Mexican president says poppy growing being studied
MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Monday the government is studying what to do about growers of opium poppies who have been hit by competition from synthetic opioids, suggesting that some sort of legalization scheme might be possible.
Asked about legalizing marijuana production a bill for which is now before Congress López Obrador said the question also involves opium poppies grown illegally in some parts of Mexico to make heroin.
As far as commercializing marijuana and opium poppies, the decision has been made to undertake a thorough study of these crops, López Obrador said.
The government has tried introducing alternative crops, like timber and fruit orchards, in poppy-growing areas, but López Obrador clearly suggested the new study was in addition to those efforts.
Read more: https://www.timesargus.com/news/world/mexican-president-says-poppy-growing-being-studied/article_b0d8345e-4b14-5125-90ab-c6d434c85809.html
(Barre-Montpelier Times Argus)