Mexican Drug Decriminalization Has Little Impact

Mexico’s decision to decriminalize possession of small amounts of narcotic drugs has had little of the hoped-for effect on drug violence or addiction, local residents and experts say.

The Arizona Republic reported Jan. 10 that buying drugs in cities like Agua Prieta is as easy as ordering a pizza, and that police still arrest drug users and throw them in jail.

On the other hand, fears that the law would encourage American “drug tourists” to cross the border have not been realized, either.

Most significantly, the law has done nothing to ease drug trafficking or its attendant bloodshed in Mexico.

Arguments over the symbolic impact of the move continue unabated as well.