Mexican bishops blast decision to legalize recreational marijuana

MEXICO CITY — The Mexican bishops’ conference has voiced dismay with moves to legalize recreational marijuana consumption, warning it “abandons a policy of promoting and protecting health to satisfy the interests of a few.”

In a Nov. 22 statement, the bishops blasted legalizing recreational marijuana — already approved by the country’s Senate — as an example of the “disposable culture” often spoken about by Pope Francis. The bishops also urged Mexicans to “get informed” on the consequences of marijuana consumption and to stay out of the soon-to-be-legalized cannabis industry.

“We see signs of a state policy that ignores the weak and discards those who should be better protected,” the bishops’ statement said.

“The legalization of a drug, be it this one or another, means turning away and ignoring the real needs of society and even more now in the present context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and the crisis of insecurity,” the statement continued.

Mexico’s Senate approved a bill Nov. 19 to legalize the use of recreational marijuana and regulate the cannabis industry. The country’s lower house of congress will now debate the…