Uruguay pushes legislation to fully legalize marijuana

Press Release August 1, 2013

Legislation is expected to pass soon in Uruguay to fully legalize marijuana, making the South American nation the first country in the world to create a government-regulated marijuana industry.

The bill could become law as soon as this month, allowing citizens to grow their own as well ask buy from pharmacies. The bill has been opposed by many in the country, but President José Mujica supports the bill, and believes ti would shift focus towards limiting the trafficking of other drugs.

Ethan Nadelmann is the Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, and joins the show to explain how the possible policies for legalization in Uruguay would work.

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