Cannabis legalization in Uruguay

Legalization in Uruguay will make waves worldwide

08/02/2013

The German hemp association sees in the parliamentary resolution in Uruguay for the complete legalization of cannabis a world-wide departure signal for a meaningful regulation. If the bill passed by the Chamber of Deputies passes the Senate in the next few weeks, Uruguay will become the first state in the world to fully legalize and regulate cannabis from production to distribution.

In South America, the discussion about the damage caused by drug prohibition is well advanced. The drug cartels question the sovereignty of entire states, which is particularly evident in the failure of a repressive policy. Uruguay is now the first state to act.

With the regulation of the cannabis market, the country deprives the gangs of an important source of income. At the same time, legalization allows more control over the drug and thus more consumer and youth protection.

Following this decision, Georg Wurth of the German Hemp Association expects an intensified discussion on new approaches to drug policy, especially cannabis: "For decades international treaties have been a global ban on hemp as a stimulant." Washington and Colorado are now showing for the first time sovereign state that legalization is possible, which will also have an impact on the debate in Germany, where politicians from the CDU and SPD have been avoiding the discussion so far on a regular basis with reference to the treaties. " (Pm)

Picture: Susanne Schmich