Ananya Mishra

Mexico City's Marijuana “Tolerance Zone”

Marijuana activist group, Laboratorio 4:20 (Laboratory 4:20), has an arrangement with the Mexico City government that allows them to utilize the Plaza de la información as a “tolerance zone” for public cannabis consumption. Next to the Hidalgo metro station, the small concrete plaza has become a safe haven that’s free from police intervention. The area attracts a diverse group and is a source of empowerment for many disadvantaged citizens.

Laboratorio 4:20 also organizes events as a way to collaborate with local artists and draw in newcomers to the space. I had the opportunity to visit their open-mic hip hop event on August 28th, 2021.