The House of Representatives (lower house of parliament) of Mexico has approved a bill to allow recreational use of cannabis. It is reported by BBC News.
The document was supported by 316 deputies, while 129 legislators opposed. It allows adult residents of the country to store up to 28 grams of marijuana, as well as grow up to eight plants for personal use. It is currently illegal to carry more than 5 grams.
For the entry into force of the law on legalization, the document must still be considered and approved by the Senate. At the same time, hearings in the upper house are almost guaranteed to be successful: in November 2020, she already voted for the bill. The new approval became necessary after a number of improvements. After that, the document will be signed by the head of state.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador noted that by regulating the circulation of cannabis, the administration expects to undermine the activities of powerful drug cartels.
Mexico will become the third state in the world after Uruguay and Canada to allow cannabis for recreational use throughout its territory. At the same time, the country's market opportunities in this area will be much wider due to the large population. BBC News notes that this has already attracted a number of Canadian and California marijuana growers. Medical marijuana use has been legal in Mexico since 2017.
