Mexico is a beautiful Caribbean island country, situated in the United Mexican States. Due to its rich culture, jaw-dropping cuisines, and stunning beaches, Mexico has become one of the most visited countries in North America.
Though Mexico is a tourist-friendly destination, it has strict laws regarding illegal activities, and foreigners aren’t exempted. Even recently, we have seen the new drug laws in Mexico for tourists that make certain categories strictly banned.
However, recreational drugs were decriminalized by the Supreme Court of Mexico in 2021 and allow adults over 18 years to Cannabis and up to six marijuana plants on their property.
Overall, the regulations of Mexico could be complicated things to deal with if you are traveling in Mexico and you must know the drug laws properly.
Drug Laws in Mexico for Tourists in 2024 Update
Mexico City is among the countries that have strict laws when it comes to drug and drug-related products that can lead to long-term jail sentences.
According to the official statement of the Mexican embassy, In Mexico, it is unlawful to possess or consume drugs, even medical marijuana. Offenses include severe jail sentences.
Americans who used fake medications or tampered prescription tablets in Mexico suffered life-threatening illnesses or lost their lives. This statement tells the seriousness of the issue and clearly states that the Mexican government and authorities will not hesitate to impose heavy fines.
Mexico Penal Code Drug Laws
The government and authorities of Mexico passed strict and powerful laws to counter drug-related cases for the citizens and visitors as well. Strict weapon and drug restrictions in the nation are intended to prevent criminal activity by the nation’s infamous traffickers.
The Federal Penal Code of Mexico states in Article 193 that all narcotics, psychiatric, and other drugs that affect an individual’s state of mind are considered “drugs.”
According to the constitutional statement, this covers all opium compounds and forms, including opium poppies, diacetylmorphine, heroin, marijuana, and cocaine.
Whether you are a citizen or a visitor in Mexico, getting caught with drugs/drug supplies could be the worst thing due to strict regulations. In Mexico, there is a maximum 25-year prison sentence for anyone who produces, supplies or cultivates narcotics or their derivatives.
Read More: 7 Most Dangerous Places in Mexico City (that You Shouldn’t Visit)
Drug Laws in Mexico for Tourists in Mexico who Possess it
Mexico has different and clearly defined rules for the person who possesses drugs and supplies. According to the Article 479 of Mexico’s General Health law, the maximum amount of the common drugs, a visitor can possess are as follows:
- 2g of opioids
- 50mg of morphine or heroin
- 5g of cannabis
- 500mg of cocaine
- 015mg of LSD
- 40mg of MDA, MDMA, or methamphetamine in crystal form
- Max 200mg of MDA, MDMA, or methamphetamine if it’s in capsule and tablet form
Mexico Drug Laws for Medicinal Use
If you are planning to visit Mexico and are highly dependent on drugs as medicine then there is good news for you. Mexican authorities do not prosecute individuals who depend on medications comprising opioids to live pain-free.
However, it doesn’t mean that you can take drugs by faking your medical emergency. This is only applicable if you can provide your medical records and a prescription written by a physician who the Mexican government has approved after undergoing a rigorous examination.
Even if you are dependent on kin for taking drugs for medicinal purposes, you still have to show the prescription by the authorized medical professional. Failing to do so can lead to up to 9 years in prison and a hefty fine in the form of a 180-day salary cut. These situations can be even worse for visitors.
Read More: Is Curaçao Worth Visiting? Read Before Book Your Journey!
Drug Laws in Mexico for Drug Addiction
It is highly recommended not to visit countries like Mexico if you are addicted to drugs as the new drug laws in Mexico for tourists are severe.
Under Federal Penal Code Article 199, if you are addicted and you are accused of committing drug offenses in Mexico, you will be turned over to drug authorities.
Further, if you are previously booked for drug-related cases, this may lead to a harsher punishment rather than just being handed over to the authorities like long-term jail.
Drug Laws in Mexico for Tourists 2024 Update
As of June 2024, there have been no major changes in the drug laws by the Mexican government and authorities. By a majority of 8-3 in June 2021, the Mexican Supreme Court declared the ban on private use of marijuana to be unconstitutional, permitting adult recreational usage of up to 28 grams of the drug.
However, it doesn’t mean that you are legally able to take drugs as it depends on certain conditions mentioned above. You can end up in jail for a longer period of time; up to 25 years and hefty salary deductions up to one year.
When You Get Caught with Drugs in Mexico
Suppose, in a very unfortunate situation, you got caught with drugs in Mexico, what should you do? In this scenario, you must know your rights
- Stay Calm: Don’t panic when you get caught, it may worsen the situation
- Don’t Answer Any Questions: Don’t discuss your case, let the lawyer handle the case
- Ask for Lawyer: Irrespective of the country, having a lawyer is your legal right
- Contact with the Embassy: The best way to tackle such issues in a foreign country is to get assistance from the embassy
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed in detail the Drug Laws in Mexico for Tourists in 2024 along with how to handle these situations.
As far as considering drug-related cases, Mexico’s government formulated strict laws that can not be bypassed even if you are a visitor. I hope this article clears up what should you take care of while planning to visit Mexico.
