Mexico will soon legalize the recreational use of cannabis in an attempt to decrease crime in the country.
Mexico is a major player in the global black market of cannabis. The country is indeed one of the largest producers and suppliers of cannabis in the world. Last week, the Chamber of Deputies voted in favor of the bill. The Senate is very likely to approve it in a few weeks.
The country is however still divided in two, between conservative deputies concerned about the potential increase in drug use the legalization would involve and the supporters of decriminalization who finally see a solution to bring peace to the country.
Clearly, the ban policy has failed as the cartel trade is flourishing. However, is the legalization of recreational cannabis actually going to have an effect on the country’s crime rate? In fact, the legalization of cannabis does not change the fact that substances such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines are very lucrative.
In addition, Mexican cartels are generally involved in activities beyond drug trafficking. These activities include human trafficking, arms smuggling, theft, document forgery, and legal businesses.
The legalization of cannabis is unlikely to have any impact on organized crime. Political scientist Zara Snapp, activist for the NGO Instituto RIA, believes that the legalization of cannabis will allow the state to use the revenues from the cannabis industry in the prosecution of petty drug offenses and in criminal cases of corruption and kidnapping investigations.
Cannabis collectives and farmers who until now, have been cultivated illegally will have better income opportunities. In addition, they will no longer be dependent on the drug lords.
Legalizing cannabis is the start of a new political era in Mexico. This is a first step in the war against organized crime.
