Uruguay's Senate is expected to legalize marijuana production, distribution and sale, Tuesday, December 10, according to a report by the Associated Press.
According to the report, the senate began its final debate on the government's plan to create the first national marijuana market.
The Uruguayan Senate is expected to approve a law to legalize the production, distribution and sale of marijuana Tuesday. Illegal in almost all parts of the world, marijuana, once legalized, will be regulated by the state - from how it is grown and sold to how Uruguay citizens use it. The late approval that garnered support from a majority coalition and from President Jose Mujica who said hates marijuana and has never tried it.
After the approval, it would take the country 120 days to draft accompanying rules and regulations how the state will control the marijuana market. Those who wish to get involved or who are already involved must get a license and registration so that the government could keep tabs to enforce limits. For example, adults can purchase 40 grams of marijuana a month at pharmacies regardless of their reasons why they are buying pot.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Sen. Luis Gallo, a retired doctor, sees the legalization "necessary to find a management strategy that controls and regulates [the] consumption and [the] production" of marijuana.
"This is not liberalization of marijuana," Gallo said. "It can be consumed within certain parameters established by law. I think it will reduce consumption."
However, polls show that two-thirds of Uruguayans are against the legalization of marijuana. This is despite of national TV campaigns supporting the plan and the lobbying efforts funded by philanthropist George Soros.
"It's about time that we see a country bravely break with the failed prohibitionist model and try an innovative, more compassionate, and smarter approach," said Hannah Hetzer a lobbyist from Washington D.C.-based Alliance, in a statement Monday night.
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