Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – The smell of the fresh ocean breeze with that hint of salt is one of the most recognizable and enjoyable smells for anyone seeking a beach vacation. However, that smell is masked by the very distinctive smell of marijuana being smoked on the streets of Puerto Vallarta.
There has been a lot of misinformation about the legal status of marijuana, so much so, that there is an online business selling marijuana and delivery right to your hotel in Puerto Vallarta. The website is in English and meant to target tourists, claiming marijuana is legal in Mexico but you should not let authorities see you smoking. Not exactly convincing, but the business continues to operate in Puerto Vallarta without any attempt by authorities to end the illegal distribution of drugs in such a public way.
In 2021, Mexico increased the amount of marijuana that can be carried under decriminalization, although that doesn’t mean legalization. This means marijuana is not legal, but you won’t be fined if your possession is less than 28 grams, although it can be confiscated because it is an illegal substance in Mexico. Jail time is reserved for those carrying more than 200 grams. However, mostly you will pay a bribe to the police and be sent on your way even for the smallest amounts of possession.
There are some exceptions for individuals who can possess and use marijuana legally, but a special license must be obtained by the health authorities. Even so, the permission is only for use in your private home where kids are not present.
Due to the legalization limbo that marijuana has remained in for the last few years after the Supreme Court ruled that prohibition was against the constitution, most authorities don’t bother with the enforcement of laws regarding marijuana. This has led to the increase of unapologetic smoking of marijuana in public spaces in Puerto Vallarta.
As one resident told CPS News, “there are fines and extortion from authorities for smoking tobacco in public spaces, but not for marijuana. I hope something can be done”.
While stores are required to hide all cigarette packages behind black shields, marijuana is being sold and delivered online like an uber eats business and sold on corners and in schools of Puerto Vallarta without any consequences.
In the neighborhood of La Aurora, residents say the smell of marijuana persists all day in the area, a part of their daily lives without authorities intervening. School children walking to school each morning pass by groups of youth smoking marijuana openly on the sidewalks every day.
The same scenes play out in the tourist areas of Centro and Zona Romantica, where the smell of marijuana permeates and is as distinctive as the smell of the fresh ocean breeze. An unpleasant distraction for some residents and tourists in Puerto Vallarta.
