Drug Tourism in The Riviera Maya?

Update - May 4, 2006
Mexico's President Vicente Fox chose to not sign the bill that was passed by the Mexican Congress and is described in the below article. Street drugs ARE NOT legal in Mexico and it is not clear what version - if any - of the bill will ever pass.

MEXICO CITY, April 29, 2006 -- Mexico's national congress has acted to make marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and other drugs legal for residents and tourists. The idea behind the law is to allow the country's police force to concentrate on fighting against major drug rings instead of street-level users. The bill will become law once signed by President Vicente Fox.

Under the law, possession of up to 25 mg of heroin, enough marijuana for about four joints, or enough cocaine for four lines will not be illegal. In additon, the law allows for up to two pounds of peyote, a hallucinogenic cactus that was believed to have been used by natives in the era of the Aztecs and Mayans.

These new regulations open the door to a new wave of tourism in the Riviera Maya - drug tourism. Imagine going to a beach bar in Playa del Carmen and ordering a hit of ecstasy or a couple joints of marijuana, in addition to your Corona and margarita. Imagine Spring Break in Cancun, with high school and college students experimenting with cocaine and heroin on their vacations.

The U.S. is against the policy and is concerned that it will create more addicts and could lead to more illegal activity in the border region.

Unlike in Amsterdam, the public sale of drugs will not be legal, so don't expect any hash houses or cocaine shops along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

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