I'm amazed to find even the right of center Economist advocating legalizing drugs: http://tiny.cc/TLjib The world is definitely changing.

On the other hand, I think a lot of people with low resistance to this destructive habit will suffer greatly while now they're skating thru on fear of the law.

In addition, perhaps the major problem in Mexico, Honduras, and so on is the lack of will on the government's part to enforce the laws in a just manner. We have that problem here in the US on a microscopic scale but in places like this, sometimes the worst thing that can happen to you is to get arrested. 

I know you have good intentions Ana, but to me the reasoning behind your post seems to come from a very selfish American point of view.  There seemed by a lack of perspective and empathy for the Mexican people who have little choice but to live in this dangerous environment.  I'm not one to quote John Cornyn, but recently he made the following comment in reference to the power of the drug cartels:

"The fault is not all south of the border.  If it weren't for the huge demand for illegal drugs in the United States, they would hardly have any money to fund their operations."

As you probably know, we are the #1 consumer of Mexico's drug trade that not only includes weed, but cocaine, heroin, and meth as well and don't forget where the cartels get their guns from.  I have consistently made the argument for the decriminalization of drugs for a number reasons including the power it would take away from the drug cartels in Mexico, war lords in Afghanistan, and the insane practice of overloading our prison system with people for drug charges.  

That may sound very simplistic, but the solution doesn't stop there.  I think it's absurd when people compare drug dealers to terrorists, but let's use that as an example.  In fighting the "war on terror," I've always thought it was important to ask ourselves why do people become terrorists?  Is their hate for America really the reason behind their actions?  In following the same logic why do people get involved in the drug trade in Mexico and what are the other options to live a prosperous life especially if you come from a poor family?   How does NAFTA factor into all of this?  Will throwing money at the Mexican government through such programs as the Merida Initiative really provide us with the solution?   Sure it might help in the immediate future, but in the long run if we don't work to solve the underlying problems, the violent drug trade will not be stopped as is the case with are so called "immigration problem" no matter how high and fair we build that wall.  

I think what's really complex is that americans are told not to go to mexico because it's dangerous over there, which is true. But the problem is that the less turism they get the less money the local governments get and the weaker they are against the cartels. It's a tough spot they are on, I really don't know what can be done to help them.