The United States will soon be wedged between two countries with national cannabis legalization. Uruguay legalized cannabis back in 2013, followed by Canada who became the first North American country to legalize in 2018. With Mexico looking like it will legalize within the next month, will this be the tipping point with other countries following suit?
In early March 2021, lawmakers in Mexico approved a bill legalizing recreational cannabis. This would allow adults 18 and over to smoke cannabis and, with a permit, grow a small number of cannabis plants at home. It would also grant licenses for producers — from small farmers to commercial growers — to cultivate and sell the crop.
While this is exciting news, it comes with mixed reactions from the public. In a country that has been devasted by drug wars and cartel violence, many are wondering if legalization will help or hurt the country. Particularly concerned are smaller farmers and low-income consumers. In an economy where corruption and extortion are the norm, will these vulnerable communities fall prey to extortion from the police?
With two of its neighbors legalizing cannabis nationally, the hope is that the United States will quickly follow suit, making North America a powerful market in the eyes of the world. Other countries like Columbia and Lebanon have some legalization in place, signaling a move in the right direction when it comes to global legalization. Something that in recent history only seemed like a distant fantasy now feels within reach.
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