This question has been raised several times in the last year, as a result of the Mexican government’s decision to legalize recreational cannabis in April 2018. Before then, recreational cannabis use in Mexico was only allowed for medical purposes.
Many countries have implemented a medical model when it comes to cannabis. However, in the last year, a few countries have shifted to a recreational model, and Mexico is one of them. As a result, the market for recreational cannabis in Mexico has grown exponentially.
Why is Mexico Embracing More Socialized Medicine?
Mexico has always been a country that embraced a ‘socialized medicine’ approach; that is, the government negotiates prices with pharmaceutical companies, and then decides what medications it will cover for its population. In this sense, when recreational cannabis was legalized in Mexico in April 2018, the government decided that the costs of medication should be covered by the social security system. This has resulted in many people wondering if they will be able to afford their medications or not. It also means that if you are a medical marijuana patient and you want to purchase or use recreational cannabis, you may have to look into your country’s laws to see if they are going to protect you.
In the coming months and years, Mexico could become a major producer and exporter of recreational cannabis. The government has set a variety of regulations, including what types of cannabis products can be sold and how much THC they can contain. This could drastically shift the global market for cannabis.
What is the Legal Status of Cannabis in Mexico?
Before cannabis was legalized in Mexico, it was only available through a prescription from a doctor, and then distributed by the government. While it is still considered a ‘controlled substance’ in Mexico, the government has relaxed its regulations enough to make it available for purchase in all states.
The cannabis plant contains cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. In Mexico, the legal status of both THC and CBD varies from state to state. In some states, such as Baja California, CBD is legal and can be purchased in any amount; however, in other states, such as Jalisco, only small amounts of THC are approved and can be purchased.
How Can I Buy Cannabis in Mexico?
Since cannabis is legalized in most parts of Mexico, you usually need to look into the country’s law to find the places where it is sold. In general, you will find that medicinal cannabis is more expensive than recreational cannabis. You will also need a prescription from a physician to obtain medical cannabis. This is usually the case for imports as well, as the drug is more expensive to manufacture and process than it is to grow. The good news is that you can find a source of high-quality medical cannabis in most places, and it is within your reach.
What is the Legal Status of Recreational Cannabis in Mexico?
In most places, cannabis has been legalized for both personal and medical use. However, the legal status of recreational cannabis varies from state to state. While some states have opted for a medical model, others have chosen to embrace a more traditional alcohol model. Regardless, most states have established that cannabis is legal to purchase and use, though many places have implemented many restrictions.
Some of the more popular restrictions include:
- A minimum age requirement (typically 21) to purchase or use cannabis
- Prohibiting the sale of cannabis to individuals under 21 years of age
- Locating a cannabis store at a certain distance (usually 1-2 miles) from a children’s school
- Only allowing certain types of cannabis companies to operate in your state
- Allowing cultivation of only certain types of cannabis
- Pre-approving a list of medications that can be purchased in conjunction with cannabis
- Prohibiting the use of cannabis in sports, except for competition
- Prohibiting the use of cannabis in places where children are present (such as schools and daycare centers)
- Prohibiting the driving while under the influence of cannabis
- Prohibiting the possession of cannabis by anybody, including children
- Establishing a THC limit for blood serum levels (typically 15 nanograms per milliliter, or 15 ng/mL)
- Prohibiting the marketing of cannabis products toward children
- Prohibiting the use of ‘stimulating’ clothing and accessories while under the influence of cannabis
- Prohibiting the consumption of cannabis products in public places
- Prohibiting the sale of cannabis on the National Holidays
- Prohibiting the use of cannabis vehicles (bikes, cars, or motorcycles)
- Prohibiting the gifting of cannabis
- Prohibiting the consumption of cannabis in any form by anybody who is below a certain weight
- Prohibiting the possession of more than a certain amount of cannabis
However, many of these restrictions can be challenged in court, and there are already a number of cases going through the legal system. For instance, one Colorado case involves a patient who was denied access to medical cannabis because he is “more than 1,000 miles away from a certified medical practitioner.” The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has agreed to hear this case, and it could have a major impact on the future of cannabis in the U.S.
How Is the Cannabis Industry in Mexico Grown?
The cannabis industry in Mexico is still in its infancy, but it is growing at a tremendous pace. The government has liberalized the laws enough to make it a viable option for individuals and businesses. However, the medical model of cannabis in most countries, combined with the fear of stigmatization due to its illegal nature, has kept the industry small and mostly hidden from public view.
The good news is that this is slowly changing. More and more Mexicans are seeking treatment for chronic pain, cancer, and other ailments with medical cannabis. As a result, the industry is expanding, and more and more people are getting involved. With limited resources and opportunities, those involved in the cannabis industry in Mexico are looking for ways to improve their lot, and they are doing so by organizing into cooperative ventures.
Where Can I Buy Weed Online in Mexico?
The convenience of buying weed online in Mexico could not be more apparent. You can find a reputable dealer that will deliver the drug to your door, and you don’t necessarily need to be a citizen to purchase it. In some places, you can also buy cannabis leaf and flowers, as well as a variety of pre-rolls and dry flowers. The only real ‘catch’ is the shipping fee, which can be quite high. In most cases, you will need to pay for shipping and handling, as well as a small fee for the service. Still, the convenience of buying weed online in Mexico cannot be denied.
Final Takeaway
This article is not meant to discourage you from buying or using recreational cannabis. Rather, it is an explanation of what is happening in Mexico, and it may assist you in finding legal ways to buy or use cannabis, where you can. In most places, cannabis remains a ‘controlled substance,’ though the government has adopted a more relaxed stance in regard to its legal status. As a result, it is now possible to purchase cannabis, though in most cases, it isn’t yet possible to consume it recreationally. Overall, the market for recreational cannabis in Mexico is still in its infancy, and it is changing the country and the way it approaches medication and medical matters. That is not to say that there isn’t plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurs and medical professionals alike, as the legal cannabis market in Mexico could flourish, giving many people the chance to make a living and to help others along the way.