Medical cannabis in Mexico: a look at the bill for its regulation

Abstract

This study analyzes the legislative advancements and challenges Mexico faces in implementing a regulatory framework for the medicinal use of cannabis. It details how the enactment of the General Health Law Regulation on Sanitary Control for the Production, Research, and Medicinal Use of Cannabis and its Pharmacological Derivatives in 2021 represent a significant step toward recognizing the medical benefits of the plant while also seeking to control its production and safe and effective use. Emphasis is placed on the importance of overcoming stigmatization and historical obstacles, focusing on the need for a policy that harmonizes public health interests with individual rights. Examining the legal framework and historical background highlights the historical complexity of cannabis regulation in Mexico. This analysis suggests that, despite progress, the regulation of medicinal cannabis in Mexico remains an evolving field that requires continuous monitoring and legislative adjustments to ensure its effective and fair implementation.