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Did Mexico Just End Cannabis Prohibition?

“Sexy Mexy,” “Mexican Red Hair”,” and ” Mexican Swag. ” These are just a few of the terms I’ve heard pertaining to Mexican grown cannabis over the years.  You see, like in the U.S. the illicit cannabis market has blossomed throughout the country for many years. This is despite a prohibition being enforced against the plant for decades. In the past few years, however, there have been multiple rulings that have led up to what will soon forever change the legality of cannabis in Mexico.
Here is a little history surrounding cannabis in Mexico!

  • It is believed, that cannabis was first brought to Mexico by the Spanish during the 16th century.
  • Hemp was a widely cultivated crop throughout the Spanish colony for the production of textiles.
  • By mid-19th century cannabis was widely used for recreational and medicinal purposes throughout Mexico.
  • Near the end of the 19th-century cannabis started to be introduced to prohibition. It all started with a military hospital in Mexico City in 1882.
  • In 1920 cannabis was banned from being sold utilized or produced.
  • In 1927 there was also a ban placed on the exportation of cannabis out of the country.
  • Just like in the United States during the 1960’s and 70’s cannabis was very prevalent in Mexico. During this time, the US government-sponsored a controversial program. This program allowed helicopters to spray the herbicide paraquat across cannabis fields throughout Mexico.

 
Despite many efforts throughout the years cannabis never met its demise in Mexico and likely never will thanks to recent rulings. Let’s take a look at what has led up to the recent monumental rulings.

The Path to Legalization

The path to legalization officially began in August of 2009 in Mexico. It was at this time that Mexico took steps to decriminalize cannabis possession in small amounts. These rules were also applied to other street drugs. This was in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the illicit black-market drug activity in the country.
This first step to legalization established maximum amounts to be considered personal use. This new law defined 5 grams of cannabis as being personal use. It did not completely legalize it however even in this small amount. What it did do is allow those caught in possession of cannabis to seek drug rehabilitation rather than incarceration or a fine.
The next step to legalization occurred 7 years later in 2015. In November of this year four individuals from the Mexican Society for Responsible and Tolerant Personal Use were granted permission from the Supreme Court to grow and consume their own cannabis.
This judgment received a 4:1 vote by the court. Their decision was based on the finding that cannabis prohibition was unconstitutional in the respect that it violated the human right to free development of one’s personality. This judgment however only applied to these four individuals.

The Latest Rulings – What You Need to Know

The latest and what should prove to be the most significant ruling took place on October 31st, of 2018. The Mexico Supreme Court issued two rulings on this day in relation to cannabis. The first ruling was the 5th of its kind based on the finding that cannabis prohibition is unconstitutional.
Being that it is the 5th ruling, according to law in Mexico, it becomes precedent. This means that Congress must rewrite the drugs laws in the nation to comply with this ruling. They have 90 days to do so according to The Washington Post.
The second ruling declares that all judges nationally are now bound by judgment of the Supreme Court should they choose to prosecute cannabis charges for small amounts.
So is cannabis now legal in Mexico? Well not exactly. While decriminalization statutes still apply it is very unlikely that a judge would pursue charges for small amounts of cannabis under this ruling. So you could say that cannabis is legal in a practical sense, but until laws have been rewritten it is not formal.
The big question now is, what will they replace the current law with? Some believe that they will simply formalize the same regulations that were granted in 2009 to the 4 individuals. Others, however, feel that they will take this chance to regulate a market surrounding the cultivation, purchase, and consumption of cannabis like Canada recently did. For now, it is uncertain. What we do know is that this latest ruling will drastically change cannabis laws in Mexico for the better!

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Canada Legalized – What U.S. Visitors Should Know Before They Head North to Higher Country

Cannabis legalization happened across all of Canada on October 17th, 2018. For adults 18 and older, you can now for take in a wake and bake without the fear of prosecution. The same can’t be said for Canada’s sister to the South.
The United States of America is behind many places in the world including Canada when it comes to ending draconian cannabis prohibition. Politicians and federal authorities tinker and toy with the lives of millions of citizens while just one imaginary line to the north freedom exists. The United States of America is supposed to be united, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
It’s more like the land of who has the most money. If you want to enjoy cannabis legally, there are only a handful of states in which you can do this on a retail or recreational level. However, if you go to Canada, you can partake in a wake and bake anywhere in the country. Before you go though there are some things you need to know.

Oh Canada, Here I Come

In order to get across the border, you’ll need a valid passport. If you’re going to bring your pet, make sure you have the proper paperwork. Don’t try to bring fruit across the border as that is a big no-no. Cigarettes and booze are available in limited quantities from duty-free stores. Don’t try to take back more than your supposed to though.
Should you be considering taking a gift to Canada, you’ll want to know if that gift is valued at more than $60. This is because if it is, you may be required to pay an additional tax. Driving in Canada is much the same as it ends in America except for some fundamental traffic laws and the speed limit. Speeds are measured in kilometers, not miles so remember its kilometers per hour not miles per hour.
Don’t smoke in a car if you have a minor child or you can find yourself in trouble. Whatever you do don’t ever text or talk on your phone going down the road unless it’s hands-free. You’ll also want to be sure that you have the right cheddar to spend while visiting Canada. US currency is accepted in many places but not everywhere.

There’s Still A Lot to Know Before You Go

If you’re used to roaming all over with your cell phone attached to your face, you better be ready for a wake-up visiting Canada. You could find yourself with excessive phone charges that some refer to as astronomical if you don’t have a pre-existing plan worked out for when you visit Canada.
If you have a criminal record, there is always the chance that you might not be permitted entry into Canada. Canadian border patrol agents can deny anyone entry into Canada. Even a DUI can get you denied.
Travel Insurance for healthcare when visiting Canada is another great idea to invest in. While Canada’s health care system covers a lot of things, it doesn’t include American visitors. If you get sick or hurt while you’re there, you could end up in despair at the costs.

Cheers to Cannabis, Beer, and Taxes Canada

Smoking cannabis is allowed for all adults. This means between the ages of 18-19 and up. Some provinces have laws allowing for the consumption of cannabis starting at 18 while others kick that age a year to 19. Make sure you know the rules in the province or provinces you plan to visit.
If you like to throw back a few beers, then be prepared for a slightly younger crowd than you’re used to in the US. The legal drinking age in Canada varies between 18 and 19 years old depending on what province you’re visiting. So, toss back them beers and say cheers, just be prepared to do so with a slightly younger crowd at some places.
If you’re familiar or used to shopping at dispensaries in the United States, then visiting Canada won’t be that much of a shock when it comes to taxes. There is an additional federal sales tax, and some provinces also add their own tax to things such as hotel and restaurant bills. This means that you can see as much as an extra 15% added to the total of what you were intending on spending.

Drink, Smoke, Eat, Play, and Be Merry in Canada

Canada offers all kinds of freedoms that you won’t find in the U.S. For America being the land of the free they sure seem to have a lot of rules restricting those freedoms. Maybe with luck, the U.S. will take a play from their neighbor to the north and listen to the people when it comes to cannabis.
The United States of America’s Federal Government started this draconian war on drugs and the attempted irradiation of cannabis. It’s time that they end it. Until then we’ll continue to fight for cannabis rights in America. At least now though we can venture north to enjoy true freedom in Canada from time to time.
Remember before you go, there are some things you’ll want to know. To find out where all the most lit events in cannabis are happening be sure to check out Expert Joints. Craig has all the latest and greatest info about cannabis in Canada. Above all though remember to consume responsibly and have fun.