In the US, the Dug War has been a failure for a very long time. It is a newer failure here in Mexico. The death toll since the beginning of the Mexican Drug War has far surpassed the deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
Many people in el DF have begun to grow their own marijuana, so as to not contribute to the bloodshed. This is commendable. As well, the government decriminalized possession of small quantities of all drugs in 2008.
In my practice, I sometimes suggest the use of "drugs" such as alcohol, marijuana, LSD, MDMA, and magic mushrooms, because I know that they can be beneficial to my patients. Still, the laws and the stigma associated with "taking drugs" prevents some patients from receiving help with their situation. Many will jump to taking antidepressants, but will scoff at marijuana.
Thanks God, CBD oil is now legal in Mexico.
This is due, in large part, to the way of the West where some drugs are sanctioned and others demonized. When considering whether a drug is accepted into the Western cannon, ask, "Who benefits?" You will quickly come to the realization that Mammon is the god of greed and of the US.
Sadly, it has been this way from the inception of America. The pharmaceutical companies are not looking out for the well-being of the patient, but at the profit to be made from said patients. The difference between the pharmaceutical companies and the narcos is merely a legalistic distinction.
I don't really want to get into politics, but many states in the US have now legalized or decriminalized marijuana for medicinal (and even recreational) uses. Hopefully, Mexico will continue on this track.
It's really the only way out of the bloodshed inherent in such a profitable business.
In the meantime, I will make sure that my patients receive the treatment that they need and deserve.
SAT NAM ~Antonio
www.antonioprimavera.com
primavera@post.harvard.edu
