As the debate on drug liberalization in the United States deepens, Latin America has confronted the issue with its own spectrum of policies. In 2013, Uruguay legalized marijuana and is taking gradual steps toward regulating the new industry. Other countries are now following Uruguay’s lead. Guatemala is considering proposals for the legalization of marijuana and potentially other drugs as well. In February 2015, Jamaica passed legislation to decriminalize marijuana. This Vecinos Lecture Series event will explore what other changes lie ahead for drug policy in the Americas. Because this region is so embedded in widespread perceptions of drug trafficking and its attendant violence and corrupting influence, these recent reforms signal an important turning point in the path of drug policy for the global community as a whole.
Learn more about the Vecinos Lecture Series.
11:30 a.m. — Lunch
Noon — Presentation
Panelists
Diego Cánepa
Chief of Staff to President José Mujica of Uruguay
His Excellency Luis Fernando Carrera
Representative of Guatemala to the United Nations
Ethan Nadelmann, Ph.D.
Founder and Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance
Welcoming Remarks
Erika de la Garza
Program Director, Latin America Initiative, Baker Institute
Moderator
William Martin, Ph.D.
Director, Drug Policy Program, Baker Institute