Uruguay becomes first country to legalize marijuana trade
Among the privileges: Uruguayans can grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year.
Reuters correspondents Malena Castaldi and Felipe Llambias (via InterAksyon.com) report that on Tuesday, December 10, "Uruguay became the first country to legalize the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana, a pioneering social experiment that will be closely watched by other nations debating drug liberalization."
Â
The report noted: "A government-sponsored bill approved by 16-13 votes in the Senate provides for regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wresting the business from criminals in the small South American nation."
Â
The report went on to explain that when the law is implemented in 120 days, cannabis consumers will be permitted "to buy a maximum of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) each month from licensed pharmacies as long as they are Uruguayan residents over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly purchases."Â Plus, Uruguayans will also be allowed "to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year, or as much as 480 grams (about 17 ounces), and form smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that can grow up to 99 plants per year."