Latin American Leaders Call for International Debate on Drug Legalization

The presidents of four Latin American countries have called for an international debate on drug legalization, following the passage of laws that legalize recreational marijuana use in Colorado and Washington state.

CBS News reports the presidents of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Costa Rica are concerned about rising crime and violence related to the U.S. government’s drug wars. The report notes it is no longer against the law in 10 Latin American countries to possess small amounts of marijuana. Producing and selling marijuana remains illegal.

According to Fox News, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said the approval of recreational marijuana in two states limits the United States’ “moral authority” to ask other countries to fight or restrict illegal drug trafficking.

Last week, Calderon was joined by leaders of Belize, Honduras and Costa Rica in calling on the Organization of American States to study the new state laws’ impact. He added the United Nations should hold a special session on drug policy. He has said the violence from drug cartels has risen in large part because of drug consumption and arms smuggled from the United States, the article notes.