Mexico City Leaders Consider Legalizing Recreational Marijuana

By Steve Shadley
Published: Monday, February 17, 2014 - 3:34pm
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Mexico’s elected leaders are considering a proposal that supporters say could take away some profits for drug cartels. The Mexico City government is reviewing a measure that could legalize marijuana sales in the capital. The proposal was introduced by an assembly member from the ruling left-wing party known as the PRD.

Critics said it is extremely vague on some key points and they said it would face a lot of legal hurdles. Among other things, it would allow certified shops in Mexico City to sell up to five grams of marijuana for recreational use. If the measure is approved, Mexico City could find itself in a situation similar to the 20 or more states in the USA, including Arizona, where medical marijuana is legal. Two states, Washington and Colorado, now have legal recreational use and sales of pot as approved by voters.

If Mexico City passes personal use of pot, it would go against Mexico’s federal laws that classify marijuana as illegal.