Mexico: The Law Against Small-Scale Drug Dealing - A Doubtful Venture

In August 2009, Mexico adopted a new law against small-scale drug dealing. The new law undoubtedly represents some significant advances, at least theoretically, in key subjects such as the recognising of and distinguishing between user, drug addict and dealer, which could open a door to the development of the rights of consumers. The law also represents the possibility of initiating a public debate on the subject of drugs consumer rights. Equally important is this law’s inclusion of harm reduction as a state policy, which guarantees obtaining resources for the implementation of the policies.

Jorge Hernández Tinajero & Carlos Zamudio Angles Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 3, October 2009