In Mexico, alcohol and tobacco consumption represents one of the main challenges of public health and social sustainability. While the country has advanced in the regulation of tobacco and partially of alcohol, social perception about the risks of these substances continues to be alarmingly low, especially between adolescents and young adults.
According to the National Survey of Health and Nutrition (Ensenut 2022), 20.6% of adolescents between 10 and 19 years consume alcohol and 4.6% smoke tobacco. Marijuana, meanwhile, is the most consumed illegal drug in Mexico, despite generalized ignorance about its adverse effects – as pulmonary damage, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. According to the National Survey for the Consumption of Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco (ENCODAT 2016-2017), only 48.8% of adolescents perceive a high risk in the frequent use of marijuana, compared to more than 80% that identifies it in the consumption of tobacco.
The annual medical cost attributable to tobacco in Mexico amounts to more than 116 billion pesosconsidering the attention of heart disease, stroke, different types of cancer, pneumonia, passive smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Regarding alcohol, projections indicate that by 2050, the consequences of excessive consumption could cost the country to 1.4% of your Gross Domestic Product (GDP)including medical expenses, productivity losses and other social and economic effects. These calculations do not yet consider the impact associated with the consumption of illegal drugs, whose consumption frequently begins with alcohol abuse at an early age.
The challenge of marijuana in a legal vacuum
Marijuana, derived from the parts of the plant Cannabis sativa With a higher THC concentration, it is found in a legal limbo in Mexico. Although in 2017 the medicinal use of CBD was allowed – another component of the plant – and in 2021 the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) decriminalized its recreational consumption, there is still no integral regulation that establishes clear standards of production, sale and consumption.
Although in Mexico there are still no systematic national statistics on the consequences of marijuana consumption, the experience of countries that have legalized its use, such as Canada, suggests an increase in diagnoses of psychotic disorders and other associated risks.
An intelligent fiscal policy proposal
Despite the evidence of the health and social costs of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana consumption, current taxes in Mexico remain low in relation to their impact.
In the case of tobacco, Mexico allocates 55% of the final price to the special tax, well below the 75% recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). For alcohol, the current scheme based on a percentage on the price and alcoholic graduation has proven to be ineffective: low -cost drinks remain easily accessible, perpetuating harmful consumption.
To counteract the social and economic impact of alcohol consumption, tobacco and marijuana, an intelligent fiscal policy could include:
Establish A fixed quota by alcoholinstead of a percentage on the price.
Increase selectively and progressively The IEPS to tobacco.
Create a specific tax on marijuana (In case of its integral regulation), with progressive rates based on the THC concentration.
In addition, administer this collection through autonomous and transparent organisms that integrate civil society, specialists in public health and public sector, would ensure its correct use in prevention, treatment and research programs, as is carried out in other countries.
Contrary to the narrative that warns about an alleged loss of jobs, international evidence shows so far that these policies can generate net economic benefits: lower health expense, increased productivity and strengthening of social fabric.
Turn a challenge into an opportunity
It is not only a matter of moral, but to build long -term financial and social health.
Before the current panorama, Mexico has in its hands the opportunity to transform a public health problem into An economic strengthening strategy and social welfarethrough evidence -based tax policies, transparent and socially responsible.
Dr. Jorge Larrea Espinosa is an opinion leader in national and international addictions. He was director of Monte Fénix and is the founder of the Monte Fénix Center for Higher Studies, Claider Clinics and Amesad. He is co-author of the book addictions, the growing challenge and has been recognized for his career with various awards, currently develops the Espinosa-Larrea Foundation. His vision has marked a before and after in the treatment of addictions in Latin America.
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