President Jose Mujica Archives

Legal Marijuana Sales Now Underway in Uruguay Pharmacies

July 19, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

Legal marijuana sales are underway in Uruguay, the first country to officially legalize the plant for retail sale.

As of today (June 19) in Uruguay, marijuana is being sold in pharmacies throughout the country. As part of the country’s marijuana laws, those 18 and older are authorized to purchase up to 40 grams of marijuana for personal use. In order to combat the black-market, cannabis is being sold tax-free at roughly $1.50 a gram, exponentially cheaper than the price of marijuana in the eight U.S. states that have legalized the plant (where prices range from $10 to $18 a gram).

As part of the new law, first approved in 2013, marijuana clubs where up to 45 members can collectively produce up to 99 plants are also allowed. In addition, anyone 18 and older is authorized to grow up to six cannabis plants at a private residence, for personal use. Regulation for the new industry are overseen by the Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis.

Uruguayans Can Now Grow Cannabis Legally At Home

August 28, 2014August 28, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

As of Wednesday, adults in Uruguay wanting to grow their own cannabis at home are legally authorized to do so once they register with the government, as part of the nation’s new cannabis legalization law.

Under the new law, which took effect in May, those in Uruguay who are 18 and older can register to grow up to six cannabis plants at a private residence, with an allowed annual harvest of up to 480 grams.

Anti-Marijuana Candidate Loses in Uruguay Primary

June 2, 2014June 2, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

By Associated Press

The biggest threat to Uruguay’s new legal marijuana market has lost his party’s presidential primary.

Sen. Jorge Larranaga had been a favorite to represent the National Party this year and strongly opposes the new law, which puts the ruling Broad Front government at the center of a regulated marijuana industry. The government’s aim is to defeat organized crime by producing cheaper, better, legal weed and selling it in pharmacies to registered adults.