Mexico City Shifts Three Cannabis Tolerance Zones, Continuing to Spark Local Discontent
Mexico City has taken a significant step towards regulating cannabis use by establishing three new government-sanctioned "420 zones" for recreational consumption. These zones, located at Plaza de la Concepción in the Historic Center, Simón Bolívar Monument on Paseo de la Reforma, Guerrero neighborhood, and José Saramago Reading Plaza adjacent to Chapultepec Park, are part of the city's preparations for the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup.
The new zones, which operate between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., aim to create safe, controlled environments while minimizing public disturbances. The rules for these zones are strict, with a maximum of 80 people per site and a limit of 40 minutes per person. Cannabis sales and exchanges are prohibited, and no other substances may be used in these zones.
However, not everyone is pleased with the new zones. Some residents and neighbourhood managers have expressed opposition, particularly towards the zone at the Simón Bolívar monument. Concerns about drug use near schools and public buildings have been raised, with a 45-year-old mother of two describing the presence of the zones as a mockery.
Mariá Elena Garcia, a resident near the new Plaza de la Concepción smoking area, has also expressed concerns about safety issues, including the smell, stolen goods, and fighting. Activists at Plaza de la Concepción have faced open hostility, including threats from residents.
Despite the opposition, the relocation was ordered by Mayor Clara Brugada to address complaints about crime, on-site marijuana sales, and violence in previously tolerated consumption areas near the Hidalgo Metro station, Estela de Luz monument, and outside the Museum of Memory and Tolerance.
The "420 zones" were named for a common slang term of cannabis users. The city-run zones are operating as a live experiment, monitored by police and watched closely by neighbours. Government staff and police will monitor each site to keep order and enforce regulations.
Activists such as Diana from the Daughters of Cannabis collective view the new zones as an image-polishing move for next summer's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, the Supreme Court of Mexico ruled prohibition of recreational cannabis unconstitutional in 2021, yet a full regulatory framework has yet to be implemented.
Officials said the new rules and strict oversight may be updated in coming weeks as the city evaluates the program. While cannabis legalization in Mexico overall remains legally complex, Mexico City's current stance reflects a pragmatic, regulated tolerance policy with an emphasis on public order and safety during the upcoming World Cup.
- In response to concerns about marijuana use in previous areas, the authorities named three new government-sanctioned zones, such as Plaza de la Concepción and José Saramago Reading Plaza, for controlled recreational cannabis consumption, part of Mexico City's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Officials have implemented strict rules in these "420 zones," including a maximum capacity of 80 people and a 40-minute limit per person, to create safe, controlled environments and minimize public disturbances, amidst opposition from some residents and neighborhood managers.
- Although concerns about safety, drug use near schools, and unfavorable reactions from residents persist, the new smoking areas may undergo updates in the coming weeks as the city evaluates the program, standing as a pragmatic, regulated tolerance policy with a focus on public order and safety during the World Cup.
