Study: Legalizing Marijuana in U.S. Could Hurt Mexican Drug Syndicates

A study released by a Mexican think tank concludes if three U.S. state initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana are approved by voters in today’s election, proceeds for Mexican drug trafficking syndicates could be reduced by up to 30 percent.

The Mexican Competitiveness Institute study concludes that if the measures in Colorado, Washington and Oregon are approved by voters, demand for Mexican marijuana would be undercut, The Christian Science Monitor reports. If the measures are passed, the institute says the states would produce marijuana that is of higher quality and less expensive.

The report notes that if no illegal drug market emerges in states where recreational marijuana is legal, to supply other states, then Mexican drug operations will continue to supply those states with marijuana.

A recent poll found 54 percent of voters in Washington state say they are in favor of a measure that would legalize small amounts of marijuana for recreational use among adults 21 and older. Polls in Colorado and Oregon suggest they are less likely than Washington’s initiative to be passed.

The poll found 38 percent of voters oppose the Washington measure, known as Initiative 502, while about 7 percent of voters said they were undecided. A recent poll in Colorado found 48 percent of voters favored legalization, but support has been weakening. The Oregon measure is far behind in the polls.