PHARMACIES in Uruguay started selling marijuana yesterday under a four-year-old law that has made the small South American country the first in the world to legalize pot from production to sale.

At a pharmacy in Montevideo’s old town, five customers were waiting to buy when the store shutters went up at the start of the day.

“I’ve been smoking since I was 14. Let’s give it a try,” said a 37-year-old man who would not give his name or allow his picture to be taken.

The pharmacist who sold the marijuana would not give her name either. She said it was just a service and expressed hope that her business would not suffer.

In all, 16 pharmacies have been authorized to sell marijuana under state controls, barely enough to cover a country of 3.5 million people.

No major pharmacy chain has agreed to sell the drug.

Many pharmacies have been unwilling to become points of sale for the drug, because of concerns about security and doubts that the small market of registered users is worth the trouble.

Only about 5,000 people, most of them age 30 to 44, have signed up as prospective buyers since Uruguay’s state registry opened in early May.

Walk-in sales are not allowed under the law, and only residents of Uruguay can register to buy pot — thereby preventing marijuana tourism.

The pharmacy sales are the last of three phases set out under the 2013 law.

Under the early phases, nearly 7,000 people registered to grow weed at home, and more than 60 smokers’ clubs have been authorized.

Only two companies were authorized to produce marijuana for pharmacies — under military protection, and with no public access.


Chinese Association on Tobacco Control Copyright © 1992-2011
  906-907 Anhuidongli, Chaoyang District Beijing 100101

Tel: (8610)64983905  Fax: (8610)64983805     Email: apact2015@catcprc.org.cn