Top court takes step toward recreational use of marijuana

Mexico's Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that growing, possessing and smoking marijuana for recreation is legal under the right to freedom.

The measure was approved in a 4-1 vote on the five-justice panel, backing the argument that smoking marijuana is covered under the right of "free development of personality".

The ruling did not approve the sale or commercial production of marijuana, nor does it imply a general legalization. But if the court rules the same way on five similar petitions, it would then establish the precedent to change the law and allow general recreational use.