A "Grey Market" for Cannabis Surfaces in Uruguay Due to the Foot-dragging on Legalisation

Two years have passed since marijuana was legalised in Uruguay. At that time the country became an example to follow, an international leader thanks to the leadership of former president José Mujica. After Tabaré Vázquez's election as head of state, things have changed considerably. The new president is taking his time, which has meant that cannabis users are still not able to fully enjoy what they were promised.

Things are progressing slower than ever, so the situation has generated a sort of "grey market". According to the authorities, some marijuana clubs (which grow the plant for their members) are apparently selling it without the appropriate approval.

Uruguayans' reactions are hardly surprising. Among other things, each club is limited to 45 members, and can collectively cultivate up to 99 plants for personal use. Other users who wish to do so must buy the product (up to 40 grams of grass, once a month) at authorised establishments. But this is not yet possible, as it will not be until next year when pharmacies start selling it.

The IRCCA, the body responsible for overseeing the legal status of marijuana, meanwhile, has neither the funding nor the staff to do its job, so its operation is hampered.

Consumers must also register, which they see as an onerous requirement. Thus, only 3,100 people have signed up, although it is estimated that there are some 160,000 users and growers in the country, who could be ignoring the institution and fuelling that grey market. As if this were not enough, although the law protects consumers who want to grow according to the limits set by the law, the police continue to harass those who do so.

The Uruguayan authorities have stated that they will continue to be tough. Given the situation, the country should start considering going back to the start and down the path originally traced by Mujica. The country's users will be spared unnecessary problems in a sphere where there should be no legal obstacles.