Vehicles and auto parts represent some of the top products Mexico exports to the U.S. (Asipona Veracruz)
Mexico was the United States’ top trade partner in the first nine months of 2023, according to new U.S. government data, with two-way trade worth almost US $600 billion.
Data published by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis on Tuesday showed that Mexico beat out Canada and China to claim the coveted position of leading trade partner of the world’s largest economy.
Mexico has once again emerged as the largest trading partner for the United States this year. The country exports a diverse range of goods north of the border. (Secretaria de Agricultura/Cuartoscuro)
Neighbors and economic partners
Two-way trade between Mexico and the United States was worth US $599.79 billion between January and September. That figure is up 2.1% compared to the same period of 2022, and an impressive 59% compared to a decade ago.
Trade between Mexico and the U.S. accounted for 15.7% of the United States’ total trade with all its economic partners in the first nine months of the year.
Canada-U.S. trade accounted for 15.3% of the total, while China-U.S. trade made up 11.1%. The United States’ trade with those two countries declined in annual terms in the first nine months of the year.
Trade between the U.S. and Canada accounted for 15.3% of the U.S. total, slightly behind Mexico at 15.7%, results show. (CPKC)
Trade between Mexico and the United States was worth $67.11 billion in September, down from $70.77 billion in August. Despite the month-over-month decline, Mexico was the United States top trade partner in September.
These figures, of course, don’t account for illicit trade – the shipment of contraband such as drugs and weapons across the Mexico-U.S. border. Needless to say, such trade is very lucrative for the criminal organizations involved in it.
Mexican exports to the U.S. increased
Mexico shipped exports worth a record high $356.25 billion to the United States between January and September. That’s an increase of 4.3% compared to the same period of last year.
Agricultural produce are amongst Mexico’s largest exports – including avocados. (Cuartoscuro)
Mexico had a 15.5% share of the export market to the U.S., ahead of Canada and China, which both had a 13.7% share in the first nine months of 2023.
Mexico exports a wide range of goods to the United States including vehicles, auto parts, crude oil, electronics, fruit and vegetables, meat and beverages such as beer and tequila.
In September, Mexican exports to the U.S. were worth $39.54 billion, down from $41.75 billion in August. On an annual basis, Mexican exports to the U.S. fell 5.1% in September, the biggest decline in over three years.
According to the Bank of Mexico, Mexico’s exports to the United States in September accounted for 83.7% of the country’s total exports.
The Bank of Mexico says 83.7% of Mexican exports went to the United States in September. (Wikimedia Commons/Alfonso21)
U.S. imports to Mexico declined
U.S. imports were worth $243.5 billion between January and September, an annual decline of 0.9%. It was the first time since 2020 that imports from the U.S. declined in the first nine months of the year.
U.S. imports to Mexico include gasoline, agricultural products including corn used as livestock feed and capital goods such as machinery and plastics.
U.S. imports to Mexico in September were worth $27.65 billion, down from $29.01 billion in August.
Livestock feed has been a major U.S. export to Mexico, though the country is importing less than last year. (United Soybean Board/Wikimedia)
Mexico records a healthy trade surplus
Mexico’s surplus with its northern neighbor in the first nine months of the year was a record high $112.7 billion. That figure is 17.7% higher than the surplus Mexico recorded in the same period of 2022.
Mexico’s trade surplus with the U.S. in September was $12.74 billion.
Analyst: Mexico has benefited from the China-U.S. trade war
Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Mexican bank Banco Base, said that Mexico’s foreign trade performance has improved as a result of the China-United States trade war.
Mexico has been a winner in the U.S.-China trade war, according to economist Gabriella Siller. (Gabriella Siller)
While Mexico’s exports to the U.S. increased 4.3% in the first nine months of the year, China’s exports to the same country declined 24.4%.
While Mexico is now the United States’ top economic partner, Siller warned that a slowdown of manufacturing activity in the United States and the appreciation of the Mexican peso are affecting trade between the two countries.
Citing Mexico’s export performance in September, independent economist Mario Correa made similar remarks.
Siller said that the stability (or otherwise) of the USD:MXN exchange rate and the economic situation in the United States will have a significant impact on Mexico’s export performance moving forward.
The newspaper El Economista reported that Mexico appears on track to maintain its position as the United States’ top trade partner through to the end of 2023.
Correa said that Mexico needs to have a “diversified supply chain” and ensure that it complies with “increasingly important” environmental, social and corporate governance criteria set by its most important trade partner in order to main its strong economic ties with the U.S.
One factor that is set to benefit Mexico’s export performance in the future is the relocation of foreign manufacturing companies here.
Foreign direct investment in Mexico reached a record high of over $29 billion in the first half of 2023, and incoming capital flows appear likely to grow even more in the coming years.
How do you invest in a home or vacation home on the beach? Whether you’re thinking about buying real estate in Mérida or on the Gulf coast, there is something for everyone when buying beach property. Right now, beach homes in Mexico are hot to trot as people are seeking a more relaxed and sunny lifestyle in a more peaceful part of the world.
How do I invest in beach property in the Yucatan?
Beach front with uninterrupted views and access to the ocean, is the most important determinant to market value on the beach.
“There’s a big billboard on the beach highway near Mérida that says, ‘Five years ago was always the best time to invest!’ and I think that’s so pertinent right now”, says Mitchell Keenan at Mexico International Real Estate, who’s witnessed the real estate landscape explode in his 30 years of working within the industry. With a stunning natural environment, the highest safety record in the country, a vibrant cultural scene, and the new Maya train (Tren Maya), business investment is pouring into the region. “There is also warm weather and sunshine year round,” Mitchell tells MND.
Where can I buy beach property in Mexico?
“People might be looking at several coastal spots,” Mitchell continues. Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, or Mazatlán, for instance, offer more nightlife and a big restaurant and social scene. And the Caribbean coast is great for people who love to snorkel or dive. Mitchell is seeing many people choosing to buy on the Gulf coast near Mérida, which offers a more reasonably priced beach community. Buyers are happy to make the 3-4 hour trip to Cozumel or Cancun for scuba diving but benefit from living near Mérida. “Mérida has always had that undiscovered feel to it and still, to a large degree, does,” Mitchell says,
What to look for in a real estate agent when buying beach property
Why wait to retire to invest in beach property in Mexico?!
It makes sense to find areal estate agent who is seasoned, understands the area, is busy, invested in their career, has the licensing and has taken some additional courses. And of course, can provide references. “It’s really important to be well connected,” Mitch tells us, “Especially when you invest in property in another country.”
How do I buy beach property in Mexico?
Find a good attorney/notario.
It’s the buyer’s choice, as they pay all the closing costs and the seller pays the taxes. Recommendations from a good real estate agent will help you avoid headaches. They should be able to provide you with all the necessary contacts – attorney, notario, architect, contractor, etc. Most competent agents are bi or multi-lingual and have many contacts in their area of influence.
You’ll need a fideicomiso. What is that?
All the beaches in Mexico are in the restricted zone. To hold title to beach property, you will most likely want to utilize a fideicomiso. The best translation of fideicomiso to English is “fiduciary bank trust.” It’s a document that provides you with the vehicle to hold the title to the property with the bank. Both the foreign owner and the bank are named in the documents with the bank owing a fiduciary responsibility to the foreign owner.
How do you get that bank trust, and how much does it cost?
Your attorney will apply for the permit from Mexico City. The fideicomiso including the permits run around 3,000 USD. Only foreigners need this fideicomiso, not nationals. Annual payment on a fideicomiso will run approximately 500-700 USD a year based upon the value of the property.
With a stunning natural environment, the highest safety record in the country, a vibrant cultural scene, and the new Maya train (Tren Maya), business investment is pouring into the region. Together with Mexico International Real Estate.
How long does it take to acquire? And for how long is it valid?
You can plan for around 8-12 weeks for your attorney to have the authorized document. It’s a 50-year document and it is renewable every 50 years in perpetuity. Additionally, you are required to name an heir(s) in the fideicomiso. In the case of your demise, the rights to the fideicomiso are inherited by your heir(s). They can further hold the fideicomiso en perpetuity.
What are the benefits of a fideicomiso?
You will acquire a further level of protection to hold a regular title because it’s tied to the bank. The bank has a fiduciary responsibility to represent the rights of the owner (holder of the fideicomiso). You also can avoid a large capital gains tax when you sell.
Tax benefits from holding real estate in a fideicomiso?
By holding title with the fideicomiso, the holder is benefited by being able to avoid part if not all of the 31% capital gains tax (ISR in Mexico). Additionally, you’ll need your resident visa, your Mexican tax ID number, a CFE bill or bank statement that reflects your name, the address of the property and your tax ID #.
What beachfront properties can I buy?
In addition to buying an existing home, you may also wish to invest in raw beach and build your own home. It usually takes between 12 – 18 months to build, depending on the weather and the availability of construction materials. A 1,800 square meter lot currently on the market could run you around US $240,000 near Mérida. Or buy an existing home, save time, and make it your own. Remodeling costs are reasonable.
What will affect the value of beach property?
Beach front with uninterrupted views and access to the ocean, is the most important determinant to market value on the beach. Location, mature trees and landscaping, sand dunes and neighboring properties will also increase value. Access to the property – how far it is from the airport, and how are the roads? For the most part, beachfront homes near Mérida are accessible by paved roads. Location in terms of local services, clinics, schools, and shopping. There are beach properties over 90 minutes from Mérida, and values tend to trend downward the further away from Mérida.
How safe is beach living?
You have to research your chosen area, but if you’re on the Mérida coast, safety is part of Yucatan culture. The ‘police force army’ in Yucatan is an enormous, friendly force. They’re as likely to help you change a tire than write you a speeding ticket.
What can you expect from beach culture in Mexico?
The small towns are tight-knit fishing and family communities. Foreigners will often support schools, orphanages, or trash programs and are respected in the local communities for their contributions.
What about property tax?
It’s a deal closer. For a US $500,000 home, you’re looking at the grand sum of US $200 a year or less. Property taxes are very inexpensive!
What else to consider when looking for beach property?
Having a medical clinic nearby is a plus. Most of the pueblos have clinics. Shopping is always important. Nice to stay within 20 minutes of decent markets, shops and gas stations.
If you’re buying a vacation home for part-time Airbnb or rentals, like 70% of our clients, you’ll need a good choice of property managers, “of which there are some good ones available,” Mitchell tells us.
What are the predictions for beach living over the next 5 years?
Mitchell tells MND, “The beach growth has truly exploded. Many new high-rises, condos and multiunit communities are being built. I’m conservative about making predictions but all things remaining equal, I see good growth of value.”
The Governor of Yucatán recently attended President López Obrador’s morning press conferencein his new role as Head of the Governor’s Association in Mexicoand discussed the Maya Train and the region’s rapid economic growth. Why wait to retire to invest in beach property in Mexico?! Instead of buying a 2 million dollar condo in Florida, it’s possible to choose the good life – relaxed, easy, safe, affordable, and happy – on the coast of Mexico. Mitchell concludes, “We live in crazy, unpredictable times. Just go for it!”
This article is sponsored by Mexico International Real Estate. Mexico International is the Yucatán Peninsula’s number-one real estate agency.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Arturo Zaldívar, coordinator of policy and government in President Claudia Sheinbaum's cabinet, thanked the many judicial hopefuls for their applications. (Claudia Sheinbaum/Cuartoscuro)
Supreme Court Justice Arturo Zaldívar announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying that he would continue to serve Mexico by joining the campaign of Morena presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum.
Just over two hours after Zaldívar posted a copy of the resignation letter he sent to López Obrador to his social media accounts, Claudia Sheinbaum took to X, formerly Twitter, to announce that she had met with the justice and that they had agreed to “work together to advance the transformation of the country.”
Arturo Zaldívar (right) has served on the Supreme Court since 2009. (SCJN)
Zaldívar, who was appointed to the Supreme Court (SCJN) during the 2006-12 presidency of Felipe Calderón, said in his letter that he believed that his “cycle” serving on the country’s highest court had come to an end, even though his 15-year term is not due to conclude until Nov. 30, 2024.
He said that “the contributions I can make from this position in the consolidation of a better country have become marginal.”
Zaldívar, chief justice between 2019 and 2022, was one of three justices out of 11 who regularly favored the current government on rulings. However, their votes were insufficient to stop a range of rulings against the López Obrador administration, including decisions that struck down the controversial electoral reform package that passed Congress earlier this year.
Zaldívar, 64, told López Obrador that he believed that joining the “transformation” movement and contributing to the “construction of a fairer and more egalitarian country” was of “the greatest importance.”
Claudia Sheinbaum (center) is the Morena candidate for the 2024 presidential election. The party, founded by incumbent president López Obrador, is favored to win again. (Claudia Sheinbaum/X)
“… I hope to continue collaborating toward [creating] the Mexico we all dream of,” he wrote.
In a subsequent interview, Zaldívar said he was joining the political project initiated by López Obrador – and which Sheinbaum hopes to continue as president – as a “matter of conviction.”
“I want to make it clear that I’m not leaving the court to take on a public position. I’m going to join a political-social project in which I believe in order to consolidate the transformation of the country, to support a project whose primary focus are those who have the least and need the most,” he said.
“… I’m joining a woman I admire, trust and have affection for,” Zaldívar said, referring to Sheinbaum.
President López Obrador applauds Supreme Court Chief Justice Arturo Zaldívar at the third annual report of the federal judiciary in December 2021. Gobierno de México
“I think she is an educated, intelligent, committed and sensitive woman, who I have no doubt will be a great president of Mexico,” he said.
His resignation as a Supreme Court justice must be approved by the Senate, in which the ruling Morena party and its allies have a majority.
The SCJN said in a brief statement on Tuesday that it was awaiting the opinion of the president and the Senate on the matter, “in accordance with the provisions in the constitution.”
The court noted that article 98 of the constitution says that resignations of Supreme Court justices “will only proceed for serious reasons” and that they must be referred to the executive and, if accepted, subsequently sent to the Senate for approval.
López Obrador said Wednesday morning that he had accepted Zaldívar’s resignation and noted that the Senate will have the “final word” on the matter.
He said he will put forward a short list of three women to replace the outgoing justice and complete the final period of his 15-year term.
President López Obrador has said he will carefully consider the appointment of a replacement judge – from a shortlist of three female candidates. (lopezobrador.org.mx)
Women are “more honest and hardworking” than men, López Obrador said, adding that he was in favor of Zaldívar’s replacement continuing as a SCJN justice beyond the completion of the 15-year term the justice began in 2009.
López Obrador is a frequent critic of the judiciary, and Supreme Court justices in particular, claiming that they regularly hand down rulings that favor an elite minority rather than the people of Mexico in general. His government recently eliminated 13 public trusts that helped fund the federal judiciary, including the SCJN, angering court workers.
Before he leaves office next October, López Obrador intends to send a judicial reform bill to Congress, which, among other things, would allow citizens to directly elect Supreme Court justices and other judges.
Mario Delgado, Morena’s national president, said Tuesday that Zaldívar has vast experience and could make “very valuable contributions” to the judicial reform plan.
Time will tell whether he’ll take a formal role in the next federal government, if – as is currently expected – Sheinbaum prevails on June 2, 2024.
Puerta de Hierro in Guadalajara was one of Latin America's most expensive neighborhoods according to real estate firm research. (Ricardo Pacheco/Shutterstock)
A group of three real estate firms released their latest report on Latin America’s most expensive neighborhoods, and three Mexican neighborhoods are in the top 10.
Compiled by real estate firms Properati, Lamudi and Trovit, the report offers important takeaways on the real estate market around the region.
The list ranked Monterrey’s Del Valle as Mexico’s most expensive neighborhood – coming in second in Latin America. (Monica Garza/Shutterstock)
Which countries were included in the survey?
The report analyzed data from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panamá, Perú, Paraguay, Venezuela and Uruguay.
Out of the 13 countries analyzed, the top 10 most expensive neighborhoods are found in five different countries: Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile.
How were housing costs measured?
Buenos Aires’ Puerto Madero neighborhood ranks as Latin America’s most expensive. (En Viaje)
The analysis measured the average price per square meter of housing in 26 upper-class neighborhoods of the 13 countries.
Which Mexican neighborhoods are on the list?
Del Valle in Monterrey is the most expensive neighborhood in Mexico and the second-most expensive in Latin America. It is followed by Puerta de Hierro in Guadalajara, which came in at No. 9 and Bosques de las Lomas in Mexico City, which rounded out the top 10.
Lomas de Angelópolis in Puebla came in at No. 17.
Colombia and Mexico were the only Latin American countries with more than three neighborhoods included in the ranking.
The trendy Lomas de Angelópolis district in Puebla also made the top 10. (Ufara)
How do the rankings compare to last year?
Puerto Madero in Argentina once again secured the top spot after it ranked No. 1 in 2022.
Meanwhile, Ipanema in Brazil, which came in second last year, dropped one position to give way to Del Valle in Monterrey, which had previously ranked at No. 4 in 2022.
Puerta de Hierro in Guadalajara fell two spots from No. 7 last year, while Bosques de las Lomas in Mexico City also dropped from the eighth spot in 2022.
What’s the price per square meter of the top three neighborhoods on the list?
According to the report, the cost of buying a two or three-bedroom apartment in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires is approximately US $5,845 per square meter. In Del Valle, Monterrey, the average value per square meter is US $4,071, while Ipanema reports an average of US $4,008 per square meter.
Now in its 11th year, the Gay Games are a global celebration of sexual diversity in sport. (@gggdl2023/X)
The 11th edition of the Gay Games kicked off last weekend in both Guadalajara and Hong Kong, marking the event’s first foray into Latin America and Asia since its beginnings in 1982.
The games are an athletic competition, but also a global celebration of diversity with 31 sports, including mahjong, dodgeball, cheerleading and pink flamingo — a fusion of performance, skits, drag and dance both in and out of the water.
This is the first time the Gay Games have been hosted in Latin America or Asia. (@gggdl2023/X)
There is also a full lineup of “real” sports, including badminton, dodgeball, basketball, beach and indoor volleyball, fencing, bowling, figure skating, soccer, rowing and martial arts — although organizers say few will rise to a level beyond “recreational activity.” Also, competitors do not represent countries.
Rather than aspire to an elite-level tournament, the main purpose of the Gay Games is to foster respect, integration and the values of diversity through sport. In the last games in Paris in 2018, there were 10,317 registered participants from 91 countries.
This year’s games — which include heterosexual people for the first time, in the name of inclusion — were originally scheduled for Hong Kong in 2022, but were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Guadalajara later becoming a co-host.
Both sites are expected to welcome more than 2,000 participants from up to 45 countries before the games conclude on Saturday, Nov. 11.
The Gay Games is an athletic tournament but also a cultural event, with galas, workshops, exhibits and performances. (Fernando Carranza García/Cuartoscuro)
The selection of Hong Kong as a host city has been met with criticism due to the city’s poor LGBTQ+ and human rights records. While same-sex relationships are legal in Hong Kong, the city does not recognize marriage equality and lacks anti-discrimination laws.
Meanwhile, Guadalajara, once considered one of Mexico’s most conservative cities, is awash in the color of the rainbow for the games this week. The city was selected by the New York Times as one of the world’s top 52 tourist destinations for 2023, largely due its vibrant LBGTQ+ culture.
Jaime Cobián, founder of CODISE, a Mexican nonprofit that promotes sexual diversity and fights discrimination, said the Gay Games help people see the LGBTQ+ population differently.
“The visibility and support are important,” he said. “But the most important thing is that this contributes to cultural change, which is the biggest problem. We need that sensitivity so that society changes the way of accepting us, of treating us with respect.”
Rather than aspire to an elite-level tournament, organizers of the Gay Games hope the event encourages people to accept the LGBTQ+ population and treat its members with respect. (@gggdl2023/X)
One of the first LGBTQ+ activists in Guadalajara, Cobián recalled when he and others tried to host the International Congress of Gays, Lesbians and Trans People. It was 1991, and the plan was shelved due to homophobic reactions from Jalisco residents and politicians.
Now, the Gay Games are considered the largest sporting and cultural event of sexual diversity in the world, and hosting them is “an act of historical reparation,” said Andrés Treviño Luna, Jalisco’s director of sexual diversity.
The epicenter of activity in Guadalajara is “Villa Paraísa,” which will host health clinics, HIV and sexuality workshops, fashion shows, an art exhibit, theater, music and two galas. See the whole schedule of events here.
Officials say hosting the Gay Games will help Guadalajara in its bids to host World Pride, the largest pride festival in the world, in 2029 and the International AIDS Conference in 2026. For the latter, the city is reportedly among the finalists.
How microdosing with psilocybin can have positive effects for anxiety, depression, PTSD, a myriad of mood disorders and general well-being. (Canva)
Recently, MND ran three articles about the history, growing scientific research, legal landscape and therapeutic uses of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms.” Mexico first introduced these mushrooms to the west, by the way. The rest is scientific history….
In this article, we will discover how microdosing with psilocybin can have positive effects for anxiety, depression, PTSD, a myriad of mood disorders and general well-being. We talk to some experts, and delve into the vast body of research and media coverage in the field of psychedelic therapy, and share some practical steps on how you can approach microdosing safely.
The science is catching up with the spiritual jargon, and shedding light on how psilocybin may work positively in conjunction with our biology and brains. (Canva)
Why is it important for me to know the science behind psilocybin research?
You’ve probably heard at least one person talking about mushrooms inducing a positive altered state, some sort of “spiritual experience”. There are thousands of personal anecdotes in the digital media space to feast on, ranging from inspiring, edifying or just plain trippy. But these days, the science is catching up with the spiritual jargon, and shedding light on how these compounds may work positively in conjunction with our biology and brains. Studies are taking place in prestigious research institutions – John Hopkins University, Imperial College, London, MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), The Beckley Foundation, UK – as well as individual investigators, like renowned and revered mycologist Paul Stamets, founder of Fungi Perfecti. He believes that, “psilocybin will make us more intelligent, and better citizens.” You can watch Netflix’s documentary “Fantastic Fungi” or the series, “How to Change your Mind” to take a deeper dive into the landscape and further your knowledge.
In New York, Katrina Michelle, Phd, LCSW, is former director of harm reduction for MAPS and executive director of The American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences (ACISTE). At her private practice and her own organization, The Curious Spirit, she supports patients with their microdosing journeys. She is excited by the results she has seen in her patients and the recent scientific findings that corroborate the benefit of microdosing. “I feel I owe a debt of gratitude to Mexican medicine woman Maria Sabina and her indigenous lineage, for helping the West access the therapeutic benefits of the mushroom.” Seventy years later, no one needs be wary or confused about such statements like “spiritual experience.” You can go straight to the science, talk to professionals, and decide for yourself if you want to give microdosing with psilocybin a try.
How do I microdose and what’s the protocol?
It’s important to have a certified therapist to work alongside you when you microdose – ideally, someone who has training and experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Canva)
“It’s important to have a certified therapist to work alongside you when you microdose – ideally, someone who has training and experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy,” Katrina tells us. “The safe and responsible usage of these powerful fungi will affect the outcome experienced,” she explains.
According to a report in Medical News Today in October of this year, there is no agreed scientific consensusyet on what a microdose amounts to.
Guidelines define a ‘microdose’ as 1% of a pharmacologically active drug dose. It is important to note that all microdosing protocols almost always include an ‘off-cycle’, or a period of rest, often 2-4 weeks, to maintain efficacy and avoid developing a tolerance to the substance. This period also triggers natural neurotransmitter production in the brain and is highly likely responsible for the lingering effects of the practice long after the practitioner has ceased dosing.
Scarlett Rivzi, a therapist who runs From Wounds to Wisdom in San Miguel de Allende, here in Mexico, tells us that the amount of mushroom prescribed for microdosing ranges between 15-25 mg, depending on the protocol and intended outcome. For example, one protocol is to take the microdose for 4 days on, and 3 days off, for 4 weeks. Then it’s advisable to take a break from the mushrooms for 2 weeks. Another is to take the microdose for 5 days on and 2 days off for 3 weeks, then have a 2 week break.
She continues, “the microdose level of psilocybin is sub-psychedelic, meaning there is no ‘tripping’. When taken properly with guidance and supervision, an individual can go about their regular daily routine while the brain receptor 5HT-2A is releasing serotonin, the feel-good neural chemical.” She also mentions that different strains of mushrooms have specific characteristics or qualities, being adaptogens that enable them to address a variety of conditions and intentions.
Any therapist who has done their research can help advise on preparation, the importance of a clinical setting, advise on taking the necessary rigorous medical checks (don’t microdose if you have schizophrenia or hypertension, for example) and will be invested in your experience over a time period of weeks or months – and continue to work on the integration process afterwards.
What are the results from microdosing with psilocybin?
Well, here’s the good news. Everyone I spoke to – clinicians, experts and microdosers alike – had positive news to share.
Sofia (whose name has been changed) is a Mexican writer, and worked with capsules of 0.25 g over 3 months, hoping to deal with some grief and depression from a family trauma. She was advised to take a capsule first thing in the morning before eating, or at night before sleeping. “It helped me come out of a state where sadness and incessant crying was weighing me down. I was able to re-evaluate those family relationships. Rather than viewing my family members as enemies, I actually just needed clear boundaries. Microdosing felt like I had a friend, working in the background.” She refers to her experience as sustained and subtle, as if her brain was slowly adjusting to a healthier and more positive way of looking at things. “And now I continue to practice that attitude. I feel lighter, clearer and – unstuck.”
Katrina Michelle has seen extraordinary results with her patients. “ I’ve seen social anxiety and depression greatly reduced. One client microdosed over 2 months to help him reshape his life, and even his income. He was also able to release and transmute grief, related to his sister’s death from cancer at a young age.” After a decade of working with him, she explains that he used microdosing to support a regimen of therapy, and commitment to the process has paid off.
What are more reasons to microdose with psilocybin?
It’s not just the heftier mental challenges of depression, anxiety, PTSD and grief that people are seeking microdosing for. There is a massive global trend in microdosing for general well-being,pain management, end of life distress, andas an aid for problem solving and productivity – workaholics take heed!
Lou Sagar, founder of The Alchemist’s Kitchen, NY advises on microdosing protocol, alongside Merlin Sheldrake, biologist and author of the popular book about fungi, “Entangled Life.” They work in collaboration with doctors, psychotherapists and take patient referrals.
It’s not just the heftier mental challenges of depression, anxiety, PTSD and grief that people are seeking microdosing for. There is a massive global trend in microdosing for general well-being,pain management, end of life distress, and as an aid for problem solving and productivity. (Canva)
“We see the primary interest is for elevation of mood. This intention alone mitigates triggers that tend to escalate upset, stress and anger.” He mentions that some immediate medicinal benefits of microdosing are a reduction in the desire for alcohol, cannabis and smoking. “We meet women who microdose to improve the balance of their hormonal cycle, or aid with emotional unpredictability in perimenopause.” He tells MND that microdosing has shown effectiveness in keeping a good attitude – that the macro goal of microdosing for many people is ultimately personal growth, which in turn contributes to feeling like a more valuable member of society.
And finally…microdosing with mushrooms can be an alternative to pharmaceuticals
Lou continues “We all have ancestral indigenous history, and at The Alchemist’s Kitchen, we’re especially interested in Mexico, where for centuries mushrooms have been used for conflict resolution and community benefit.” He notices in his conversations that, in an urban society, people are looking for options away from pharmaceuticals and to connect with these ancestral roots.
Lou concludes, “The fungi mycelium have been here a long time! We celebrate its history.” Arm yourself with the research out there, talk to a professional about how microdosing with mushrooms might help you, and join the growing group of global microdosers! Here at MND, we welcome comments and insights from readers, as we continue to explore the psychedelic conversation and the very potent possibilities of fungi, which Stamets believes can actually “help save the world.”
*This article is part of a series about psilocybin and its uses, both traditional and modern. We will also explore the physical and mental health benefits that these mushrooms offer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding the use of psilocybin or any other substance for medical purposes, taking into account the applicable laws and regulations of their jurisdiction.
Henrietta Weekes is a writer, editor, actor and narrator. She divides her time between San Miguel de Allende, New York and Oxford, UK.
Opening a small business comes with its challenges and opportunities. Find out the nuts and bolts of starting a successful business in Mexico. (Canva)
Want to open a small business in Mexico? Here’s a preview of the potential problems, solutions and of course – benefits!
Opening a small business anywhere comes with its challenges and opportunities. I sat down with Shirley of Nice Day Coffee in Mexico City, and Mariana of 360 Agency, a consulting firm that assists start-ups and investors, to find out the nuts and bolts of starting and running a successful business in Mexico.
Having either a Mexican partner or bilingual manager with whom you have already established trust. This can help tremendously when communicating with and understanding your employees, contractors and licensors. (Canva)
Problems and solutions to opening a business in Mexico:
The issue: Language and cultural barriers. Whether or not you’re proficient in Spanish, there is more to learn about Mexico’s professional culture than just the language. Cultural differences play a big part in your success as a small business owner, and the occurrences one may encounter in Mexico’s business environment may prove tough to translate.
The solution: Shirley suggests having either a Mexican partner or bilingual manager with whom you have already established trust. This can help tremendously when communicating with and understanding your employees, contractors and licensers, who may not be used to the straight-to-the-point attitude of a North American expat. “Managing performance problems, or worse, managing out is definitely not as easy [here] as it is in the United States. Be prepared for that heading in,” Shirley says.
The issue: There is a chance that your contractor might disappear one day, never to return. With the money you’ve already paid. This can happen anywhere.
The solution: Discuss and agree upon a timeline in advance, paying out when certain stages are complete. Photo updates of work finished at a regular cadence may help, but just be sure to establish these requirements in advance. Request a “factura” (a legal invoice for goods and services) for all work completed, but also for any material costs.
The issue: Permits and other red tape. As in most countries, the red tape around operating permits can be tricky. On the bright side, Shirley was surprised at the ease of the permitting process in Mexico compared to some of the entrepreneurial “horror stories” she had heard in the States.
The solution: Hire proven specialists to help. Shirley navigated much of the permitting process with the help of local consultant Mariana of MX360 Agency in Mexico City, which provides consulting services for residential and commercial real estate, business start-ups and general relocation to Mexico. “Mexican laws and regulations are different from [those of] the U.S., so it’s very important to reach out to a professional before starting a business in order to avoid the most amount of red tape possible, as well as to avoid being subject to fines,” Mariana says. If you are not fluent in the language and legal nuances, working with a consultant will be one of your best investments. “I always start by telling my clients that the most important professionals they should be working side by side with are a lawyer and an accountant,” Mariana recommends.
The issue: Accounting. Tracking a new business’s finances is not for the weary. It’s especially intimidating in a new country.
The solution: Shirley advises all aspiring business owners to hire a reputable, experienced accountant. After a few months, hire another reputable, unrelated accountant to audit the first one. “Do not skip this step. I also think it’s fair game to head into this with full transparency on both sides,” she says, “share this expectation with the first accountant before agreeing to the engagement.”
Tracking a new business’s finances is not for the weary. It’s especially intimidating in a new country. Hire a reputable, experienced accountant. After a few months, hire another reputable, unrelated accountant to audit the first one. (Canva)
“Some people won’t like this, and that’s okay,” Shirley continues. “Find a different accountant…this is one of the most important business relationships you’ll have, so both sides should feel 100% confident starting the relationship.”
The issue: Employee misconduct. Shirley suggestsknowing the laws of hiring and dismissing employees and knowing those laws well before you even start. “This is one of the most stressful parts of running a business here,” she says. The legalities around staff in Mexico differ vastly from those in other countries (notably the U.S.) and it’s essential to be prepared for the employee-sided environment in which you’ll find yourself.
The solution: Ask for recommendation letters from previous employers and call the business directly to make sure it’s actually an employer and not a friend. Ask your accountant to conduct background checks of any pending or former litigation for each potential hire. If an employee faced legal challenges with an employer in the past, i.e. theft or negligence, this will be visible on their record.
The benefits of opening a business in Mexico:
Opening a business in the United States is a costly, lengthy and oftentimes impossible goal to accomplish. Mexico provides an excellent environment to open and run a successful brick-and-mortar. Here are just a few reasons why:
The red tape: That which might otherwise be the biggest challenge anywhere else was, for Shirley, surprisingly navigable here. With a little help from a lawyer or advisor, one can tackle the paperwork issue in Mexico with general ease.
The cost: Cost depends on the locations you’re considering, but generally speaking, it is significantly less expensive to open a physical shop in Mexico. When I asked if she felt the personal investment needed to launch Nice Day Coffee was fair, Shirley replied with a confident “yes.”
The community: Starting a business in Mexico City provides a wonderful outlet to make friends, build a community and immerse yourself in the local neighborhood. “We know a lot of the neighbors now, what they do, where they live, what’s going on in their lives. If anyone sees anything suspicious, they will text or message us… we really feel part of the community, and we feel safe,” Shirley says.
The chance to give back: “This has probably been the best part,” says Shirley, adding that Mexico’s highly structured work culture makes it easy for expat business owners to create opportunities that often don’t exist here. In a country where professional advancement can be incredibly challenging, expat business owners are in a good position to make career progress a reality for their employees.
Shirley adds, “For those of your readers inspired to pursue a similar journey, I really want to encourage prioritizing opportunity creation to benefit everyone involved. Living here is such a privilege, and it comes with a responsibility to positively impact the communities we join.”
Terms you need to know when opening a business in Mexico:
Facturas – To make sure payments are processed correctly and according to the law, ask everyone you interact with for a factura. What’s a factura? It’s a legal receipt of goods and services that can be used as both proof of payment and a necessary document for tax deductions. You can also ask for this paperwork when receiving “bills” from suppliers.
Traspasos –This is an official transfer of ownership required for brick-and-mortar businesses. Many locations will provide these. What is or isn’t included in the traspaso is negotiable. “Don’t be afraid to negotiate, and make sure the landlord is involved, so you can reduce the possibility of being taken advantage of in this process.”
Actas – There are two actas – or bylaws – you should know about when starting your business. An Acta Costitutiva is a mandatory document needed to register a business in Mexico. An Acta de Asamblea is a document that is created and registered with a notary each time there is a change in the business’s bylaws. Both must be notarized in person and in Spanish. As business jargon can be difficult to understand in one’s own native language, a translator might be useful during this process.
Aval – Before securing their current location, Shirley and Nery put in multiple offers that kept getting declined. Eventually, they realized they needed an aval. An aval is a financial guarantor of your brick-and-mortar and many owners require that the aval own property in the city in which you’re renting. If you’re opening in Mexico City, for example, a family member who owns property there would make an excellent aval. Since neither Shirley nor Nery had access to a guarantor in CDMX, they had to go a different route.
Poliza Jurídica – This is where a Poliza Jurídica comes in. Without a proper aval, property renters can often opt for a Poliza Jurídica or a legal insurance company that can act as a guarantor. According to Mariana, most landlords renting commercially will ask for this, as the Poliza Jurídica will also run a background check of the tenant and act as a legal mediator between landlord and tenant in case of a controversy.
Bethany Platanella is a travel planner and lifestyle writer based in Mexico City. She lives for the dopamine hit that comes directly after booking a plane ticket, exploring local markets, practicing yoga and munching on fresh tortillas. Sign up to receive her Sunday Love Letters to your inbox, peruse her blog, or follow her on Instagram.
Several organizations in Chiapas, namely the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), have warned for several years that "Chiapas is on the verge of civil war.” (Wikimedia Commons)
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) – a rebel Indigenous group best known for staging an uprising in January 1994 – has announced the dissolution of its “autonomous municipalities” in the southern state of Chiapas.
“A few months ago, after a long and profound critical and self-critical analysis, and after consulting all the Zapatista towns, it was decided to disappear the Zapatista Rebel Autonomous Municipalities (MAREZ) and the Good Government Juntas,” the EZLN said in a statement signed by Zapatista leader Subcomandante Moisés.
The EZLN uprising in 1994 was led by a man known as Subcomandante Marcos (seen here). Today he goes by Subcomandante Galeano, and has a lower profile role. (Jose Villa/Wikimedia)
Posted to an official Zapatista website on Sunday, the statement said that “all seals, letterheads, positions, representations and agreements with the name of any MAREZ or any of the Good Government Juntas are invalid from this moment on.”
It also said that “no person can present themselves as a member, authority or representative of any MAREZ or Good Government Junta.”
The autonomous municipalities – which are not officially recognized by the federal government – were declared in the years after the Zapatistas’ 12-day uprising in Chiapas in early 1994, which coincided with the entry into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA.
The EZLN statement didn’t reveal the motivation for dissolving them, saying that “the reasons and process by which this decision was made” will be disclosed in future texts.
So-called “Good Governance Zones” have been abolished, although the Zapatistas are yet to release a more comprehensive statement on their reasoning. (Hajor/Wikimedia)
“We will also explain to you what the new structure of Zapatista autonomy is like and how it has been developing. All that, and more things, will appear at the right time,” the statement said.
The Associated Press reported that the changes may be related to the upcoming presidential election, noting that the EZLN has put forward candidates in the past.
Gerardo Alberto González Figueroa, an academic at the College of the Southern Border in San Cristóbal de las Casas, told the newspaper Milenio that the EZLN has ceded control of its strongholds to criminal groups that operate in Chiapas.
While the EZLN statement didn’t say that, it did speak at length about crime problems in Chiapas, using the kind of quirky language for which the Zapatistas have become known.
It is unclear why the Zapatistas have decided to abolish MAREZ areas in the state, but some believe the group has been forced to cede control to cartels in the region. (Damián Sánchez/Cuartoscuro)
“San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán, Las Margaritas and Palenque, to mention some municipal seats, are in the hands of one of the disorganized crime cartels and in dispute with another,” said the statement, of which English, Italian, Portuguese and German translations were published in addition to the original in Spanish.
“This is confirmed by the so-called hotel, tourism, restaurant and service industries. Those who work in these places know this and have not reported it because they are threatened and, furthermore, because they know that any request is useless, because the state and municipal authorities are the ones who commit crimes,” it continued.
The EZLN, which protested violence in Chiapas in marches in June, said that the crime problem in rural communities is “even more serious.”
“This is what is being shouted by those who live in all the regions of Chiapas, particularly in the entire border strip with Guatemala,” the statement said.
Presumed members of the Sinaloa Cartel entered the town Frontera Comalapa, Chiapas. The state, which borders Guatemala, has increasingly become a hotbed for cartel violence as armed groups struggle to control the flow of migrants heading north to the United States. (Screen Capture)
The southern border region of Chiapas has long been plagued by a turf war between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, as well as local crime groups affiliated with those organizations.
The EZLN statement also said that “the main cities” of Chiapas “are in complete chaos” and that mayors’ offices are “occupied by what we call ‘legal hitmen’ or ‘disorganized crime.'”
“There are blockades, robberies, kidnappings, extortion, forced recruitment, shootings. This is the effect of the protection of the state government and the dispute over political positions,” it said.
According to González, cartels have “infiltrated” various parts of Chiapas, not just those controlled by the EZLN.
The state of Chiapas has suffered through a turf war between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels. (Isabel Mateos/Cuartoscuro)
“All organizations are suffering from this growth of drug trafficking,” he said.
The EZLN statement asserted that the military and municipal, state and federal police forces “are not in Chiapas to protect the civilian population” and have the “sole purpose” of stopping migration through the state.
According to Gaspar Morquecho, an anthropologist who has studied the EZLN for decades, the Zapatistas have become increasingly isolated and young people have consequently left towns controlled by the organization to seek work and education opportunities elsewhere.
Chiapas is Mexico’s most economically deprived state, and many residents are forced to leave to seek a living in other parts of the country. (Elizabeth RUiz/Cuartoscuro)
“The EZLN has also closed off ties to other groups and organizations, and so they have become isolated,” said Morquecho, who was quoted in an Associated Press report.
While their autonomous municipalities have apparently gone by the wayside, the EZLN – formerly headed up by the mysterious Subcomandante Marcos – still survives 40 years after its formation.
Its statement said that its caracoles, or administrative centers, remain, but are “closed to the outside world until further notice.”
It also said that a celebration will be held to mark the 30th anniversary of its 1994 uprising.
Subcomandante Marcos, former leader of the Zapatista National Liberation Army, photographed in Monclova, Coahuila, in 2006. (Photo: Moisés Zuñiga/Cuartoscuro)
“We inform you that we will hold a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the war against oblivion. … All people who signed the ‘Declaration for Life‘ are invited. However, it is our duty, while inviting you, to discourage you [from coming],” the statement said before saying that Chiapas “is not safe” due to the presence of criminal organizations.
“… The tentative dates of the commemorations are between December 23, 2023 and January 7, 2024, the central celebration being December 30-31 and January 1-2. We will tell you the place afterwards. That is to say, we do want you to come, although we don’t recommend it,” the EZLN said.
“Even if you don’t arrive, don’t worry. We will still send you photos and videos,” the statement added.
The festival has gone from strength to strength, since it started as a small, one-day event back in 2012. (Garage del Rock)
Mexico’s much-anticipated Tecate Pa’l Norte festival is gearing up for 2024 and has announced its headline acts, featuring artists including Kendrick Lamar, Peso Pluma and Blink-182.
The festival will take place March 29-31, 2024 in Monterrey’s Fundidora Park and is eagerly awaited by fans of contemporary music from Mexico and around the world.
The full festival lineup. (Tecate P’al Norte)
The headliners
Friday will feature rap superstars Kendrick Lamar and Peso Pluma, as well as British rock act Keane.
Saturday will see San Diego punks Blink-182, former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson and Jared Leto’s 30 Seconds to Mars.
Closing out the final day of the festival on Sunday, are rockers Imagine Dragons and Placebo, as well as Maná and Fuerza Regida.
The festival is held in Monterrey’s Fundidora Park. (Nikki Hedrick/X)
When can I buy tickets and how much will they cost?
General tickets went on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Four ticket types are on offer, with Phase 1 prices ranging from 4270 pesos (US $224) to 8,870 pesos (US $507).
While all tickets give full access to the festival’s nine stages, 150+ acts, 35 hours of music and 50+ food stalls, luxury options also include additional services such as exclusive bathrooms, bars, rest areas, concierge and gourmet food options.
Tecate Pa’l Norte held its first festival back in 2012 as the Pa’l Norte Rock Festival, featuring a single day of music, two stages and 16 artists.
Since then, it has grown to become one of Mexico’s biggest and best-known music festivals, describing itself as “the most powerful and ascendant festival in Mexico,” and a “faithful representative of the culture and traditions of the north of the country.”
The United State's Drug Enforcement Agency has named a number of individuals - many from the same family - in the new round of sanctions. (DEA)
The United States government’s crackdown on Mexican drug traffickers continues.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Tuesday announced sanctions against 13 alleged Sinaloa Cartel members and four companies based in Sonora. Several of the designated individuals are members of the same family.
The U.S. government sanctions were “coordinated closely” with the Mexican government. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
Juan Carlos Morgan Huerta, which Treasury identified as a “Nogales, Sonora-based ‘plaza boss’ for the Sinaloa Cartel,” features prominently at the top of a U.S. government chart of the 13 sanctioned individuals.
Treasury said in a statement that Morgan Huerta, also known as “Cacayo,” manages cartel operations in Nogales and oversees the trafficking of multi-tonne quantities of drugs including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and illicit fentanyl from Mexico to the United States.
He was indicted in the U.S. on various drug trafficking charges in 2021, but remains a fugitive, Treasury said. According to the government chart, Morgan Huerta reports to Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García.
“Several adult members of Morgan Huerta’s family were also designated today, including four brothers and an uncle, all Mexican nationals,” Treasury said.
The Morgan Huerta family are believed to report to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the co-founder and a current leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. (Wikimedia)
“… Brothers José Arnoldo Morgan Huerta (a.k.a. “Chachio”), José Luis Morgan Huerta (a.k.a. “Gordo”), Miguel Ángel Morgan Huerta, and Martín Morgan Huerta, as well as their uncle, Óscar Murillo Morgan (a.k.a. “Chino”), each play critical roles in the organization,” the department said.
“For instance, as a former Mexican law enforcement officer, Miguel Ángel Morgan Huerta uses his connections to bribe authorities, while another brother, Martín Morgan Huerta, and their uncle, Óscar Murillo Morgan, maintain sources of supply for illicit drugs. Family members played other key roles including, but not limited to, managing transportation and logistics, negotiating business deals, and laundering illicit drug proceeds.”
Among the other alleged Sinaloa Cartel members who were designated by OFAC on Tuesday are:
David Alonso Chavarin Preciado, “who oversees drug trafficking operations in Nogales for his brother-in-law [Juan Carlos] Morgan Huerta.”
Jesús Francisco Camacho Porchas
Óscar Enrique Moreno Orozco
Ramiro Martín Romero Wirichaga
Cristian Julian Meneses Ospina, a Colombian national.
Businesses and operators on both sides of the border have been sanctioned by OFAC. (U.S. CBP)
Treasury said that “each of these individuals is involved in various aspects of drug trafficking, transportation logistics, money laundering, or other illicit activities for [Juan Carlos] Morgan Huerta.”
“Of note, Jesus Francisco Camacho Porchas and Óscar Enrique Moreno Orozco are both fugitives from drug charges in the state of Arizona,” it added.
The final two individuals sanctioned by OFAC on Tuesday are:
Sergio Isaías Hernández Mazón
Álvaro Ramos Acosta
The sanctions are part of a wider effort to limit the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. (Guardia Nacional)
Treasury said they are “drug traffickers and businessmen” who collaborate with Juan Carlos Morgan Huerta.
“Although Sergio Isaías Hernández Mazón and Álvaro Ramos Acosta often work alongside Morgan Huerta, they also have their own, established links to high-level Sinaloa Cartel members,” the department said.
OFAC designated the 13 individuals pursuant to a 2021 executive order “for having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production.”
The four companies designated by OFAC are:
Habanero’s, a Nogales restaurant.
Morgan Golden Mining, located in Hermosillo, Sonora.
Comercializadora Villba Stone, a commercial stone company in Nogales.
Exportadora del Campos Ramos Acosta, an import/export company in Nogales.
Habaneros restaurant, in Nogales, is one of the businesses sanctioned by OFAC. (restaurantjump.com)
Those companies were sanctioned because they are owned, controlled or directed by, or have acted on behalf of, some of the designated individuals, including Juan Carlos Morgan Huerta.
Treasury said its sanctioning of the 13 individuals and four companies was “coordinated closely” with the Mexican government, including its Financial Intelligence Unit.
“As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked,” the department said.
The alleged Sinaloa Cartel members designated on Tuesday join a large group of people from the same criminal organization who have already been sanctioned by OFAC.
They include “El Mayo,” various sons of imprisoned drug lord and former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and many alleged members of the “Los Chapitos” sanction of the cartel.
The United States has announced sanctions against Sinaloa Cartel members on several occasions this year, including in September and August.
“Responsible for a significant portion of the illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs trafficked into the United States, the Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most powerful and pervasive drug trafficking organizations in the world,” Treasury said Tuesday.
Anne Milgram, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said earlier this year that the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel pose “the greatest criminal threat the United States has ever faced.”