Possession and use of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD and amphetamines are no longer criminal offenses in Mexico, the Associated Press reported Aug. 21.

A law that went into effect this week decriminalized minor drug possession, although individuals caught three times with drugs would be required to attend an addiction-treatment program.

Mexican officials have said that the law would free police up to focus on combatting dealers and higher-level drug traffickers.