As Mexico City Marijuana Proposal Looms, Former Presidents Support Legalization Tihomir Gligorevic - InSerbia
go to original February 12, 2014

Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera opened a can of worms in August of 2013 when he publicly decried the “irrational” drug policies pushed by Washington. (Flickr/Jogoavi)

MEXICO CITY – One of the largest cities in the world and bastion of progressive secularism in a mostly conservative country is looking to further its streak when its government seeks to reform existing marijuana laws.

Just a few days before the Legislative Assembly of the Federal District sees the proposed reforms to liberalize marijuana use, the proponents have been given a shot in the arm by four former Latin American leaders who say they strongly support the proposed measures.

Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León (Mexico, 1994-2000), Ricardo Froilán Lagos Escobar (Chile, 2000-2006), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil, 1995-2003) and César Augusto Gaviria Trujillo (Colombia, 1990-1994) prepared a letter of support to Miguel Ángel Mancera, the mayor of the Federal District (Mexico City proper).

“This is a necessary debate to have,” the joint statement reads, “for Mexico City, Mexico and the entire region. Something needs to change as 40 years of immense efforts and funds failed to reduce both the production and consumption of illicit drugs.”

“In Mexico and Central America, the violence and corruption associated with drug trafficking represent a significant threat to public security and democratic stability,” it said.

“We congratulate Mancera for the compromises he has made and the confident leadership he has displayed in trying to design better drug policies.”

Read the rest at InSerbia

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