Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled last week that federal anti-drug laws should not trump individuals’ rights to grow and consume cannabis for their own personal use. However, the 4-1 decision only applies to the individual plaintiffs in the case, and does not amend Mexico’s existing anti-marijuana laws.
Four representatives of the group Mexican Society for Responsible and Tolerant Consumption argued that laws prohibiting the personal use of cannabis were overly intrusive and unnecessarily infringed upon personal liberties. A majority of the Court’s criminal chamber agreed that the ban is unconstitutional because it violates basic human rights.
Following the ruling, Mexican President Enrique acknowledged that he is open to debating cannabis policy but that he does not favor its legalization.
Mexican lawmakers decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis (five grams or less) and other drugs in 2009.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500 or Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org.