Former Mexican president Vicente Fox (2000-2006) said yesterday that if marijuana is legalized, he would be a producer, and argued that such a move would benefit the country and affect the drug cartels.

"Once it's legitimate and legal, of course. I am a farmer, I can do it the day it is legitimate and legal and is approved as an industry. Producers of all kinds can participate," Fox said in a press conference held at the Fox Center in San Cristobal, Guanajuato Mexico.

The former president, who has become a strong advocate of legalizing marijuana as a means to curb the violence caused by drug cartels, announced that he will put together a forum to discuss this topic that will be held from July 19 to 21 in the FOX Center.

Vicente Fox noted that drug trafficking has become a factor in high-crime rates, and a disaster for countries and communities that breeds violence, money laundering and other problems.

He recalled that during the presidency of Richard Nixon in the United States (1969-1974), the ""War on Drugs" was launched and "was a total failure". Just like similar actions taken by the former Mexican president Felipe Calderon (2006 - 2012) during his administration.

"Today we are introducing a new solution in which I believe, and with which I am also convinced with that will help lead the country out of the trap we are in. It is a very serious issue that should not be taken as a joke," said Fox.

He said Mexico should crawl out of the fatal trap of violence caused by drug cartels, which is the reason why the economy does not improve and stops investments.

Fox claimed that moderate consumption of marijuana does not affect one's health and that alcohol and cigarettes are more harmful. "Today more people die and commit suicide by excessive alcohol consumption or cigarettes," he said.

Fox explained that the production of marijuana can be a legal industry with proper control, and which would take billions of dollars away from criminals, and would be money used as resources that would benefit employers and the government through taxes. "Doing this well will result in a 'win win' 'for everyone, except for criminals," he concluded.

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Omar.Martinez@Sandiegored.com