In a 16-13 vote today legislators in the South American country of Uruguay voted to legalize the production, sale and use marijuana. The vote is being hailed as historic as Uruguay is the first country to enact such a measure. The move has drawn the ire of the International Narcotics Control Board, but the government justifies its decision by saying that eliminating the black market for marijuana will end violence associated with the illegal drug trade.
Once the law is implemented in 120 days Uruguayans over the age of 18 will be able to purchase up to 1.4 ounces of marijuana a month from a licensed dispensary, or grow up to six plants a year in their home. If Uruguayans wish they can form a smoking club of between 15 and 45 members and grow up to 99 plants to cut down on the logistics of having a lot of small grow-ops. People who are visiting Uruguay from other countries will not be covered by the law to discourage so-called “pot tourism”.
Other countries in the region, and around the world, are expected to watch the experiment closely; and if Uruguay doesn’t descend into drug-crazed madness and debauchery many could well follow suit and end their own “War On Drugs” as it pertains to marijuana.
Here’s the CBC report.
