Mexico’s lawmakers have until April 30 to come up with a regulatory framework for the legalization of marijuana.
Last fall, the Mexican Supreme Court gave Congress an extension to craft the legislation after lawmakers were unable to approve a bill.
A new proposal that is currently in Congress will contain many of the same provisions contained in the previous draft legislation. These permit all adults age 18 and older to use, possess and purchase cannabis from licensed retailers, possess up to 30 grams, and cultivate up to six plants for their personal use. Consumption of cannabis must also be done in private.
Over the past three years, the Supreme Court has on various occasions declared the unconstitutionality of laws banning the recreational use of marijuana. By law, the April deadline will be Congress’ last chance to create the framework for legalization.
Successful passage of the bill will make Mexico only the third country in the world to legalize cannabis nationally, following Canada and Uruguay.