London: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has opposed legalising marijuana in the country, the media reported on Thursday.
The president on Wednesday stated that those who believe legalising marijuana would help fight organised crime “were wrong”, adding that Mexico would continue to actively fight drug trafficking to save the health of young Mexicans, as per reported.
Pena Nieto was speaking after his government announced that a debate on the legalisation of marijuana would take place. This decision came after the country’s Supreme Court ruled in November that growing and smoking marijuana was legal in Mexico in the name of the right of freedom.
Despite the support of the courts, Pena Nieto has spoken out firmly against the legalisation.
However, he has stated that he would welcome an educated debate, to discuss the matter from healthcare and human rights perspectives, in a forum organised by the Senate.
“A debate has begun and, while my personal position is against the legalisation of marijuana, it cannot be forgotten that it can have medical uses. Therefore, the experts will provide clarity and light on this subject in the future,” he said.
