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I have heard that illegal drug consumption in Mexico is lower than in America.

Can anyone explain why that is the case? Perhaps I should first ask if that statement is indeed correct?

Thoughts?

What do you mean..."lower?"

Originally Posted by DENNIS

What do you mean..."lower?"

hmmm... . . this might be sarcasm?

I'd heard that fewer illegal drugs were consumed on a per capita basis in Mex than in USA. Don't know if that's true, but if it is I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on why that is the case.

Originally Posted by bwall

I have heard that illegal drug consumption in Mexico is lower than in America.

Can anyone explain why that is the case? Perhaps I should first ask if that statement is indeed correct?

Thoughts?

You "have heard" from who???

Originally Posted by bwall

hmmm... . . this might be sarcasm?

I'd heard that fewer illegal drugs were consumed on a per capita basis in Mex than in USA. Don't know if that's true, but if it is I'd be interested in hearing thoughts on why that is the case.

No sarcasm.

Meth is a big problem down here......cocaine, not so much. Mexico is still a two class society in many ways.....rico and pobre.

Anyway....who's statistics are you using?

Well, it's hard to find someone who does a survey about drug consumption and spending habits in different countries.

I've read in many places that the US has the largest illegal drug market in the world. I'm sure that whenever that is said the reference is in the aggregate, not on a per capita basis. Not much is said of the size of the market in Mex, but it is more of a production & transit country as opposed to a destination country like the USA.

But, I get the feeling that the general impression is that there isn't really much difference. And if one were to control for income then perhaps there would be no difference?

Originally Posted by bwall

Well, it's hard to find someone who does a survey about drug consumption and spending habits in different countries.

I'm sure the cartels would have those numbers.

I think it is lower than north of the border but the trend is rising...

Meth consumption is def big here in Rosarito Beach. There should be stats available from Mexico soon. The law that permits small amounts of drugs for personal use (pot, heroin, coke, crystal) has a reporting component. If you are caught three times you go to rehab. Of course many will pay a mordida and not be processed- but Mexico should have some number associated with this program... then triple it.

I think ten years ago most drugs passed through Mexico and Mexicans weren't big consumers. Perhaps the deportees have brought it to the border region.

The drug usage issue here will be tied in with the wealth [for lack of a better term] of the growing middle class....along with an availability of product bloated by US interdiction and more permissive laws being contemplated there.
Mexico has another social disaster in the making. Of course, that too will be blamed on the US, the Great Satan and Corruptor.

For those who are interested in following the drug war, I found this website to be a good source of information. Borderland Beat

Perhaps ya'll know it already?

I read that blog once in a while. Every blog has their followers and critics but they all find nuggets of Baja news and culture that are unique and worthwhile.

Originally Posted by bwall

Perhaps ya'll know it already?

It's on the list.
How about Maggie's blog? Lots of info.......

Maggie's Madness Drug War Chronicles: Baja California (Norte)

Maggie is one of the best news analysts in Baja, but her post-menopausal personalty quirks can seriously detract from the content. She translates and analyzes the local crime, drug and security related stories and puts it up against bigger picture analysts like Strafor. She's lived here a long time, speaks her mind and pulls no punches. Step into her ring unprepared and you'll get you butt kicked.

I didn't know about Maggies blog. Thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by bwall;33869

I didn't know about Maggies blog. Thanks for the tip.

If you really want an eye opener...go on her site with a comment that you hang out here [tell her that you and Ron are good buddies]....or, better yet, BajaNomad.
Don't stop there.....tell her you live in La Joya in Punta Banda and admire the owners, and for an added treat, tell her you know me.

Originally Posted by DENNIS

If you really want an eye opener...go on her site with a comment that you hang out here [tell her that you and Ron are good buddies]....or, better yet, BajaNomad.
Don't stop there.....tell her you live in La Joya in Punta Banda and admire the owners, and for an added treat, tell her you know me.

I think that I am missing a lot of background info.. .. .

Originally Posted by bwall

I think that I am missing a lot of background info.. .. .

I've been posting in Baja for 8 years and haven't scratched the surface of that yet.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

I've been posting in Baja for 8 years and haven't scratched the surface of that yet.

Yeah....it's not a short story.
Anyway....her reportage, translating the news of the day to English, is worth the price of admission.


Heyyy Maggie....we luv you so keep taking your meds.

Excellent wit, plus I don't know she can write that much ...... amazing work load

"you go to rehab" ....... that in itself can be very dangerous to ones health too ... just saying