Mexico bill would decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana

World Today

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto holds up a signed document during an announcement on proposed marijuana policy, in Mexico City, Thursday April 21, 2016. Pena Nieto said Thursday he will ask Congress to raise the limit on decriminalized marijuana for personal use to 28 grams, or about one ounce. Mexico had previously exempted from prosecution only five grams, or less than a fifth of an ounce. The bill presented would free people who are on trial or serving time for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced Thursday that he will present a bill to raise the limit on decriminalized marijuana for personal use to 28 grams, or about one ounce.

CCTV America’s Franc Contreras reports.

Previously, only possession of five grams, or less than a fifth of an ounce, were exempted from prosecution.

Pena Nieto’s proposal would also allow the use and importation of cannabis- or THC-based medications.

The bill would allow people to be freed who are on trial or serving time for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana.

The bill would still need to be approved by Congress.

It comes after Mexico’s Supreme Court approved an appeal by four people to allow them to grow and possess marijuana for personal use.

Story by the Associated Press


NYU Professor Mark Kleiman on marijuana legalization in Mexico

CCTV America’s Mike Walter interviewed Mark Kleiman, a professor of public policy at NYU’s Marron Institute of Urban Management and Chairman of BOTEC Analysis, about marijuana legalization in Mexico.