Mexico's Supreme Court on Wednesday gave the green light to growing marijuana for recreational use in a landmark decision that could lead to legalization in a country with a bloody history of conflict with drug cartels.
Supporters of reform sparked up joints to hail the court's decision, which, while not legalizing use of marijuana, is one of the boldest steps ever taken in that direction in a country long reluctant to liberalize drug laws.
"We've seen how drug policy and prohibition have only helped drug traffickers rake in money and commit terrible crimes to control drug markets," said 27-year-old Meliton Gonzalez, one activist celebrating outside the court.
Four more consecutive decisions of the same kind and the court's ruling would become jurisprudence, setting a legal precedent in
Mexico, which has suffered well over 100,000 deaths due to drug-related crime over the past decade, and force the government to review the law.
Mexico court ruling sparks high hopes for marijuana legalization | Reuters
The public debate on marijuana has surged in Mexico in recent months since the case of an
8-year old girl with epilepsy who became Mexico’s first medical marijuana patient made national and international headlines. The government granted the right to import and administer a cannabis-based treatment for the young patient.
Mexico's Supreme Court Declares Individuals Have the Right to Consume and Cultivate Marijuana | Drug Policy Alliance