Will 15% THC cannabis soon be available in Uruguay?
While France and many other European countries seem to be lagging behind on the social and economic issues linked to the decriminalization of cannabis consumption, other countries are making progress. These include the Czech Republic and evenUruguay, which may well announce in the coming months the total decriminalization of cannabis containing 15% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychotropic molecule found in the cannabis plant).
Cannabis legislation in Uruguay
Why legalize cannabis in Uruguay?
Cannabis with 15% THC in Montevideo?
What are the repercussions of such a measure?
Cannabis legislation in Uruguay
Uruguay became one of the very first countries in the world to fully legalize the cultivation, sale and consumption of recreational cannabis in 2013. The government regulates the industry through an assumed monopoly. However, individuals are allowed to grow up to six plants for personal use.
But be careful. Legislation is very strict. It is illegal to sell cannabis without a license. What's more, THC-rich products can only be purchased in government-approved pharmacies. The use of cannabis for medical purposes was also legalized in 2013.
Uruguayan law also stipulates that cannabis must not be consumed in public places, and that employers have the right to prohibit its use by employees during working hours. The legislation also includes measures to prevent drug trafficking and protect minors from exposure to cannabis.
It all began in 2013
Thehistory of cannabis in Uruguay has its roots in 2013. At the time, the government decided to authorize the consumption of cannabis-based products, provided they contained no more than 2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychotropic molecule found in the cannabis plant).
Five years later, in 2017, the government decided to revise this 2% limit upwards and announced that cannabis products could contain up to 10% THC. In 2023, this law could be revised to 15%. Some voices are already echoing a later project (for 2025 if not later), which could push this THC limit back to 20%!
Why legalize cannabis in Uruguay?
The main reasons for legalizing cannabis in Uruguay were to reduce crime and improve public health. By regulating the cannabis market, the government aimed to regain control over drug trafficking by gangs, mafias and criminal organizations. The legalization of cannabis was also seen as a means of reducing the harms associated with the black market, such as the sale of contaminated or adulterated products.
The second reason for legalizing cannabis in Uruguay was to reduce social policy costs and expenditure, in order to fight crime and penalize cannabis users. This added a lot of pressure on the criminal justice system and the damage caused by the collateral consequences of a criminal record.
Moreover, legalization was also seen as a means of improving public health by providing access to safer, higher-quality cannabis products. This makes it possible to take action by creating a framework for education and prevention campaigns.
Finally, Uruguay's internal mission was to thumb its nose at restrictive policies on cannabis consumption and drug control. Criminalization and prohibition are clearly not part of the local government's objectives.
Cannabis with 15% THC in Montevideo?
A surprising announcement. The Uruguayan government is indeed planning to pass a law that could authorize the sale and consumption of cannabis containing up to 15% THC. The announcement was made by Juan Ignacio Tastás at the 9thExpoCannabis Uruguay.
"This third variety, in a way, will have a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level, or psychoactive element, of 15% or less; so it would be much closer to what many customers or people were asking for. It's much closer to the THC levels you can get in the clubs. That was a very important need," he explained.
In fact, the Uruguayan government is about to authorize 30 pharmacies across Montevideo and the rest of the country to sell cannabis products. A full-scale test which could then lead the executive to authorize the sale of these products throughout the country (provided they have the right to do so).
"We agree 100% that there must be a regulation that is legislatively amended so that anyone in the national territory over the age of 18 can access cannabis through legal channels and reduce the gray market that exists today," said Gonzalo Maciel of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines.
What are the repercussions of such a measure?
But why such an open policy in favor of cannabis? The question has the merit of being asked. The answers are mainly... Economic (much more than social). Indeed, the executive estimates that this new law could bring as many as 100,000 additional visitors to Uruguay, year-round, which is quite enormous for this smallSouth American country.
From a purely professional point of view, the government is working on many other projects, such as :
- opening a seed and cuttings register for private individuals
- the issue of official authorizations for companies to develop their own genetics, if they grow for the State. This decision is intended to reinforce the existing offer.
Naturally, in addition to marijuana cultivation, Uruguay continues to offer CBD products, such as flowers and oils from hemp broad and full spectrum. All of which will satisfy consumers, who benefit from very clear regulations and, above all, a much more varied range of products.
