By Jon Hiltz
Before they became the first country in the world to legalize cannabis trade in December of 2013, Uruguay was as much on our collective radar as Abe Vigoda. We knew it existed somewhere in the world, and that was about it.
Like any major new regulation, it has been a bumpy road with debate and skepticism from the inevitable opponents still trapped under the propaganda of yesteryear.
This rough road has slowed the rollout in Uruguay. However, the government has announced that pharmacies can now sell marijuana at their dedicated outlets.
There is just one caveat, out of the 1,200 pharmacies that exist throughout Uruguay, only 50 have signed up to sell cannabis. This is supremely different than countries that are now legalizing such as Canada, where retail outlets including pharmacies are clamouring for first position to supply the incredible demand that exists for pot.
From 2013 up until this point, producers in Uruguay were granted licenses to cultivate marijuana and individuals allowed to grow six plants at home and more at cannabis clubs where they can share with others cultivating different strains. Pharmacy distribution is the next step for the government in their plan to take marijuana profits out of the hands of black market dealers. The issue lies with the strange backlash the government is getting from the pharmacies.
Many pharmacies in Uruguay are clearly still suffering from the hangover of drinking the anti-cannabis Kool-Aid over the last several decades. They have said by carrying marijuana it could hurt the stores’ image. Others who may be willing to sell it are concerned about security by having that much ganja around.
The government of Uruguay, on the other hand, is acting like a cool weed dealer looking to expand an enterprise. It has been reported that they are hoping to increase the sale of marijuana by allowing people to buy up to 10 grams per week or 40 grams per month at $1.17 USD per gram — Cheaper than the price of eggs.
Uruguay should probably prepare for an immigration boom.
