Uruguay Senate Committee Approves Cannabis Legalization
Uruguay’s Senate Health Commission has approved a proposal to legalize the possession, use, sale and private cultivation of cannabis for adults 18 and older.
The proposal, which has already been approved by the nation’s full House of Representatives, now moves towards a full Senate vote, which is expected next month. If the Senate approves the measure – as predicted – it will go to President José Mujica for final consideration; Mujica has been one of the biggest supporters of cannabis legalization in Uruguay, and has confirmed that he will sign the bill into law if given the chance.
Under the proposed legislation, the possession and government distribution (through designated cannabis clubs and pharmacies) of up to 40 grams of cannabis would be entirely legalized for adults, as would the private cultivation of several cannabis plants.
According to Uruguay officials, the nation plans to sell the cannabis at just a $1 a gram, in an attempt (and quite a brilliant one) to undermine the black-market.
– TheJointBlog