Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/uruguay-set-to-become-first-in-world-to-legalize-marijuana Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Uruguay set to become first in world to legalize marijuana Nation Dec 10, 2013 12:25 PM EDT Photo by WCHI News Uruguay is expected to pass a law Tuesday legalizing the growth, sale and use of marijuana, making it the world's first country to legalize marijuana, Reuters reports. The bill aims to combat the illegal drug trade and take back the marijuana business from criminals. "We've given this market as a gift to the drug traffickers and that is more destructive socially than the drug itself, because it rots the whole of society," Uruguay's leftist president, Jose Mujica, told Argentine news agency Telam. Citizens over 18 years of age can buy 40 grams each month of Cannabis from state-regulated pharmacies, but they must register on a government database that monitors monthly purchases. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Photo by WCHI News Uruguay is expected to pass a law Tuesday legalizing the growth, sale and use of marijuana, making it the world's first country to legalize marijuana, Reuters reports. The bill aims to combat the illegal drug trade and take back the marijuana business from criminals. "We've given this market as a gift to the drug traffickers and that is more destructive socially than the drug itself, because it rots the whole of society," Uruguay's leftist president, Jose Mujica, told Argentine news agency Telam. Citizens over 18 years of age can buy 40 grams each month of Cannabis from state-regulated pharmacies, but they must register on a government database that monitors monthly purchases. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now