Criminal Justice

Personal pot use is a protected personal freedom, Mexican Supreme Court says

  •  
  •  
  •  
  • Print

In a ruling that applies only to the petitioners, the Mexican Supreme Court has ruled that individuals should have the right to grow and use marijuana for their personal use.

The opinion argued that the right to personal autonomy allows people to participate in recreational activities that don’t harm others, report the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.

“The responsible decision taken to experiment with the effects of this substance—whatever personal harm it might do—belongs within the autonomy of the individual, protected by their freedom to develop themselves,” the opinion said.

The ruling granted an “amparo” protecting the four plaintiffs who brought the case from prosecution, the Los Angeles Times explains. For the decision to apply throughout Mexico, the court would have to grant four similar amparos, or eight of the court’s 11 members would have to issue such a ruling.

Give us feedback, share a story tip or update, or report an error.