think tank says that the bill will export the benefits of legalisation to Americans and Canadians while keeping the problems of prohibition for ordinary Mexicans - the people who have suffered from the extensive ‘war on drugs’. He told the Los Angeles Times that “it’s basically revitalising prohibition for the poor but carving out a legal market for big businesses”.

However Senate leader Ricardo Monreal denies that big firms have had such control over the bill. While he admits they have had influence, he believes the final decisions lie in the hand of Mexicans. He affirmed his commitment to the local people and said that “there has been a lot of interference [from] transnational companies that have wanted to influence our decisions - but we make the final decision.” As it stands, the bill offers a lot of freedom in the personal consumption and cultivation of cannabis: individuals can grow/produce up to 480 grams per year while medical patients can apply for larger allowances. Public possession of up to 28 grams will be permissible, and public consumption will be allowed wherever tobacco smoking is allowed. However starting a cannabis business will involve many barriers to entry, although these are not entirely clear yet. 

Mexico is excited to finally unshackle itself from prohibition which has historically led to so much death and destruction in the country. It is poised to be one of the world’s largest legal cannabis markets, and has taken legalisation head on by embracing recreational and medical legalisation at once, unlike the cautious approach of many European states. Time will tell how this will play out, but big change is around the corner for Mexicans.