Uruguay has become the first country to legalise the
growing, sale and smoking of marijuana - a radical tactic in
the fight against drug trafficking.
The government-sponsored bill was approved by 16-13
votes in the Senate.
Backers of the law, some smoking joints, gathered near
Congress holding green balloons, Jamaican flags in homage
to Bob Marley and a sign saying: "Cultivating freedom,
Uruguay grows."
"We begin a new experience in April. It involves a big
cultural change that focuses on public health and the fight
against drug trafficking," said Uruguay's first lady, Senator
Lucía Topolansky.
Cannabis consumers will be able to buy a maximum of 40g
(1.4oz) each month from licensed pharmacies as long as
they are Uruguayan residents, over the age of 18 and
registered on a database that will monitor their monthly
purchases.
When the law is implemented in 120 days, Uruguayans will
be able to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year,
or as much as 480g (approx 17oz), and form smoking clubs
of 15 to 45 members that can grow up to 99 plants per year.
A supporter smokes a joint during a march
Registered drug users should be able to start buying
marijuana over the counter from licensed pharmacies in
April.
The bill gives authorities 120 days to set up a drug control
board that will regulate cultivation standards, fix the price
and monitor consumption.
Marijuana use has been legal in Uruguay, but until now the
cultivation and sale of the drug were not.
Some countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and Israel
have legal programmes for growing medical cannabis, but
do not allow its cultivation for recreational use.
Last year, the US states of Colorado and Washington
passed ballot initiatives that legalise and regulate the
recreational use of marijuana.
The move has faced fierce opposition from conservatives
and, according to a recent opinion poll, 58% of Uruguayans
oppose legalising cannabis.
"Competing with drug traffickers by offering marijuana at a
lower price will just increase the market for a drug that has
negative effects on public health," said Senator Alfredo
Solari of the conservative Colorado Party.

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