Mexico City – Citing “unprecedented” pressure from companies trying to influence Mexico’s cannabis legislation, voting on a bill to completely legalize marijuana – including its recreational use – will be delayed, according to media reports.
Ricardo Monreal, president of the Senate’s Political Coordination Board (Jucopo) – a governing body of the chamber – told Milenio the bill “won’t be voted on this week,” as was planned. “It was the intention to approve it on Tuesday,” he continued, “but that’s not going to happen.”
Monreal said the bill will be discussed in “the first weeks of November,” La Jornada reported.
On October 26, Monreal posted on his Twitter account that the bill was expected to be approved “within days.” In addition, Monreal said Jucopo will now ensure that lobbying in the Senate remains under control.
He said the body would “shield” legislators from external influences, according to Excelsior.
The responsibility of the bill would remain within the combined commissions of Justice, Health and Legislative Studies.
Supreme Court Gets Ready
The Senate asked for an extension to the Supreme Court’s deadline to legalize cannabis, El Heraldo reported.
But the Supreme Court is preparing a general declaration of unconstitutionality if the Senate doesn’t approve a law before the end of the month, Excelsior reported Monday.
If the Senate doesn’t reform the laws, the Supreme Court could just eliminate from the legislation articles it considers unconstitutional.
This would effectively allow home-growing but not create a regulated commercial market.
However, uncertainty also reigns in the court.
According to Excelsior, at least eight members of the Supreme Court are needed to vote favorably. Six already declared to be in favor, but one declared to be against, and there’s uncertainty about the remaining three votes.
