Mexican Drug Laws Become More Lenient

Mexico has one of the world’s most liberal laws when it comes to drug usage. They have recently eliminated jail time for individuals carrying small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and Meth. This move stunned U.S. police who say the new law contradicts President Felipe Calderon’s drug war. This makes many people fear that Mexico will become a haven for tourists to come for drug-driven spring breaks and vacations. Tens of thousands of college students each year arrive in Acapulco and Cancun for beachside discos and all-you-can-drink parties. Now they will be choosing these destinations for the availability of drugs.
Mexico has experienced thousands of deaths form warring cartels for many years. It defies all logical actions to pass a law that would encourage drug-use. The law is part of a growing trend that is spreading across Latin America who considers treating drug use as a public health problem in order to make room in overcrowded prisons for violent traffickers instead of small-time users. Brazil and Uruguay have already eliminated jail time for individuals carrying small amounts of drugs. Argentina ruled out prison time for possession of pot last Tuesday. Colombia has decriminalized marijuana and cocaine, but still retains penalties for other drugs. Officials claim they are just drawing a line between users and traffickers.

These laws being put into action still makes the U.S. border feel concerned who consider it providing an official sanction on consumption of dangerous drugs.