Mexico has finally passed a new law that decriminalizes the use and possession of small amounts of most drugs.

The law, which goes into effect today (Friday), removes criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of pot, cocaine, heroin and other drugs and instead encourages users caught with dope to enter government sponsored drug treatment programs. Treatment will be mandatory for anyone popped for minor possession three times or more.

Under the law, personal possession is defined as holding 5 grams of pot, half a gram of coke, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams of meth, and .015 milligrams of acid.

This article appears in August 21 • 2009.

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