Ecoley

Former Mexican president says he'd grow pot if it was legal

06/06/2013 - 20:06

Mexico City, Jun 6 (EFE).- Vicente Fox, who served as Mexico's president from 2000 to 2006, said he would grow marijuana if it was legal, arguing that legalization would benefit the country and hurt drug cartels.

"Once it is legitimate and legal, sure. I am a farmer, I can do it the day it's legitimate and legal, and it is approved as an industry. Producers of all kinds can participate," Fox said during a press conference at the Centro Fox in San Cristobal, Guanajuato.

The former president, who has become a leading advocate of marijuana legalization as a way to fight the violence unleashed by Mexico's drug cartels, said he planned to host a conference to discuss the issue July 19-21.

Drug trafficking has caused a spike in crime and is a disaster for countries and communities because it leads to violence, money laundering and other problems, Fox said.