Mexican Legislature Begins Debate of Bill Proposing Legalization of Marijuana

President-elect Lopez Obrador's political party, Morena, presented a bill before the Mexican legislature today to legalize the sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes.  It looks a lot like the Colorado law.

Article 37 of the proposed law states: the planting, cultivation, harvesting, preparation, production, processing, transportation, distribution, and sale of cannibis is permitted for recreational purposes, as long as a legal license is obtained, and legal requirements observed…

Consumption of marijuana is allowed "in public spaces, except those spaces in which the use of tobacco is prohibited."  The (yet-to-be-established) Mexican Institute of Regulation and Control of Cannabis will determine places where the sale of cannabis is authorized.  The use of cannabis for "adult use" will be limited to specific establishments, which will be allowed to offer cannabis, products made with cannabis, and accessories.

Chapter One of the proposed law permits individuals to cultivate up to 20 plants of cannabis for personal consumption on private property as long as production levels do not exceed 480 grams per year.