Mexico City shifts 3 cannabis tolerance areas, leaving some residents discontented
Mexico City has introduced three new government-approved "420 zones" for recreational marijuana use, following a relocation of major cannabis consumption areas in the city. The new zones, located at Plaza de la Concepción, Simón Bolívar Monument, and José Saramago Reading Plaza, are part of an ongoing effort to manage public spaces responsibly and reduce crime risks ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
The regulations for these 420 zones are clear and strict. Cannabis consumption is permitted only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and a maximum of 80 people are allowed at each zone at a time. Each person can remain in the zone for up to 40 minutes. Sales, exchanges, or use of other substances within these zones are prohibited. Patrons must consume cannabis responsibly without disturbing passersby.
The new zones were chosen to keep consumption away from high-traffic spots and residential neighborhoods. The relocation comes three years after pro-cannabis activists "liberated" marijuana smoking zones in Mexico City. The city-run 420 zones are currently operating as a live experiment, monitored by police and watched closely by neighbors.
Activists like "Popeye" from Comuna 420 argue that the new zones are an overdue step toward destigmatizing cannabis use. However, some residents and neighborhood managers have expressed concerns about safety, smell, and the potential exposure of children to drug use, especially near schools and public buildings. Tension arose as soon as the plan was rolled out, with some residents opposing the Simón Bolívar zone.
In response to these concerns, officials have stated that the new rules and strict oversight may be updated in coming weeks as the city evaluates the program. Authorities consulted with advocacy groups like Comuna 420 and Siembra Cultura in selecting the new locations.
The relocation of cannabis consumption areas is seen as an attempt to whitewash the city, possibly in preparation for next summer's World Cup. Activists view this as an opportunity to normalize cannabis use in a city that has been slow to embrace it. The consumption camps were cleared out from Plaza de la Información, Estela de Luz monument, and outside the Museum of Memory and Tolerance.
It's important to note that Mexico's Supreme Court ruled prohibition of recreational cannabis unconstitutional in 2021, but a full regulatory framework has yet to be implemented. The "420 zones" were named after a common slang term for cannabis users.
[1] City Government of Mexico City Press Release
[2] Mexico City News Article
[3] World Cup 2026 Official Website
[4] Cannabis News Article
- The City Government of Mexico City announced the introduction of three new "420 zones" for recreational marijuana use, which are part of a larger initiative to manage public spaces effectively in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
- A cannabis news article reported that these new zones, located at Plaza de la Concepción, Simón Bolívar Monument, and José Saramago Reading Plaza, were chosen to minimize the impact on high-traffic spots and residential areas, following a relocation of major cannabis consumption areas in the city.
- The World Cup 2026 Official Website may feature updates on the ongoing experiment of city-run 420 zones, as authorities continue to monitor and possibly update the rules in response to public concerns about safety, smell, and potential exposure of children to drug use.
