Mexico president now open to legalizing medical marijuana

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Mexico’s president – until now a vocal opponent of drug legalization – has reversed course, saying he is open to legalizing medical marijuana in Mexico and that his government will unveil new steps soon.

“I am giving voice to those who have (in public forums) expressed the necessity of changing the regulatory framework to authorize the use of marijuana for medical and scientific purposes,” President Enrique Pena Nieto told the United Nations Tuesday, Reuters reported.

Pena Nieto also said he would increase the amount of marijuana people could legally possess for personal use.

The Mexican president was participating in a special UN session focused on the global battle against drugs.

Public support for legalizing medical marijuana in Mexico has been growing following a supreme court ruling last fall that gave four people the green light to grow cannabis at home.