Paraguay is thought to be the world’s second-biggest producer nation of Marijuana after Mexico, and responsible for 15 percent of global supply.

Has Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes been watching “Reefer Madness”?

That’s the burning question after the recently elected conservative leader responded to neighboring Uruguay’s decision to legalize marijuana with remarks reminiscent of the 1930s scaremongering anti-pot flick.

“I have seen former high school classmates suffer and die because of the effects of marijuana,” said Cartes, 57, explaining why his administration would not also be legalizing the soft drug.

His views are significant given that Paraguay actually grows vast quantities of weed, supplying much of the marijuana that’s smoked across South America. They also go against a regional mood increasingly in favor of relaxing pot laws.

According to the United Nations, landlocked Paraguay is thought to be the world’s second-biggest producer nation of marijuana after Mexico, and responsible for 15 percent of global...