‘This is another revolution’: could legalisation of cannabis transform Mexico’s economy?

‘This is another revolution.’ Farmer Isidro Cisneros with his cannabis produce at one of Mexico’s increasing number of marijuana-related events. Photograph: Mattha Busby/The Guardian

The pungent aroma of cannabis and the sound of dub music fill the air at a hacienda as about 150 smokers, users, growers, activists and business people gather for Mexico’s second annual Toquefest.

In anticipation of the long-delayed legalisation of cannabis – after a number of supreme court decisions decreed the right to cultivate and deemed unconstitutional the ban on recreational use – the war on weed in Mexico is winding down and the festival is just one of 20 marijuana-related events being held across the country.