14 DAY TRIAL // Uruguay is the first country in the world to legalize marijuana in an attempt to stop illegal resales, but officials are still writing the regulations for the legal pot market, so specifics about the system are very scarce right now.
Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in Uruguay, and, surprisingly, possession for personal use was not penalized even prior to legalization, although the laws did not specify what quantity was allowed for personal use.
The bill regarding the state-controlled sales of cannabis in Uruguay was passed by Congress in December last year, but the government is still working out some details related to the implementation of the law.
The Associated Press has managed to learn some important details about the new legislation. The news agency has found out that licensed Uruguayan users will be limited to 10 grams (0.35 oz) of pot per week, but pharmacies won't be allowed to sell the 40 grams (1.4 oz) a month all at once.
The source, an official in the drug control office speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the government planned to auction up to six licenses to produce cannabis legally. He also mentioned that, at that time, authorities were establishing fees to match highly taxed alcohol and cigarette sales.
Buyers have to be over 18 years old and be registered in a national database to track their consumption. They will receive cards linked to an electronic database that will track their purchases. That's why foreigners won't be able to buy marijuana in the country, as it's illegal to transport drugs across international borders.
According to the new rules, local cultivators are allowed to grow up to 6 cannabis plants at their homes each year, but the crops shall not surpass 480 grams (17 oz). Moreover, all cultivators, sellers and customers will be inspected and tested, the law's promoters promised.
The country is also considering growing marijuana on a plot of land controlled by the military to avoid illegal trafficking. According to preliminary estimates, they will need to grow around 10 to 20 hectares (25 to 49 acres) of marijuana to meet domestic demand.
According to a survey conducted by the consulting firm Cifra and published on Thursday, about 20,000 of Uruguay's 3.3 million population are using marijuana on a daily basis, and the majority of the residents of the country oppose the new law.
President Jose Mujica is expected to sign off on the new rules the coming days.