Mexico
Country · North America
Mexico permits most prescription medicines for personal use but controls narcotics and psychotropics through COFEPRIS. Carrying controlled medicines without a Mexican prescription or proof of medical need can lead to detention. Cannabis remains largely restricted despite court rulings on personal use.
Traveler warnings
Cannabis laws are in flux — possession can still lead to detention. Strong opioids and stimulants require documentation. Never carry medicines for other people.
Legal status by substance category
7 categories documented for Mexico.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Personal supply
Amphetamine/methylphenidate ADHD stimulants are controlled by COFEPRIS. A valid prescription is required; carry documentation and only a personal supply.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal supply
Benzodiazepines are controlled psychotropics requiring a prescription.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
CBD products with up to 1% THC may be sold as registered products through COFEPRIS, but importing personal CBD is restricted and unregistered products are not permitted.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Recreational cannabis is not openly legal; the Supreme Court has ruled on personal-use rights but no full retail framework exists. Possession can still lead to detention. Medical cannabis products are regulated by COFEPRIS.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Personal supply only
Opioid analgesics are tightly controlled. Carry the original prescription and a doctor's letter; expect scrutiny at customs.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal supply
Antidepressants and antipsychotics are permitted with a prescription; some psychotropics are controlled.
Testosterone / TRT (Schedule III)
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal supply
Testosterone is a controlled medicine requiring a prescription.
Prescription policy
Travelers may bring a reasonable personal supply of prescription medicine. Controlled medicines (Grupo I–III) should be accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter; some require a Mexican medical prescription to refill or carry larger amounts.
Controlled substances
COFEPRIS regulates controlled medicines under the General Health Law. Opioids, amphetamine-type stimulants and benzodiazepines are controlled and require a prescription. Recreational cannabis possession of small amounts has been decriminalized by court rulings but remains legally complex.
Customs & border guidance
Declare medicines to SAT/Aduanas customs if asked. Carry medicines in original packaging with the prescription. Do not carry quantities beyond personal medical need.
Penalties
Possession of controlled medicines without documentation, or quantities suggesting trafficking, can lead to arrest and prosecution. Drug trafficking carries long prison sentences.
Live Alerts
Mexico: Controlled medicines without documentation can lead to detention
High RiskMexico controls narcotics and psychotropics through COFEPRIS. Carrying controlled medicines such as strong opioids, stimulants or benzodiazepines without a valid prescription or proof of medical need can lead to detention. Cannabis laws remain complex despite court rulings. Carry the original prescription (ideally translated to Spanish), a doctor's letter, and keep to personal-use quantities.
Documentation required
Original prescription (ideally translated to Spanish), doctor's letter stating diagnosis and dosage, medicines in original labelled packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.