Uruguay became the first country to legalize the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana on Tuesday, Reuters reported. Approved by a 16-13 vote count in the Senate, the bill "provides for regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wrestling the business from criminals in the small South American nation," according to news reports said.
"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," said 78-year-old Jose Mujica. The progressive leader also legalized same sex marriage during his presidency.
Uruguayans will be able to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year, "or as much as 17 ounces, and form smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that can grown up to 99 plants per year. Registered drug users should be able to start buying marijuana over the counter from licensed pharmacies in April," according to news reports.
"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 Senator Lucia Topolansky who is also Uruguay's first lady.
"The bill gives authorities 120 days to set up a drug control board that will regulate cultivation standards, fix the price and monitor consumption," Reuters also reported.
"This development in Uruguay is of historic significance. Uruguay is presenting an innovative model for cannabis that will better protect public health and public safety than does the prohibitionist approach" said Ethan Nadelmann, founder of the Drug Police Alliance.
Other countries, like Israel, Canada and the Netherlands have legalized medicinal marijuana, but none allow the drug's cultivation for recreational use.
Colorado and Washington passed ballot initiatives last year that legalize and regulate the recreational use of marijuana.
