Mexico's legislature has voted to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs, and President Vincente Fox is expected to sign the measure, the Associated Press reported April 29.

Supporters of the bill, which passed the Senate 53-26, say it will allow police to concentrate on large-scale trafficking. A spokesperson for Fox applauded the measure.

"The presidency congratulates the Congress for approving the reforms," said spokesman Ruben Aguilar. "This law gives police and prosecutors better legal tools to combat drug crimes that do so much damage to our youth and children."

A U.S. diplomat said that any efforts by Mexico to decriminalize drug use "would not be helpful." The law could complicate drug-war cooperation between the two countries, as well as giving parents of U.S. students on spring break in Cancun one more thing to worry about.

"No charges will be brought against ... addicts or consumers who are found in possession of any narcotic for personal use," according to the Senate bill.

"We can't close our eyes to this reality," said Sen. Jorge Zermeno of Fox's conservative National Action Party. "We cannot continue to fill our jails with people who have addictions."

But Ulisis Bon, a treatment expert in Tijuana, predicted that the law would increase addiction in Mexico as well as sales of illicit drugs to Americans.

Drug sales will remain illegal.