Justices on Mexico’s highest court have moved to permit adults to possess and cultivate small quantities of marijuana without penalty.
In 2018, members of the Supreme Court of Justice determined that the sections of the federal law criminalizing the private use and cultivation of cannabis by adults were unconstitutional. At that time, the majority opined, “The effects caused by marijuana do not create an absolute prohibition on its consumption.”
Justices gave Mexican lawmakers until April 30, 2021 to enact legislation regulating the use of cannabis by adults. However, House and Senate lawmakers did not agree on a plan prior to the deadline.
Last week, a majority of the Court mandated that officials with Mexico’s Health Department begin issuing permits to members of the public ages 18 and older who wish to either possess or grow personal use quantities of cannabis. Activities involving commercial activities remain illegal.
“With these actions by the Court, the United States has become an island of federal marijuana prohibition in North America,” NORML stated.
Canada legalized its marijuana market in 2018. Mexican lawmakers in 2009 decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis (5 grams or less) and other substances.
Additional information is available from the Court.