While in some corners of the world the debate over cannabis regulation remains stuck in outdated prejudices, Mexico City—unlike most other Latin American capitals—is exploring more humane, realistic, and community-based ways to coexist with the plant and the people who choose to use it.

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On August 4th, the Government of Mexico City officially announced the relocation of several tolerated public cannabis consumption spots, according to Ecoportal. These spaces (which are not dispensaries or European-style coffee shops) function instead as gathering zones: places of visibility, activism, and rights in action, where different communities come together to express themselves, get organized, and consume cannabis openly. Their existence wasn’t gifted or random; they were born from years of struggle, resistance, and dialogue with cannabis collectives.

What are cannabis consumption spots in CDMX?

The tolerated cannabis consumption zones in Mexico City, also known as “puntos 420” (420 spots, in English), are defined public spaces where cannabis use is, in practice, allowed without police intervention. It’s not legal, but it’s tolerated. It’s not official, but it’s acknowledged through dialogue. And above all, it’s a tangible example of politics as a social construct, not a top-down imposition.

These areas bring together medical users, recreational users, cultivators, human rights defenders, artists, and the simply curious. Many of these spaces—historically supported by the Movimiento Cannábico Mexicano and other collectives—were located in busy central areas, like Plaza de la Información near Metro Hidalgo or the surroundings of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia. Over time, that sparked growing tensions with neighbors, passersby, and authorities.

Why were they relocated?

Mexico City’s Government Secretariat explained that after receiving reports of illegal substance sales in these areas and noticing a “deterioration of the environment,” they called for dialogue tables with cannabis collectives. The goal was to preserve acquired rights while reclaiming and recovering transited public areas without resorting to repression.

“These actions are the result of several working sessions previously held with representatives of cannabis collectives, prioritizing dialogue and agreements to ensure respect for public space,” stated the Government Secretariat (SECGOB) in an official release.

The main focus isn’t on aesthetic clean-up, but on approach: instead of hiding or criminalizing cannabis use, the government opted for reorganization with a social and participatory perspective.

“Some of these spaces had drifted away from their original purpose, as illegal substance sales were reported, negatively impacting the urban setting and the public,” SECGOB explained.

Far from backtracking on rights, Mexico City reaffirms its commitment to progressive policy. “In Mexico City, we don’t roll back rights; we’re a forward-thinking city that recognizes and protects the right to free personal development and legitimate forms of expression,” the office declared.

This sentiment was also echoed and celebrated by CDMX Government Secretary César Cravioto on his Twitter (X) account:

Where are the new 420 zones in CDMX?

The new tolerated zones were strategically selected in areas with lower pedestrian and vehicle traffic to reduce urban impact and promote coexistence. These are:

  • Plaza de la Concepción, near Belisario Domínguez and Eje Central
  • Simón Bolívar Monument, on Paseo de la Reforma and Violeta
  • José Saramago Reading Plaza, at Circuito Interior and Reforma

In these locations, SECGOB will maintain a constant presence, and tents from the Addiction Prevention and Care Institute (IAPA) will be installed to provide clear information about the limits, rules, and purpose of each space.

“The reorganization seeks to restore the balance between exercising rights and proper use of public space, under conditions of legality and safety for all,” authorities explained.

During the relocation operation, members of the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) helped ensure an orderly move. SPARVP was in charge of removing unauthorized vendors, while the Urban Services Department (SOBSE) carried out cleaning and maintenance in the recovered areas.

In addition, C5 surveillance system poles were installed in each new location, providing permanent video monitoring -a measure intended to ensure both safety and peace of mind for users and passersby.

Instead of turning a blind eye or resorting to force, Mexico City chose to face reality in its public squares. It recognized cannabis users as rights-bearing citizens and understood that relocation isn’t a step backward when it’s done with dialogue, respect, and a community-focused approach.

“These new locations were carefully chosen to minimize disruption to the public, as they’re located in areas with less foot and vehicle traffic, allowing for a balance between freedom of expression and freedom of movement in public spaces,” SECGOB added.

For years, the cannabis camps in CDMX have been, in addition to spaces for responsible use, symbolic territories where people seek (and get) ways to make politics.

Published first on El Planteo.

Photo via Shutterstock.

The post Where Is Cannabis Consumption Allowed in Mexico City? New Spots, Same Rights first appeared on High Times.