Top > World > 2006 > May > 2006-05-07

Mexico Decriminalizes Drugs, to Consternation of U.S.

Possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs for personal use will be decriminalized after Mexican President Vincente Fox signed a new law his spokesman said last Tuesday. The law itself was approved the last Friday before last Tuesday by Mexico?s Senate, despite criticism that is may increase casual drug use in the United States.

Under current Mexican law, judges can drop charges against people caught with drugs if they verify that they are drug addicts and get an expert to certify they were caught with "the quantity necessary for personal use." With the new bill, decriminalization will be automatic regardless of whether those in possession of drugs are addicts.

The Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, said on Friday that he is "appalled" by the bill, noting that Tijuana, Mexico, is only a short drive from San Diego. "I certainly think we are going to see more drugs available in the United States," Sanders said. "We need to register every protest the American government can muster."