The Legalization Of Marijuana In Mexico And Its Effects
Cannabis is the most consumed illegal drug by the younger population Although it is a substance considered illegal, in many countries the possession of a small amount is allowed for personal consumption or for medicinal purposes, or consumption in certain regularized clubs and associations.
Some countries have decided to legalize cannabis, while others are in the process of doing so due to different reasons. In this article we are going to see one of these cases, specifically the legalization of marijuana in Mexico
Cannabis is a substance derived from one of the different varieties of the cannabis plant, the most common and well-known being cannabis sativa.
This substance has a psychoactive effect, producing alterations in the functionality of the nervous system and altering its biochemistry. Specifically, it belongs to the group of psychodysleptics or disruptors, which have an effect by modifying the activity of the brain and can produce perceptual alterations.
The most common form in which cannabis is presented is marijuana, the product that results from cutting up the leaves and stems of the plant It is usually consumed smoked, sprinkled on food or in the form of an infusion.
Cannabis, both in its marijuana form and in other presentations, usually initially produces a feeling of well-being and euphoria and subsequently produces a state of relaxation that is even capable of reducing a person’s pain level, having an analgesic effect. . It also affects motor skills and the digestive system, facilitating hunger, making vomiting difficult and helping to prevent tremors and seizures.
All these properties mean that since ancient times it has been used medicinally for the treatment of numerous ailments , although currently the majority of its consumers use it recreationally. This has caused different countries to react differently to its use in various areas, from allowing its use to sanctioning and prohibiting it.
The situation in Mexico
Mexico’s position regarding the use of cannabis and marijuana has traditionally been contrary to its use Thus, cannabis was a prohibited substance, punishing its possession beyond five grams and its application in different areas, including its therapeutic use.
However, recently the country is experiencing a change in this opinion. During the past year, Mexican President Enrique Peña proposed before the Senate an Initiative to Reform the General Health Law in which he proposed the acceptance of the therapeutic use of marijuana.
This modification was proposed from the perspective of the need to move from prohibition and criminalization, which ultimately leaves the use of cannabis in the hands of organized crime and a market that flourishes without control, to a situation that aims to regularize the situation of said substance and can serve as a prevention and control mechanism.
At least in the beginning, It is proposed that legal access be carried out from authorized pharmacies that they would have permission to import medicines made based on it.
Reasons given for legalization
The proposed initiative was based on and arose from reflection on multiple aspects, some of which we describe below.
Medical benefits of medications based on this substance
The therapeutic use of marijuana has proven to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of different disorders.
In some cases in which judges have authorized its use, they have allowed the reduction of seizures in epileptic subjects, severe tremors in cases of Parkinson’s or the pain of various diseases such as cancer. Around up to forty disorders could benefit from this type of treatment.
However, its effectiveness as a medicinal product has not yet been conclusively demonstrated, since a balance must be established between the possible positive effects and the undesirable side effects, which is complicated given that the consumption of this plant has been associated with an increased risk of suffering psychotic breaks.
Ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice in favor of the Mexican Society for Tolerant and Responsible Self-Consumption (SMART)
In some cases the judicial system has failed in favor of the medicinal and even recreational use of cannabis as happened when the Supreme Court of Justice allowed the SMART association to use it.
Social insecurity due to organized crime around drug trafficking
For years, Mexico has waged a tough fight against organized crime and drug trafficking, resulting in a large number of crimes and deaths and to the existence of a high level of insecurity for its population.
The approval of this proposal would serve to legalize consumption and improve control over a conflictive element, reducing the power of those who traffic this substance.
Changes in neighboring countries
The different regions bordering the Central American country have been developing various policies that affect the situation in the country and the fight against drug trafficking.
For example, in the United States, the states of Colorado, Washington and California have passed laws that allow the recreational use of marijuana. This causes Mexico to react with similar policies or otherwise the power of the different drug cartels could increase as they have a greater possibility of trafficking with neighboring countries.
The proposed initiative included a series of changes to the legislation that would allow the clinical use of marijuana. Specifically, the following stand out.
First, the core of the proposal was aimed at allowing the therapeutic and scientific use of marijuana. To this end, it is intended to authorize research with marijuana and its active ingredients.
A second point to highlight is the authorization of the use of medicines based on marijuana and its active ingredients whether they are imported or whether in the future domestically produced medicines are manufactured and marketed.
Finally, it is intended to extend the limit on the amount that is allowed to be possessed to 28 grams, with this change being retroactive so that those prisoners imprisoned for possessions greater than the original 5g are released.
This last change seeks to stop consumption being prosecuted, having effects on the recreational use of the substance.
Final score
The vote carried out in the Senate would result in 98 votes in favor and 7 against regarding the proposal to authorize the medicinal and scientific use of cannabis.
However, other proposals such as the increase to 28 grams compared to the allowed amount and the possibility of legalizing self-cultivation were postponed until a more complete analysis could be carried out regarding its possible effects.
