Essentially, history has been made in the beautiful country of Mexico. After years of constricting regulations and legal crackdowns, the Supreme Court has officially issued two rulings that (according to recent reports) have officially sliced marijuana prohibition down the middle. On Wednesday, October 31, 2018, the Mexican Court determined that adults have a legal right to pursue personal development and leisure, meaning that recreational activities (like smoking marijuana) do not require intervention from state or national government bodies. According to the ruling, this right does not extend to unlawful or harmful drugs, but judges determined that marijuana (for the most part) is not dangerous enough to promote prohibition on a national level. What are the specific details of this ruling and what could this mean for Mexico? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Two Big Decisions
As part of the official declaration, the Supreme Court ordered the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risk to approve the complaints about marijuana consumption, but not to permit the drug (or other harmful substances) for commercialization. Overall, these decisions are following on the heels of three similar rulings from 2015 to 2017 and five more declarations about similar issues related to the cannabis plant. After the ruling, the high tribunal announced that the establishment of five separate precedents related to the same subject (marijuana) ensures the final judgment will be accepted throughout the Mexican court system.
Decriminalization, not Legalization
Keep in mind, however, that this decision does not mean marijuana is fully accepted. Mexican judges have simply lightened regulations on the drug, based on social and legal principles. Overall, courts must permit recreational use of cannabis, and individuals have the right to press charges if they see fit. In other words, the law has been placed in the hands of the people (similar to a recent ruling, in favor of same-sex marriage).
Needless to say, pro-cannabis groups are excited about this ruling. Recently, Mexico United Against Crime a group that opposes existing drug prohibition, believes the Supreme Court has taken a critical step towards legalization of the drug. Overall, the group argues that, by allowing recreational use of the drug, the Mexican government can regulate the drug and (as a result) crack down on dangerous criminal activity related to marijuana.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
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