Marijuana Legalization In Two States May Prompt Mexico To Rethink Smuggling Policies

Marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington may prompt Mexico to rethink its smuggling enforcement policies. Although the decriminalization of recreational use of marijuana in the two US states will likely face opposition from federal drug enforcement agents, the shift in public thinking may have an impact on border smuggling.

Mexico Competitiveness Institute analyst Alejandro Hope feels that a flourishing pot market in the United States would curtail the income of drug cartels south of the border, according to CBS News.

Luis Videgaray, the main adviser to Mexico’s president-elect, stated that the vote to approve marijuana legalization in the two states “complicates” is country’s commitment to quashing cannabis cultivation. Although Mexican president-elect Enrique Pena Nietos’ transition teams remains opposed to drug legalization, it appears officials are going to review the matter now that legal sales are slated to occur in the United States.

During an interview with Fox News Luis Videgaray had this to say about marijuana smuggling and growing in Mexico:

“Obviously we can’t handle a product that is illegal in Mexico, trying to stop its transfer to the United States, when in the United States, at least in part of the United States, it now has a different status. I believe this obliges us to think the relationship in regards to security … this is an unforeseen element.”

In less than three weeks Pena Nieto will visit the White House before taking his oath of office in Mexico. Videgaray stopped short of stating that Mexico will curtail its marijuana laws. Some political pundits feel that the Mexican president-elect will push the Obama administration to strictly enforce existing US federal law forbidding recreational pot use.

The Mexican presidential transition team member also had this to say about marijuana legalization policy consistency between the two bordering nations:

“These important modifications change somewhat the rules of the game in the relationship with the United States. I think that we have to carry out a review of our joint policies in regards to drug trafficking and security in general.”

Vice Minister of Coca in Bolivia Dionisio Nunez had this to say about the marijuana legalization laws in Colorado and Washington:

“The fact that two states in the United States have recognized the recreational use of marijuana makes us encouraged about possible changes.”

Cultivation of the coca plant is legal in Bolivia and frequently used as a stimulant by locals, but the production of cocaine remains a criminal offense.