Update: August 4, 2013

The lower house of Uruguay’s Congress has now approved the bill for legalization, with a 50 to 46 majority from the Broad Front ruling party. The Broad Front has a larger majority in the senate, and given President Mujica’s support, full passage appears very likely.

Although heavily regulated through government production and sales, Uruguayans will also be able legally to grow up to six plants at home, join an approved club, or buy up to forty grams (1.4 ounces) per month from licensed pharmacies.

Source: The Economist. Read More »

A bill to legalize marijuana is set to go before Uruguay’s legislature. Fifty representatives — out of the ninety-nine seats in Uruguay’s House — must cast yes before the measure hits the senate for a second vote.

Uruguayan President José Mujica defends the bill, believing it would eliminate illegal dealer profits and reroute users away from harsh substance abuse. However, the measure does not have the full backing of his own supporters in the governing Frente Amplio (Broad Front), which holds a majority of one in congress. Darío Pérez, a representative within the governing coalition, is one who has warned he will vote against it.

Colorado Party’s German Cardoso, who presides the House of Representatives as a member of the opposition, said “many” will want to have their say in what is expected to be “a long session.” Cardoso, a moderate, alleged that “in no country” has drug use “been reduced through legalization.”

The bill would limit marijuana sales to the state. Should it become law, Uruguay would be the first country where the government “controls and regulates” all levels of cultivation and trade of marijuana.

Source: BBC News. Read More »