Why they legalized ‘weed’ in Uruguay

Uruguay is the second-smallest country in South America — and is most famous for its beef exports.

But it made world headlines with a decision a couple of weeks ago to legalise growing and selling marijuana across the country — as a state-run monopoly.

The administration said the move will help regulate the trade, reduce prices and — most importantly — remove the scourge of narco-terrorism and gang warfare over control of the trade.

But opponents insist it will send out the wrong message and encourage drug use by the young.

Polls suggested about two-thirds of the country’s 3.3 million were opposed to the move — but President Jose Mujica said that, backed by other measures, it would decrease demand for ‘weed’.

Where is Uruguay exactly and what’s it like? 

In the south-east of South America, it’s home to 3.3 million people, with 1.8 million of them living in and around the capital of Montevideo.

Beef is its biggest export and the country has the highest proportion of cattle to people in the world – 12 million head, meaning 3.8 head for every human.

More than two-thirds of its exports are agricultural and it’s one of the biggest producers of soybeans, greasy wool, horsemeat, beeswax and quinces in the world.

Uruguay is also one of the most stable countries in an unstable part of the world and, although Catholicism is the largest religion, it’s also one of the most liberal countries in the region.

What prompted the move to legalise marijuana?

Although Uruguay does not suffer the problems of other Latin American countries, where warring drugs cartels kill thousands every year, it wants to cut down on drug-related violence. 

Government will now control the production, distribution and access to the drug.

The country aims to treat marijuana use as a health issue, not a criminal one. It will also stabilize the price, undercutting drug dealers by selling the drug through state-controlled pharmacies at $2.50 a gramme and guarantee quality. 

What does the public think?

A recent poll suggested that two-thirds of Uruguayans are against the plan and the Opposition National Party has warned that legalization will increase marijuana use among the young. Pope Francis, on a recent visit to Latin America, also criticised the ruling Broad Front’s move to regulate marijuana production.

Should ‘weed’ smokers book a holiday to
Montevideo now, then?

No — the law change also aims to clamp down on marijuana tourism. All legal users of the drug will have to register, prove they are at least 18 years old and Uruguayan residents. Registered buyers will be limited to 40g of the drug a month. Penalties for marijuana use outside the system will remain in place.

What will happen?

Households will be allowed to grow up to six plants and harvest no more than 480g a year. Clubs, of between 15 and 45 people, will be allowed to grow up 99 marijuana plants. Private companies will be allowed to grow marijuana plants on a commercial scale, but must sell only to the government. Growing operations will be licensed by the government and the drug can only be sold through state-owned pharmacies.

What will be the effects?

The Uruguayan move has generated headlines around the world and it is expected many countries – including the US, which has waged a largely unsuccessful ‘war on drugs’ for decades – will be watching the Uruguayan experiment closely. And the Broad Front’s stance may embolden other Latin American countries to follow suit.

Research: Raymond Hainey