Mexico’s Ministry of Health Discusses Policy for Medical Cannabis Program

Mexico, a nation embroiled by its “War on Drugs,” is beginning to turn a new leaf.

In June, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto—once an ardent opponent of legalization—signed a decree legalizing medical cannabis. Peña Nieto’s decree effectively decriminalizes the medicinal use of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabis derivatives. It also legalizes the production and distribution of medical cannabis within the country. The provision was widely supported in the nations Senate and Lower House of Congress, passing with a 347-7 vote in April.

Although a decree was signed, Mexican citizens aren’t able to line up at their local dispensary just yet. Before a legitimate medical cannabis infrastructure can be implemented, Mexico’s Ministry of Health has been tasked with drafting and enacting the regulations of “the medicinal use of pharmacological derivatives of cannabis sativa, indica and Americana or marijuana, including tetrahydrocannabinol, its isomers and stereochemical variants.” The ministry will also develop a research program that will be charged with studying the drugs impact before broader policies can be created.

Unsurprisingly, Mexicans are decidedly conservative when it comes to drugs. An estimated 100,000 people have been killed within the last decade due to cartel violence and in 2015, one poll found that 66 percent of Mexicans were opposed to decriminalizing cannabis. The Catholic Church, which holds high influence within Latin America, has also been staunchly opposed to decriminalization efforts. However, in 2015 the nations Supreme Court ruled in favor of four individuals—from the Mexican Society for Responsible and Tolerant Personal Use—seeking the right to grow cannabis for personal use. The court voted 4-1 deeming the prohibition unconstitutional and a violation of human rights, displaying a gradual shift toward progressive policies (this ruling only applies to the four individuals, and recreational cannabis is still illegal).

As Mexico continues making strides toward an effective medical cannabis infrastructure, the effects could trickle internationally. Mexican pharmaceutical companies may begin applying for patents that would require recognition by at least 40 countries tied to Mexico’s trade treaties. And the bitter violence that has washed over Latin America may perish with ineffective prohibition policies.