Friday, January 16, 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.
Mexican peso bills and coins with a wallet

Mexican peso hits its strongest level against the dollar in over a year

1
The peso closed at 17.65 to the dollar on Thursday, its strongest position in over 18 months.
US soldiers look out over an arid valley

NYT: US is pressuring Mexico to allow US troops to fight cartels

13
New reports show that post-Venezuela, the US is ramping up pressure on Mexico to allow US military action — even as some US lawmakers seek to block such actions.
Valeria Palacios

Veracruz student Valeria Palacios wins the World Education Medal

1
With artifical intelligence and robotics, the 19-year-old college student from Veracruz tackled a range of social and environmental problems facing her community.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity