Mexican leader hints he could allow changes to laws prohibiting marijuana

Mexican leader hints he could allow changes to laws prohibiting marijuana
June 8, 2014 11:30 PM
By Dave Graham / Reuters News Service

MEXICO CITY -- Mexico and the United States cannot pursue diverging policies on marijuana legalization, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was quoted as saying Sunday, hinting he may be open to following the lead taken by some U.S. states in changing drug laws.

Political pressure has grown in Mexico to take a more liberal stance on marijuana since Washington and Colorado decided to legalize possession and sale of the drug for recreational use in 2012.

Other U.S. states plan votes soon.

Marijuana, along with contraband such as cocaine and crystal meth, has been a major source of income for violent drug cartels responsible for thousands of deaths in Mexico in recent years.

Proponents of overhaul say legalizing marijuana would both reduce the gangs' economic power and help generate more tax revenue.

More:
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2014/06/09/Mexican-leader-hints-he-could-allow-changes-to-laws-prohibiting-marijuana/stories/201406090118#ixzz347BaHqvE