Introduction
For years, the legalization of cannabis in Mexico has been a widely discussed topic. There has been talk about its recreational, medicinal and recreational uses, as well as the economic and political benefits that its commercialization could have in the country. However, in 2021, the Cannabis Regulation Law was stopped in the Senate, generating uncertainty about its future.
Official Changes in 2023
On March 10, 2021, the Chamber of Deputies endorsed with 316 votes in favor the Federal Law for the Regulation of Cannabis and the reform of the Health Law and the Federal Penal Code. This law decriminalized recreational consumption and possession of up to 28 grams of marijuana for those over 18 years of age. In addition, it established that the State can issue licenses to control acts related to the cultivation, transformation, sale, research and export or import of marijuana.
Although the law was approved by the Chamber of Deputies, it was returned to the Senate in April of the same year and until now no consensus has been generated on its implementation. Despite the efforts made, the Chamber of Senators has not advanced on the Federal Law for the Regulation of Cannabis, which leaves its discussion and final approval pending.
Advances in 2023
At the beginning of 2023, the Canadian firm Xebra Brands became the first company to obtain permits from the Mexican authorities to cultivate, process, produce and market marijuana for industrial purposes. subsidiary in Mexico of Xebra, the first company authorized to import seeds, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell and export cannabis products with 1% or less of THC (psychoactive substance in the plant). when the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) gave the go-ahead.
The company Xebra Brands highlighted that the government did not impose restrictions on where cannabis can be grown in Mexico, nor on the size of cultivation facilities or the volume of processing and manufacturing operations. This represents an important moment for the cannabis industry to worldwide, according to Jay Garnett, CEO of Xebra Brands in the country.
Opinions on Legalization
President López Obrador has expressed his opinion on the legalization of marijuana. In April 2023, he mentioned that Cofepris granted 63 licenses to companies linked to former President Vicente Fox to sell cannabis derivatives [[3]] (https://masymejor.com/experto-seo/). However, Fox denied this claim, stating that he did not have any type of license.
During a morning conference, López Obrador noted that he considers it reprehensible that someone who held a position as president of Mexico decides to dedicate himself to a business of this nature. Although he recognizes the right to consume marijuana, he does not agree with it becoming a business without restrictions. On the other hand, Vicente Fox has constantly advocated for legalization, arguing that investments, opportunities for research and development of medical products, jobs and economic growth are being lost[[3]](https://masymejor.com/experto-seo /).
Conclusions
Despite the progress and official changes in the legalization of cannabis in Mexico, the final approval of the Federal Law for the Regulation of Cannabis by the Chamber of Senators is still pending. Meanwhile, companies such as Xebra Brands have obtained permits to cultivate and market marijuana for industrial purposes The debate on the legalization of cannabis in Mexico will continue in 2023, and it will be important to closely follow the developments and decisions of the country’s authorities.
