10+ Years Of Legal Weed In Uruguay: Will The New Government Expand Access?
By Hernán Panessi via El Planteo
More than 10 years have passed since Uruguay became the first country to legalize adult-use cannabis. In 2012, then-President José “Pepe” Mujica boldly stated, “Someone has to be first,” during debates over legalizing cannabis. By December 2013, Uruguay had made history as the world’s first nation to legalize cannabis cultivation and sales.
While groundbreaking, Law 19.172 has faced its share of challenges. After years of controversies, irregularities and debates—largely tied to the outgoing administration—the return of the Frente Amplio, a progressive coalition that spearheaded the original law, could usher in renewed approaches to cannabis regulation.
A Changing Political Landscape
With Uruguay’s new political configuration, pressing questions arise: What’s next for cannabis policy? Will the Frente Amplio prioritize cannabis reform? What stance will newly elected President Yamandú Orsi take?
Journalist Camilo Salvetti explained to El Planteo that former President Luis Lacalle Pou adopted a “business-oriented approach to cannabis.” According to data from the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA), Uruguay currently has:
- 3 licenses for adult-use psychoactive cannabis cultivation,
- 15 licenses for medical cannabis cultivation,
- 40 registered pharmacies selling cannabis,
- 71,843 registered buyers,
- 11,708 home growers,
- 410 cannabis clubs, and
- 13,687 cannabis club members.
Salvetti explained, “There are three ways to access cannabis in Uruguay: buying …