Drug Prohibition Stays Strong in Latin America

Prohibit and it'll go away?

This interesting overview of drug laws across the continent shows how little headway depenalization has made in the continent which has likely suffered the most from the war on drugs.

Is this because of the region's conservative Catholic heritage? Because of the influence of the U.S.? Because drug prohitionism has succeeded in reducing use and associated crime?

Well, it certainly can't be the third choice...

In Colombia's own case, it's gone backwards. Despite backing for decriminalization from its major newspapers here, here and here, Congress last year eliminated the 'personal dosis law,' which permitted the possession of small amounts of any drug for personal use.

With billions of dollars in aid during the past decade, Colombia has reduced the number of hectares of drug crops - but those have shifted to Peru and Bolivia. Meanwhile, Colombia's drug-fueled violence seems to have shifted to Mexico.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours