Uruguay becomes first country to legalize marijuana trade

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."

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."

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."  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."