Uruguay Pharmacies Given Green Light to Sell Recreational Marijuana

It took Uruguay over three years to legalize recreational marijuana, but the wait is (almost) over. In July, sixteen government-registered pharmacies will be able to sell recreational marijuana. The amount of pharmacies selling marijuana is expected to double over the coming months.

The government is hoping that the lengthy duration it’s taken to rollout the new industry will “guarantee the quality and the purity of the product,” according to Reuters.  All marijuana sold will be produced in Uruguay.

Juan Roballo of the National Drug Board said, “This is not to promote it, but to compete with the informal market.”

Residents of Uruguay have been able to cultivate in their homes for personal use since 2013. Marijuana clubs have also been permitted. Pharmacies will be permitted to have 882 pounds of marijuana available to start. Increments of 5-grams will be sold at a rate of $1.30 per gram. Larger containers will be introduced to the market at a later date.

Uruguayans age 18 and older are required to enroll in the government registry. Each person is permitted to purchase up to 40-grams per month.

Tourists are not yet permitted to purchase recreational marijuana.

Photo: attn.com