Saturday, February 28, 2026

Security secretary nominee favors legalization of pot

The man proposed to be Mexico’s next public security secretary has admitted he favors the legalization of marijuana.

Alfonso Durazo Montaño express his view in Cuernavaca, Morelos, before attending a forum on drug policy with other members of the new federal administration, representatives and experts from the scientific and academic communities and members of civil organizations.

Durazo told reporters he was in favor of the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medical use, but cautioned that it was his personal belief and he would not attempt to impose it during the talks.

“We will discuss drug and pacification issues and outline a policy that will contribute to the nation’s pacification and reconciliation . . . those proposals that obtain consensus will possibly become public policy,” he said.

“I have my personal position in favor of the legalization of marijuana, but I’m not here to push my proposal forward, the forum will have to decide that,” he said.

Another proposed cabinet secretary has expressed similar views. Olga Sánchez Cordero, prospective interior secretary, has said she too favors the decriminalization of marijuana, and allowing opium poppy cultivation for medical purposes.

Source: El Universal (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
The Mexico City skyline with a skyscraper in the foreground

Mexico’s economic growth outlook improves as Banxico, OECD lift forecasts

0
Mexico's central bank and one of the world's leading economic organizations raised their 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.6% and 1.4% respectively, offering cautious optimism after Mexico's sluggish 2025 performance
diving event canceled

Diving World Cup in Jalisco canceled over public safety concerns

0
Unless Mexican sports authorities can convince World Aquatics to change its mind, the decision is a blow to Mexico both on the world stage and in the pool, where diving is one of the nation's best Olympic sports.
Fake, AI-generated photos with the word "FAKE" overlaid show Puerto Vallarta and the Iberoamerican University in León, Guanajuato, in flames.

Fake fires, real fear: Debunking the lies that went viral after ‘El Mencho’ fell

6
AI-generated images, cartel propaganda and viral lies flooded Mexico after Mexico's military killed the chief of the Jalisco cartel. Here's what actually happened — and what didn't.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity