A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Mexico has effectively legalized the use of recreational cannabis within the country.
Over a year ago the supreme court ordered Mexican lawmakers to create a framework for cannabis legislation by April of 2021. The legislative branch failed to meet that deadline which forced the supreme court to act, ordering the government to begin issuing permits for both the consumption and growth of recreational cannabis.
The court ruled 8-3 in favor of decriminalizing cannabis after advocates pushed for decriminalization in order to reduce drug-fueled cartel violence in the country.
According to an article published by the Associated Press, "[l]awmakers favoring the bill say it will move the marijuana market out of the hands of Mexico's powerful drug cartels to the government." This is an important goal because different cartels continue to pose dangers to citizens in Mexico and the United States. Despite legal efforts to curb cartels from profiting from illegal grow and sale operations, there may be evidence to suggest that organized crime will continue to profit from cannabis.
According to the suprme court, now to legally obtain cannabis, citizens must apply for a permit with the country's health regulator. Once permitted, anyone over age 18 can possess up to 28 grams of cannabis.
Reportedly, cannabis from the U.S. is more potent than that of cannabis grown in Mexico, so instead of growing, some cartels have begun to import and sell cannabis from the U.S. This switch has allowed cartels to change their focus from cannabis to other more dangerous and potent illegal drugs.
While the decriminalization may decrease the cartels cannabis grow operations, it will likely result in increased trafficking of cannabis into Mexico, so cartels may continue to benefit from the cannabis until the drug becomes readily and legally available and the cartels can benefit more from the production and sale of more dangerous drugs.