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The parliamentary leaders of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the National Action Party (PAN), the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), the Green Party (PVEM), the Citizen's Movement (MC) and the Social Encounter Party (PES) at the Chamber of Deputies said that they were open to debate the legalization of marijuana at parliamentary level and pass a legislation to regulate its consumption.
Following the ruling of Mexico's Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) approving the recreational use of marijuana for four people in Mexico, the parliamentary coordinators said that it is necessary to legislate with responsibly and pass reforms encompassing all aspects of marijuana, such as prevention, education, rehabilitation and public health.
César Camacho (PRI), Marko Cortés (PAN), Francisco Martinez Neri (PRD), Jesús Sesma (PVEM) and Alejandro González (PES) said that they have never tried marijuana, while the leader of the Citizen's Movement (MC) in San Lázaro, Clemente Castañeda, said that he has tried it.
The coordinators of the PRI and PAN said that before promoting reforms, there should be an open debate to have all the necessary information on the subject.
César Camacho, coordinator of the PRI at the Lower Chamber, said that those who have a public responsibility should avoid that marijuana becomes a public health problem an added that selling it continues to be a crime. He added that marijuana is not on the PRI's agenda because there are other issues more urgent, such as security, economy and transparency.
Marko Cortés, PAN leader in the Lower Chamber, said that the Congress must accept its responsibility to legislate in this area. He explained that before considering any reforms on the issue, his party will open a discussion forum because it is such a complex issue that it could have several consequences that should not be taken lightly.
Francisco Martínez Neri, coordinator of the PRD, said that the Court made the right decision because it opens the door to legislate an issue that may lead to social disorder otherwise.
Jesús Sesma, leader of the Green Party, criticized the Court's ruling because from his party's perspective Mexico is not ready to legalize marijuana and added that the health system does not have addiction prevention programs. He added that his Party prefers to promote a healthier lifestyle through sports.
Alejandro Gonzalez, leader of the Social Encounter Party, also criticized the Court's ruling because it opens the door to a flood of appeals and it could skyrocket consumption. He explained that his party will not promote any legislation, but admitted the need for a wider debate. Rocío Nahle, coordinator of the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), and Alfredo Valles, coordinator of the New Alliance Party (Panal), declined to comment.
Catalina Pérez, professor at Mexico's Center for Research and Teaching in Economics (CIDE), said that 60.4% of the people in jail in nine states because of crimes against health were convicted over marijuana.
