Mexico to Hold Regional Marijuana Reform Debates

Spurred by a landmark pro-marijuana decision by its Supreme Court, Mexico has decided to move ahead with a national debate on reforming cannabis policy.

The country will hold a series of five debates across the nation, from January to March, that will focus on marijuana-related questions including health implications, possible regulations, the potential for lowering drug-related violence, and whether cannabis is a human right, according to AFP News.

While Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto remains opposed to marijuana reforms of any kind, including decriminalization or legalizing MMJ, AFP reported that Nieto may be open to changing laws depending on how the debates go.

“I am in favor of debate, so that specialists can give us some indication of where we should be going,” Nieto said, according to the Guardian.

A majority of Mexicans remain opposed to legalization, according to polling.

Regardless, a push towards reforming marijuana laws is underway. One Mexican senator has already introduced a bill to legalize MMJ, and many Mexican activists see legalization as a way to combat cartels.