In a landmark ruling Wednesday, Mexico’s Supreme Court agreed in a 4-1 vote that four members of a nonprofit organization will be allowed to grow and smoke marijuana.
While many commentators say the decision could be a significant first step toward full legalization of marijuana in Mexico, many senior figures in Jalisco warn that such a move would be disastrous for the youth of the country and aggravate social unrest.
“Eighty percent of crimes committed in Jalisco are linked in some form to addictions,” state Attorney General Eduardo Almaguer said on Thursday.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the consumption of and addiction to drugs leads to health problems, social problems and crime.”
Wednesday’s ruling that it is unconstitutional to prohibit the growth of marijuana for personal use only applies to a petition made by four members of the Mexican Society for Responsible and Tolerant Consumption (Smart). One of the five Supreme Court judges called the prohibition of marijuana “an extreme” and “disproportionate” measure.
The ruling is expected to open a broader national debate on the legalization of marijuana, an idea that is not supported by the majority of Mexicans, according to several surveys.
Legal experts stress that the Supreme Court ruling has no bearing on current laws. For any law to be changed, the judges would first have to vote in favor four more times on a similar case. But the ruling has set a precedent and similar law suits are now likely to be filed.
Advocates of legalizing marijuana believe it would weaken the power of the cartels and reduce drug-related violence.