I haven't seen this in the diaries, so I apologize if this is a repeat....
Mexico is about to decriminalize personal drug possession. The bill has passed the legislature, and is waiting for President Fox's signature.
http://www.cnn.com/...
Apparently, Fox is going to sign it, and if he does, Mexico will have one of the most progressive drug policies in this hemisphere.
More below...
We are not just talking marijuana. Most (maybe all) of the majors are going to be legal for personal use, including LSD, ecstacy, cocaine, and heroin.
I find this facinating. Mexico is on the verge of having more progressive drug laws than the US.
Why did they do it?
I see two possibilities. Either they are hungry for more tourist dollars, or the drug cartels wield far more power with the government than I previously imagined. Maybe both.
The main thing is- the war on drugs has failed completely.
We will probably see a tourist boom in Mexico. 4/20 in Cancun will make Reggae on the River look like afternoon tea with aunt Millicent. The raver kids will have epic parties that will rival Burning Man in size and scope. Gringos won't end up in the hoosegow for having a joint, and trips won't go sour from paranoia of law enforcement.
However, this new law is not a comprehensive drug policy. It does not address the issue of supply. Distribution is still illegal, perhaps more so, and thus the supply will remain firmly in the hands of established trafficking rings. Drug users will still have to worry about what they are getting. I expect to see an increase in drug related deaths.
It will be interesting to watch how this all unfolds in the next few years. This step towards progressive drug policy could be a huge boon to their economy, and if it plays out in a positive light it may pave the way for similar reform in this country.
UPDATE
The Times has a clearer article on this.
NYT Article
It looks like the CNN article may have been trying for an alarmist spin. According to the Times article, the new law makes prosecution for small amounts of drugs optional and gives judges more discretion in dealing with the problem.
So no, the gringos won't be taking bong rips in the streets of Cancun anytime soon. And while it is kind of a letdown, I'm still glad to see Mexico passing reasonable drug legislation.