International - Mexico Pressured by U.S. to Back Down from Decriminalization Legislation

[radiometer]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193616,00.html

Mexico's Congress Legalizes Drugs for Personal Use

Friday, April 28, 2006

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY — Mexico's Congress approved a bill Friday that would legalize drug possession for personal use — decriminalizing the carrying of small quantities of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and even heroin. The only step remaining is the signature of the president, whose office indicates he will sign it, despite the implications for the war on drugs.

The bill, passed by Mexico's Senate on a 53-26 vote with one abstention, has already been approved in the lower house of Congress. U.S. officials had no immediate reaction on what this means for Mexico's fight against drug trafficking — or the vast numbers of vacationing students who visit Mexico.

"The presidency congratulates the Congress for approving the reforms," presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar. "This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children."

CountryWatch: Mexico

The bill legalizes possession of 25 milligrams of heroin, 5 grams of marijuana (about one-fifth of an ounce, or about five joints), or 0.5 grams of cocaine — about half the standard sale quantity, though half-size packages are becoming more common. It also lays out the legal limits for possession of a wide array of other drugs.

"No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use," the bill reads.

Reputation Comments on this post:

[Alfa]

This seems a trend in several South american countries. I hope this spreads even more.

[Forthesevenlakes]

ahh, radiometer, you beat me to the punch with this one. this makes me hopeful that perhaps a worldwide trend will begin. or at least a northward trend. one things for sure, those spring break trips to cancun will never be the same.

[old hippie 56]

This is one of the best things that happen to Mexico since tequila. Hopes it does spread across the border.

[Sklander]

Mexico is taking initiative... Good for them! I hope this trend follows. Drug laws and the war on drugs is a joke.

Mucho Bueno!

[Desertfox]

All our dreams have come true.
All they need is the presidents approval.



Mexico Set to Decriminalize Some Drug Use
By MARK STEVENSON


MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico's Congress approved a bill Friday decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin for personal use - a measure sure to raise questions in Washington about Mexico's commitment to the war on drugs.
The only step remaining was the signature of the president, whose office indicated he would sign it.
Mexican officials hope the law will help police focus on large-scale trafficking operations, rather than minor drug busts. The bill also stiffens penalties for trafficking and possession of drugs - even small quantities - by government employees or near schools, and maintains criminal penalties for drug sales.
The Bush administration had no immediate reaction.
The bill, passed by Mexico's Senate on a 53-26 vote with one abstention, had already been approved in the lower house of Congress and was sent to the desk of President Vicente Fox for his signature.
``This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children,'' presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar said.
The bill says criminal charges will no longer be brought for possession of up to 25 milligrams of heroin, five grams of marijuana (about one-fifth of an ounce, or about four joints), and half a gram of cocaine - about half the standard street-size quantity, which is enough for several lines of the drug.
``No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use,'' according to the Senate bill, which also lays out allowable quantities for a large array of other drugs, including LSD, MDA, ecstasy - about two pills' worth, - and amphetamines.
Some of the amounts are eye-popping: Mexicans would be allowed to possess 2.2 pounds of peyote, the button-sized hallucinogenic cactus used in some native Indian religious ceremonies.
Mexican law now leaves open the possibility of dropping charges against people caught with drugs if they are considered addicts and if ``the amount is the quantity necessary for personal use.'' But the exemption isn't automatic.
The new bill drops the ``addict'' requirement - automatically allowing any ``consumers'' to have drugs - and sets out specific allowable quantities.
Sale of all drugs would remain illegal under the proposed law, unlike the Netherlands, where the sale of marijuana for medical use is legal and it can be bought with a prescription in pharmacies.
While Dutch authorities look the other way regarding the open sale of cannabis in designated coffee shops - something Mexican police seem unlikely to do - the Dutch have zero tolerance for heroin and cocaine. In both countries, commercial growing of marijuana is outlawed.
The effects could be significant, given that Mexico is rapidly becoming a drug-consuming nation as well as a shipment point for traffickers, and given the number of U.S. students who flock to border cities or resorts like Cancun and Acapulco on vacation.
``This is going to increase addictions in Mexico,'' said Ulisis Bon, a drug treatment expert in Tijuana, where heroin use is rampant. ``A lot of Americans already come here to buy medications they can't get up there ... Just imagine, with heroin.''
Associated Press Writer Julie Watson contributed to this report.

04/28/06 17:12 © Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press

[Pinkavvy]

This topic is already being discussed in another thread or two... please search before you create a new thread.

[Herbal Remedy]

Swim is moving to mexico!


honestly, swim sees big changes in the United State's drug issues as a result of this... He hopes its all for the better. Fox news reported that MDMA and LSD were among the drugs on the list for legalization. What swim has not heard is who or how the drugs are to be produced/sold n such (Fox did report that it would still be illegal to sell these drugs, just not to own), but that'll probably all come out after it goes through the remaining step... This is really good news, this is something to celebrate

[enquirewithin]

This shows how much more enlightened most countries are than the US. It would be good if it spread to the USA, but with the current administration which prosecutes medical marijuana patients, who can see it happening?

[Richard_smoker]

SHIT!

AM I THE ONLY PERSON ON HERE WHO FAILS TO SEE THIS AS A REALLY *GOOD* THING!???

Here's what I invisioned when i first heard this news: a new breed of border patrol that will basically consist of a miliatary police--DEA, border patrol, whatever... but I expect that if mexicans are allowed more freedom with drugs, then I can't help but invision a more-well-armed police state in the US. I'm sorry, but I just can't see an end to the 'war on drugs' anytime soon...

As tied-up as everyone in the US seems to be in confusing synonyms with each other--and forgetting that sometimes words are denotated, and othertimes, the meaning is CONNOTATED... or whatever else.

It just seems to me that Mexico will become our new 'project'--not unlike Iraq which is our current 'project.'

The anti-drug beaurocracy will not end anytime soon. So, I would HATE to see more bloodshed so that stupid politicians can keep their jobs and continue giving out jobs to their buddies--while keeping their OLD buddies on the payroll with their original jobs of 'securing the borders' or busting drug-smuggling attempts or whatever.

Perhaps I'm just in a bad, negative mood... I can see how it would be more fun to visit mexico now... Honestly, I would be VERY surprised if this law even gets approval. George W and his buddies will almost certainly beat the legislation to the exec's desk with money and hookers or whatever floats the dude's boat. They will most likely strongarm mexico into submission just like they did with the country ABOVE us!

BTW--George: "What??? Now, tell me this... how in the hell did they slip this past our intelligence 'radar-field'?? I didn't even hear about this until I saw it on FOX news! I mean, seriously... is this a practical joke? (snicker, rude facial expression--shit eating grin). Send somebody who speaks fluent mexican down there to inform those MF's that we have nuckulear bombs (note the pronounciation: NUCK-YOU-LAR BOMBS...) and we aren't afraid to exercise our freedom to protect our children and grandchildren from this terrosticallist threat.

[oldman]

shit, who can blame the mexicans. they come here to find work, (that no one here will do anyway) we're running them out. seems like a perfect way for them to boost national revenue. think of the tourism $$ they will reap from us now. al they really ned to do is set up head shops like the US's state liquor stores for the distribution of safe narcotics. americans will be the one's sneakin across their border soon. good move guys. if it is signed on monday, that'll be one helluva cinco de mayo huh?

[Herbal Remedy]

Originally Posted by oldman

shit, who can blame the mexicans. they come here to find work, (that no one here will do anyway) we're running them out. seems like a perfect way for them to boost national revenue. think of the tourism $$ they will reap from us now. al they really ned to do is set up head shops like the US's state liquor stores for the distribution of safe narcotics. americans will be the one's sneakin across their border soon. good move guys. if it is signed on monday, that'll be one helluva cinco de mayo huh?

its so true lol

[Pinkavvy]

swip's ready to get his back wet already lol :P

[Richard_smoker]

OK... with all this enthusiasm running rampant, maybe i was a little negative yesterday.

Shit this WOULD put a significant trump card back into the hands of mexico. And to be honest, I don't know how much longer our american dicks are going to get. Really. I think it's probably about time for us to hold off with the rampant fucking with others... call it 'inevitable.'

[MrMouse]

So Fox News calls it "Legalisation" whereas Rueters and other organisations call it "Decriminalisation" ... ... be careful of the sly Fox

[Abrad]

Americans can’t support a bill that makes drugs legal in Mexico
http://www.thepinelog.com/vnews/disp.../4455796e4663a
May 01, 2006

The only thing keeping marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin from hitting the streets of Mexico legally is the signature of Mexico’s president, Vincente Fox.

According to the Associated Press, Mexico’s Congress approved a bill Friday decriminalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and even heroin for personal use.

What positive outcomes could possibly come from Mexican citizens being able to use deadly drugs legally? It is an invitation to use more drugs. They will be more readily available to Mexico’s youth, causing a possible chain reaction that could lead to more addicts and drug crimes. The bill was proposed, went through Mexico’s system and was passed by Mexico’s Congress.

It is hard to fathom why the president of Mexico would want to legalize personal amounts of drugs. The bill goes so far to lay out specific amounts of what is deemed necessary for personal use. We are all for personal rights but this law is taking it too far. The laws protect people. Mexico is already a drug-consuming nation and a shipment point for traffickers. This law can only worsen the current situation.

We are all aware of the police corruption that goes on in Mexico. It has been depicted by the film and music industries, and it is widely thought that Mexican police will let people off of drug charges in exchange for cash or monetary rewards. This new law will outlaw police corruptions but invite drug use by Mexican citizens and tourists.

Think about the hundreds of thousands of students who travel to Mexico for Spring Break every year. Now instead of getting mugged for money, a crack head could mug you just to see if you have any drugs. This new law will leave hundreds of American mothers up all night, worrying about their teen-age children traveling to a foreign land openly allows drug use. Senior trips to Mexico may become a thing of the past if Mexican government invites drunken gringos to get high on drugs.

This law seems absurd to many Americans. Legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes is one thing, but our government would never consider legalizing cocaine, ecstasy and heroin. It is not even an option. We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on anti-drug campaigns and programs like DARE. We want our citizens healthy, law-abiding people who help make our nation better. The Mexican government is making is easier for good people to fall into the black hole of drug addiction and addicts to stay addicts. What of our nation’s anti-drug efforts? Illegal drugs already pour in from Mexico. This law can only make Texas more susceptible to invasion by drug lords.

According to the AP story, Oscar Aguilar, a Mexico City political analyst, said Fox appeared almost certain to sign the law — his office proposed it, and his party supports it — and that he had apparently been betting that it would not draw much notice. One good thing the bill does is increases penalties for trafficking and possession of drugs by government employees or near schools. All that said, Mexico will become a more dangerous place, and the young people of the country will be at risk if Fox signs that bill.

[Lunar Loops]

Originally Posted by MrMouse

So Fox News calls it "Legalisation" whereas Rueters and other organisations call it "Decriminalisation" ... ... be careful of the sly Fox

Yes, I think you'll find the Reuters quote is more accurate. No, Richard_Smoker, you were not the only one who was not so enthusiastic about this news. I too feel that the US will not take kindly to this action and would not be at all surprised to see further consequences if it does get passed. Having said all of that, maybe I'm just a cynical old git who has seen far too many false dawns in the past to get overly excited by this news (that and the fact that I can't afford to go to Mexico ). It does sound kinda pleasing though.....just don't want to get too excited.

[Lunar Loops]

Originally Posted by abrad84

This new law will leave hundreds of American mothers up all night, worrying about their teen-age children traveling to a foreign land openly allows drug use.

Errr, if they are that worried, then why would they allow their poor innocent children to go in the first place?

Originally Posted by abrad84

Senior trips to Mexico may become a thing of the past if Mexican government invites drunken gringos to get high on drugs.

Talk about sensationalist journalism, not to mention racist.

Originally Posted by abrad84

The Mexican government is making is easier for good people to fall into the black hole of drug addiction and addicts to stay addicts. What of our nation’s anti-drug efforts? Illegal drugs already pour in from Mexico. This law can only make Texas more susceptible to invasion by drug lords.

It just gets better and better. I don't know whether to laugh or to cry when I read such articles. Laugh at the sheer ridiculous nature of the over-the-top style of sensationalist journalism (it's like reefer madness all over again) or cry at the fact that many people reading it will swallow the whole stinking pile as the gospel truth.

Invasion of the drug lords.....surely the title for a new spoof movie....quick pass me a pen, I feel a script (and I'm not talking medicinal) coming on.

[Nature Boy]

Haha! It's funny how wound up American conservatives are getting over something which simply DOESN'T CONCERN THEM!! Good enough for the cunts. It delights me that for once they're the ones who are being angered by legislation and not the average drug-using Joe on the street.

Reputation Comments on this post:

[Lunar Loops]

The follwoing appeared on CNN.com:

Mexican drug measure sparks concern
Police, businesses fear tourism boom from narcotics users
Monday, May 1, 2006; Posted: 8:58 a.m. EDT (12:58 GMT)

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) -- Police and business owners from Mexico's beaches to border cities say they are worried a measure passed by Mexico's Congress that decriminalizes possession of cocaine, heroin and other drugs could attract droves of tourists solely looking to get high.
Mexican and U.S. government officials insist that the bill eliminates legal hurdles to prosecuting drug crimes large and small. But it also lays out specific amounts of drugs -- including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and Ecstasy -- that can be legally possessed for personal use.
President Vicente Fox has yet to sign the bill, but his office praised it shortly after Congress approved it Friday.
In Juarez, which borders El Paso, Texas, 58-year-old waiter Raul Martinez said Sunday he was worried "for the kids of Texas, the kids of Juarez. I worry for all the kids."
Martinez, who works at the popular border-area bar the Kentucky Club, noted that American teens already swarm the city's bars and clubs because the Mexican legal drinking age of 18 is rarely enforced. He said he feared the new measure could lead youths to try hard-core drugs.
The legislation also confused some police.
"On one side, they're asking us to fight it," said Jose Valencia, a police officer in Mexico City's tourist-oriented Zona Rosa district. "On the other, we have to allow consumption."
Currently, Mexican law leaves open the possibility of dropping charges against people caught with drugs if they can prove they are drug addicts and if an expert certifies they were caught with "the quantity necessary for personal use."
The new bill drops the "addict" requirement, allows "consumers" to have drugs and sets out specific allowable quantities, which do not appear in the current law.
Under the bill, people would be allowed to posses 2.2 pounds of peyote, the button-size hallucinogenic cactus used in some Indian religious ceremonies. Police would also no longer bother with possession of up to 25 milligrams of heroin, 5 grams of marijuana or 0.5 grams of cocaine -- the equivalent of about four "lines," or half the standard street-sale quantity.
The law lays out allowable quantities for a large array of other drugs, including LSD, MDA, MDMA (Ecstasy, about two pills' worth) and amphetamines.
However, the bill stiffens penalties for trafficking and possession of drugs -- even small quantities -- by government employees or near schools, and maintains criminal penalties for drug sales.
And sales of all those drugs would remain illegal.
A former Pentagon anti-drug official, Ana Maria Salazar, said the law would make it easier to convict street-corner drug pushers and more difficult for people to bribe judges and prosecutors, who now have discretion in deciding what quantity of drugs are for "personal" use.
"All of those who think this legalizes drugs in Mexico, not only are they wrong but they are going to get in a lot of trouble if they come here and try to use drugs," said Salazar, now a political and security analyst in Mexico City. "It's designed to go after the smaller groups of drug smugglers."
U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Judith Bryan agreed the measure could make it easier to prosecute drug crimes because it attempts to "precisely specify the amount of narcotics in possession of a suspect to allow a criminal prosecution."
But some fear the new measure could make drug-related violence worse in places such as Nuevo Laredo, a city across the Rio Grande from Laredo, Texas, which has been terrorized by deadly battles between rival drug gangs. Since January 1, there have been 92 killings in the city of 330,000, including eight police officers.
"Here things are very tense and many of our compatriots have died," said a police officer who asked only to be identified as Jose. "What will happen if we have to concede them the right to use drugs?"
Shining shoes for tourists, Elipio Rodriguez said drugs were already everywhere in Nuevo Laredo.
"There by the bridge [to the U.S.] anyone can do drugs," he said. "Police always patrol there, by those who are selling, and nothing ever happens. Do you think something will change now?"

[klaatu]

I hate racists. I hate poor journalism. I hate racists journalism most of all! And that article is racist pure and simple.

Originally Posted by abrad84

We are all aware of the police corruption that goes on in Mexico.

Really? Do you have proof?

Originally Posted by abrad84

It has been depicted by the film and music industries

The film and music industries - so it must be true.

Originally Posted by abrad84

This law can only make Texas more susceptible to invasion by drug lords.

Invasion? Oh my word! America must fight back! Now!! Quick, send in the Millitary....


The idea that another country dare pass a law that America doesn't agree with. I mean if that sort of thing is allowed to happen where will the world be then?

Klaatu

PS: On re-reading what I just posted I realised it appears to be anti-American. It wasn't intended to come across like that - my apologies. It was intended to come across as anti crap journalism.

[Sklander]

Originally Posted by abrad84

What positive outcomes could possibly come from Mexican citizens being able to use deadly drugs legally? It is an invitation to use more drugs.

What positive outcomes? Maybe the fact that Mexican police don't need to worry about tourists and small time people looking to get high. To me its a waste of time to spend coutless hours putting these people in Mexico's horrible prison systems for a small amount of a drug. Its an invitation to use drugs responsibly, not to use them in huge amounts. It has already been said that the penalties for possession of more than what is legal will be raised.

We are all aware of the police corruption that goes on in Mexico. It has been depicted by the film and music industries, and it is widely thought that Mexican police will let people off of drug charges in exchange for cash or monetary rewards. This new law will outlaw police corruptions but invite drug use by Mexican citizens and tourists.

This statement is blatantly false.

This new law will leave hundreds of American mothers up all night, worrying about their teen-age children traveling to a foreign land openly allows drug use. Senior trips to Mexico may become a thing of the past if Mexican government invites drunken gringos to get high on drugs.

Like they already don't worry when their children went to Mexico. Anyone ever been in a Mexican prison? If you're reading this chances are that you haven't because you'd STILL BE THERE. Word of advice: If you go to jail in Mexico, invite the offer by telling them you're an orphan with no money and you'd appreciate the rock bed to sleep on and the slop to eat.

[Desertfox]

Mexico Set to Decriminalize Some Drug Use
By MARK STEVENSON


MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico's Congress approved a bill Friday decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin for personal use - a measure sure to raise questions in Washington about Mexico's commitment to the war on drugs.
The only step remaining was the signature of the president, whose office indicated he would sign it.
Mexican officials hope the law will help police focus on large-scale trafficking operations, rather than minor drug busts. The bill also stiffens penalties for trafficking and possession of drugs - even small quantities - by government employees or near schools, and maintains criminal penalties for drug sales.
The Bush administration had no immediate reaction.
The bill, passed by Mexico's Senate on a 53-26 vote with one abstention, had already been approved in the lower house of Congress and was sent to the desk of President Vicente Fox for his signature.
``This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children,'' presidential spokesman Ruben Aguilar said.
The bill says criminal charges will no longer be brought for possession of up to 25 milligrams of heroin, five grams of marijuana (about one-fifth of an ounce, or about four joints), and half a gram of cocaine - about half the standard street-size quantity, which is enough for several lines of the drug.
``No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use,'' according to the Senate bill, which also lays out allowable quantities for a large array of other drugs, including LSD, MDA, ecstasy - about two pills' worth, - and amphetamines.
Some of the amounts are eye-popping: Mexicans would be allowed to possess 2.2 pounds of peyote, the button-sized hallucinogenic cactus used in some native Indian religious ceremonies.
Mexican law now leaves open the possibility of dropping charges against people caught with drugs if they are considered addicts and if ``the amount is the quantity necessary for personal use.'' But the exemption isn't automatic.
The new bill drops the ``addict'' requirement - automatically allowing any ``consumers'' to have drugs - and sets out specific allowable quantities.
Sale of all drugs would remain illegal under the proposed law, unlike the Netherlands, where the sale of marijuana for medical use is legal and it can be bought with a prescription in pharmacies.
While Dutch authorities look the other way regarding the open sale of cannabis in designated coffee shops - something Mexican police seem unlikely to do - the Dutch have zero tolerance for heroin and cocaine. In both countries, commercial growing of marijuana is outlawed.
The effects could be significant, given that Mexico is rapidly becoming a drug-consuming nation as well as a shipment point for traffickers, and given the number of U.S. students who flock to border cities or resorts like Cancun and Acapulco on vacation.
``This is going to increase addictions in Mexico,'' said Ulisis Bon, a drug treatment expert in Tijuana, where heroin use is rampant. ``A lot of Americans already come here to buy medications they can't get up there ... Just imagine, with heroin.''
Associated Press Writer Julie Watson contributed to this report.

04/28/06 17:12 © Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press

[Nature Boy]

Drug tourism would only boom if drugs were decriminalised like the way marijuana is in the Netherlands i.e. where you can smoke pot in coffeeshops. Drug users won't deliberately travel abroad to be able to carry around possession amounts of drugs as they probably do that at home anyway. These concerns aren't realistic at all. If anything they should cash in on soft drugs and encourage tourism and coffeeshop-style smoking locations for tourists.

[LowExpectations]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americ....ap/index.html

Saturday, April 29, 2006; Posted: 5:45 p.m. EDT (21:45 GMT)


Excerpts from changes approved Friday by Mexico's Senate to the country's Federal Penal Code:

Article 478: No criminal prosecution will be brought against:

I. Any person in possession of medications which contain substances classified as narcotics ... when these medications, in their nature and amounts, are those necessary for the treatment of the individual or persons in his custody or care.

II. Any drug addict or consumer who is found in possession of a narcotic for personal use.

Article 474: (Defines a "consumer" as):
Any person who consumes or uses psychotropic or narcotic substances, and who does not exhibit any symptoms of addiction.

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) -- Mexico's Congress on Friday approved a bill decriminalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and even heroin for personal use, prompting U.S. criticism that the measure could harm anti-drug efforts.

The only step remaining was the signature of President Vicente Fox, whose office indicated he would sign the bill, which Mexican officials hope will allow police to focus on large-scale trafficking operations rather than minor drug busts.

"This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children," said Fox's spokesman, Ruben Aguilar. (Watch as U.S. lawmakers react with outrage to the plan -- 1:46)

If Fox signs the measure and it becomes law, it could strain the two countries' cooperation in anti-drug efforts -- and increase the vast numbers of vacationing students who visit Mexico.

Oscar Aguilar, a Mexico City political analyst, said Fox appeared almost certain to sign the law -- his office proposed it, and his party supports it -- and that he had apparently been betting that it would not draw much notice.

"That's probably why they (the senators) passed it the way they did, in the closing hours of the final session," Aguilar said. "He's going to sign it. ... He's not going to abandon his party two months before the (presidential) election."

U.S. officials scrambled to come up with a response to the bill. One U.S. diplomat who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly said "we're still studying the legislation, but any effort to decriminalize illegal drugs would not be helpful."

The bill, passed 53-26 with one abstention by Mexico's Senate in the early morning hours, already has been approved in the lower house of Congress. It also stiffens penalties for trafficking and possession of drugs -- even small quantities -- by government employees or near schools, and maintains criminal penalties for drug sales.

The bill says criminal charges will no longer be brought for possession of up to 25 milligrams of heroin, 5 grams of marijuana (about one-fifth of an ounce, or about four joints), or 0.5 grams of cocaine -- the equivalent of about 4 "lines," or half the standard street-sale quantity (though half-size packages are becoming more common).

"No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use," according to the Senate bill, which also lays out allowable quantities for an array of other drugs, including LSD, ecstasy and amphetamines.

Some of the amounts are eye-popping: Mexicans would be allowed to possess more than two pounds of peyote, the button-size hallucinogenic cactus used in some native Indian religious ceremonies.

Mexican law now leaves open the possibility of dropping charges against people caught with drugs if they are considered addicts and if "the amount is the quantity necessary for personal use." But the exemption is not automatic. The new bill drops the "addict" requirement -- automatically allowing any "consumers" to have drugs -- and sets out specific allowable quantities.

Mexican officials declined to explain how the law would work -- including whether drug use in public would be tolerated, or discouraged by other means.

The law was defended by Mexican legislators -- and greeted with glee by U.S. legalization advocates.

"We can't close our eyes to this reality," said Sen. Jorge Zermeno, of Fox's conservative National Action Party. "We cannot continue to fill our jails with people who have addictions."

Ethan Nadelmann, director of the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance, said the bill removed "a huge opportunity for low-level police corruption." In Mexico, police often release people detained for minor drug possession, in exchange for bribes.

Selling all these drugs would remain illegal under the proposed law, unlike the Netherlands, where the sale of marijuana for medical use is legal and it can be bought with a prescription in pharmacies. While Dutch authorities look the other way regarding the open sale of cannabis in designated coffee shops -- something Mexican police seem unlikely to do -- the Dutch have zero tolerance for heroin and cocaine. In both countries, commercial growing of marijuana is outlawed.

In Colombia, a 1994 court ruling decriminalized personal possession of small amounts of cocaine, heroin and other drugs.

The effects in Mexico could be significant, given that the country is rapidly becoming a drug-consuming nation as well as a shipment point for traffickers, and given the number of U.S. students who flock to border cities or resorts like Cancun and Acapulco on vacation.

"This is going to increase addictions in Mexico," said Ulisis Bon, a drug treatment expert in Tijuana, where heroin use is rampant. "A lot of Americans already come here to buy medications they can't get up there ... Just imagine, with heroin."



It's great to see our brothers over the border thinking sensibly. The statistics will prove much, I predict.