EPN admits need for debating marijuana use

President Enrique Peña Nieto said that the Supreme Court's decision authorizing the recreational use of marijuana for four people opens a broad debate to eventually regulate consumption, inhibit it and establish public policies so that the population is aware about its harmful effects.

The president said even though the Presidency respects the Supreme Court's decision, marijuana plantations will continue to be destroyed because the Court's decision "in no way implies that this policy will be eliminated.” He added that in the past he has talked about the “need of debating the issue.”

Humberto Castillejos, legal adviser of the Presidency, and Eduardo Sánchez, spokesman, reiterated that whoever produces or sells marijuana is committing a crime.

“Marijuana has not been legalized,” they explained.