Polls Show Mexico Backs Medical Marijuana, But Not Its Recreational Use Manuel Rueda - ABC News
go to original September 13, 2013

A woman holds a baner reading "Make a joint, not war" during a demo in support of the legalization of marijuana, in Mexico City. (Yuri Corteza/AFP/Getty Images)

Politicians who want to change Mexico’s marijuana policies must face an uncomfortable reality: An overwhelming majority of this country’s population opposes the legalization of weed.

A poll published this week, however, does offer some good news to those who would prefer a less prohibitionist stance towards the herb.

It suggests that 65 percent of Mexicans favor the legalization of marijuana for medical use. Only 29 percent of the country’s residents oppose medical marijuana, according to the poll, which was conducted in August by the Parametria research group.

The findings come as Mexican politicians discuss new approaches to marijuana policy. Current laws strictly prohibit the sale and production of the plant.

In Mexico City, the local legislature has held several hearings on marijuana policy this summer, with some officials backing plans to legalize cannabis clubs, where the herb could be grown and smoked, for recreational purposes.

Meanwhile in the Mexican Congress, a group of legislators has drafted a bill that would regulate the production and sale of marijuana. The bill would also allow Mexicans to buy weed at state-sanctioned distributors, or grow up to four plants at home.

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