Today, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto officially published a bill that makes medical marijuana available and legal in Mexico. The historic change in policy for this critical Latin American nation marks another country that has welcomed cannabis as an important tool for healing the sick.
On Friday, April 28, Mexico’s lower house in parliament overwhelmingly passed the bill with a 374-7 vote. It was then up to the leader of the country to officially sign and turn it into law, which the President finally executed today.
In December of last year, the bill received incredible support from the Mexican Senate, with a yes vote of 98-7.
The recent passing of the bill in parliament was publicly endorsed by Mexico’s Secretary of Health, Dr. José Narro Robles, who stated: “I welcome the adoption of the therapeutic use of cannabis in Mexico.”
The bill will now authorize the Health Ministry to create regulations around medical marijuana use, including the production of related pharmaceuticals that contain cannabis. Products with one percent THC or lower will be allowed at this point. As well, cannabis cultivation for medical and scientific purposes will not be punishable.
Further, before any potential therapy or drug is created, Mexico’s General Health Council must be made aware of the therapeutic or medicinal value of the product being produced.
The Health Ministry will be creating more guidelines and a framework for cultivation and distribution in the coming weeks as Mexico moves forward with this new era of medical cannabis for those in need.
For the moment, supporters of this bill can celebrate with the knowledge that cannabis reform in the Latin American nation has taken a huge step forward.
credit:marijuana.com
