Uruguay is the first country in the world to establish a law regulating the cannabis market that involves the control of its production and sale under the state.
Almost five years after the law was passed, today pharmacies are starting to distributing Cannabis.
The norm approved in December of 2013 by the Uruguayan Parliament turned this country of 3.3 million people in the first one to put in the hands of the State the production, distribution and sale of Cannabis.
Law 19.172 https://medios.presidencia.gub.uy/jm_portal/2014/noticias/NO_M871/reglamentacion-ley19172.pdf
The drug is produced by two private companies that were chosen in a public bidding process, and will be distributed in containers of five grams according to stated by the Institute of Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA)
Who can buy?
To purchase Cannabis in pharmacies it is necessary to be over 18 years old, have legal or natural Uruguayan citizenship or permanent residence duly accredited and be registered in a registry of purchasers.
Where can you buy it?
So far there are 16 pharmacies qualified for marketing, but it is expected that in the coming weeks will add another 20 points of sale.
There are 4,959 people registered and the price is $ 187 (less than 7 USD) 5 grams. Each person will be able to buy a maximum of 40 grams per month. The points of sale are equipped with fingerprint reader to verify at the time of purchase.