Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum robustly refuted allegations of marijuana use on Wednesday, during her inaugural simultaneous live broadcast on Instagram and TikTok. During the 25-minute session, she addressed questions from viewers, categorically denying the accusations.
According to a report by the EFE agency, the claim was made by Anabel Hernández, a renowned Mexican journalist and author known for her investigations into drug trafficking and corruption, including works like "Los señores del narco."
In mid-September, Hernández stated on the program Astillero Informa that anonymous sources close to the president confirmed Sheinbaum used marijuana to cope with job pressure and a "kind of depression," and that doctors had prescribed her anxiolytics and antidepressants. The journalist did not provide clinical documentation or identify her sources.
Sheinbaum's Vigorous Denial
Sheinbaum firmly responded, "There was a journalist (Hernández) who claimed I used drugs, which is false, absolutely false. How could anyone believe I would do such things? The issue is that there are many fake news stories on social media, so be very cautious about what you read online; there are countless fake news items."
This accusation emerges amid a politically charged atmosphere for Sheinbaum. The Trump administration maintained a policy of maximum pressure against drug trafficking, labeling Mexico a "narco-state," despite acknowledging progress such as the capture of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, this past June.
Political and Regional Context
Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected the "narco-state" label and advocates for bilateral cooperation without foreign military intervention.
This incident is part of a broader history of substance use admissions or accusations involving political leaders. For instance, Barack Obama admitted in his memoirs to using marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine in his youth. George W. Bush was arrested for driving under the influence in 1976 and never confirmed nor denied cocaine use allegations. Bill Clinton famously stated he tried marijuana but "did not inhale."
The regional landscape adds another layer to the situation. Uruguay has been at the forefront of cannabis regulation in Latin America, legalizing it in 2013 and allowing pharmacy sales in 2017, with over 75,000 registered users and nearly 4,290 kilograms legally sold by 2025. In contrast, Mexico has partially decriminalized personal use but lacks a fully legal adult-use market, making the association of the president with cannabis politically sensitive.
Addressing Broader Issues
During her broadcast, viewers also queried Sheinbaum on issues like security, the Mexican Social Security Institute crisis, water shortages in Jalisco, and protester suppression.
Sheinbaum discussed regulating violent content on digital platforms, clarifying that her administration does not intend to censor content: "It is about preventing violent behaviors linked to generating violence against girls and adolescents. Interestingly, the digital platforms agreed."
Legal Advisor to the Presidency, Luisa María Alcalde, and the head of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency, José Antonio Peña Merino, have already met with representatives from leading platforms to agree on content regulation terms.
Key Questions About Claudia Sheinbaum's Accusation
What did Claudia Sheinbaum say about the drug use allegations?
Claudia Sheinbaum denied the drug use claims, stating they are false and emphasizing the presence of fake news on social media.
Who made the allegations against Sheinbaum?
The allegations were made by Anabel Hernández, a journalist known for her investigative work on drug trafficking and corruption.
How does this incident fit into the political landscape?
The incident is part of a larger narrative of substance use issues in politics and occurs amid tensions regarding drug trafficking policies in Mexico.