legalize it

A big step towards decriminalization of drug addiction in Mexico this week:

“No charges will be brought against … addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use,” according to the Senate bill, which also lays out allowable quantities for an array of other drugs, including LSD, ecstasy and amphetamines.

Some of the amounts are eye-popping: Mexicans would be allowed to possess more than two pounds of peyote, the button-sized hallucinogenic cactus used in some native Indian religious ceremonies.

Mexican law now leaves open the possibility of dropping charges against people caught with drugs if they are considered addicts and if “the amount is the quantity necessary for personal use.” The new bill drops the “addict” requirement automatically allowing any “consumers” to have drugs and sets out specific allowable quantities.

…

“We can’t close our eyes to this reality,” said Sen. Jorge Zermeno, of Fox’s conservative National Action Party. “We cannot continue to fill our jails with people who have addictions.”

The response from the U.S. is that this legislation could “strain” cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico in the (idiotic) war on (some) drugs. I’ll say.