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Uruguay looks to open cannabis to tourists

Visitors to Uruguay may soon be able to buy cannabis. And according to the government, the motivating factor for the change in legislation is ‘equality’ between travellers and citizens.

Uruguay revolutionised the marijuana industry in 2013, becoming the first country in the world to take full control of the entire chain of cannabis production —from growth to sale. But the government of the time (the Frente Amplio who were in power 2005-2020) trod carefully as the law was controversial and wasn’t broadly  supported across society. As a result, marijuana could only be legal purchased or grown by citizens or residents. Now, there’s news that tourists may soon be able to buy cannabis. And the motivating factor is ‘equality’.

The current law discriminates against tourists

The current government understands that the 2013 regulations are “based on inequity”. The “universalisation” of marijuana consumption is based on the concept, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism, that “any person in our national territory, whether they are a foreigner or not,” should have the same rights regarding consumption, “under the same conditions as a Uruguayan”. This is inline with Uruguay’s often enlightened approach to drugs and alcohol since the 1930s.

The national drug czar, who also heads the Institute for the Regulation and Monitoring of Cannabis, said in an interview last week it is very possible that within the next couple of months Uruguay may legalise the purchase of marijuana by visitors.

He was quick to emphasise that they are not looking to promote the consumption of marijuana, but he also added that he doesn’t like the term cannabis tourism—because “when a person comes to Uruguay to drink the wine, nobody says that they are indulging in alcoholic tourism”.

Registering to buy marijuana

The regulations are still under discussion. However the interview infers that anybody interested will have to register—just like Uruguayans—and on leaving the country, the registration will become null and void.

In the medium or long-term it’s possible that cannabis boutiques may be authorised, but in the short term, it is more likely that tourists will be able to buy cannabis from pharmacies. That’s not ideal, as there as very few pharmacies have opted to sell cannabis in Uruguay. Just over twenty—most of which are in the capital.

The cannabis is sold in pharmacies in Uruguay currently

Pharmacies in Uruguay sell packs two types of cannabis. Alpha is mainly Indica and Beta mainly sativa. The drug czar recognised in parliament that there is not a huge demand for pharmacy-sold marijuana because it isn’t very strong (9% or less of THC and 3% or less of CBD). He did add that the authorised companies are working on a new variety with 10% THC and less CBD, likely available by the end of 2022.

In pharmacies, a 5-gram pack of dried buds costs 370 pesos, about 8 dollars.

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• Feb 28, 2022

Cannabis Tourism: The future of wellness retreats in Uruguay

Updated: Mar 18, 2022

Is cannabis tourism the future? Why isn’t it an option for those who constantly talk about wellness and connection with nature? What is preventing cannabis tourism from successfully exploding both in Latin America and around the world?

Here in Uruguay, there are many initiatives that advocate for fair, open, and environmentally friendly tourism options that are directly connected to medical and recreational usage of cannabis. However, more often than not, regulation and local laws prevent these initiatives from reaching their full potential.

In the following paragraphs we’ll learn more about the cannabis tourism industry in Uruguay, about the wellness center that YVY Life Sciences is about to open, and about the multiple paths we can take to make this dream a reality.

A problematic law that could change soon

Fact: Tourists are not permitted to purchase cannabis under Uruguay's current legislation for recreational usage of cannabis.

Only Uruguayan citizens and residents are allowed to do so, and they can obtain recreational cannabis in three different ways:

Register to buy from pharmacies and receive up to 40 grams per month for reasonable costs; considering that the IRCCA just increased the prices. The production and commercialization of these dried flowers are strictly controlled by the Uruguayan government.

Join a cannabis club. Members can receive up to 40 grams per month. Clubs are permitted to grow up to 100 plants.

Apply for a home grow license, and can grow up to 6 plants.

Numerous lawmakers and politicians from different parties have recently indicated support for legalizing sales to tourists, including Daniel Radio, secretary general of the National Drugs Board and president of IRCCA, who recently was quoted in an article stating that “(...) They hoped to legalize it this summer but that it would most likely happen sometime during 2023 (...) ”.

This is a good start, however it will only enable flower sales. Other products, such as oils and edibles, should be incorporated since these products are being sold anyway, in an illegal and uncontrolled way.

The political party "Frente Amplio" recently proposed a bill that would allow clubs to cultivate up to 300 plants and allow temporary members (tourists) to legally purchase products.

The party also proposes enabling tourists to purchase cannabis from pharmacies in order to level the playing field. The dilemma here is that pharmacies do not have enough product for Uruguayans, and there are simply not enough pharmacies in key tourist areas. Another problem is that tourists want high THC cannabis and the flowers sold in pharmacies have a maximum of 10% THC.

There’s hope for cannabis tourism!

Uruguay made headlines as the first country in the world to legalize cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes. Thousands of international visitors have arrived in recent years because they believed they could also purchase cannabis.

When they arrive in Uruguay, though, they discover they are unable to purchase lawfully, so they still obtain it illegally. In reality, the regulation has spawned a thriving black market of illegal sales to visitors by recreational operators.

That being said, there is a growing momentum and support in Uruguay to legalize cannabis tourism.

On one hand, every year thousands of Brazilians, Argentinians and other Latin Americans visit the "ExpoCannabis", for example, with the sole purpose of obtaining cannabis and learning what's new in this hot industry.

Additionally, Uruguay has become a popular travel destination for people from all over the world, especially in this post pandemic era. There is no reason why, like the hospitality industry, we can't build a world-class cannabis tourism industry as well. Just as thousands of tourists visit Uruguay every year to visit its famous wineries, including our neighbors, Bodega Garzón, these same tourists and many more should be able visit cannabis farms and centers.

Last but not least, as a triple impact company, we have to mention that developing a cannabis tourism industry in Uruguay could create thousands of jobs for locals, as well as significant tax revenue for governments.

For those, and for many other reasons, we do what we do with so much devotion and dedication. Our dream is to be the main reference for cannabis tourism in Latin America.

Our cannabis-focused wellness center will open its doors very soon!

Last year we acquired La Tertulia, a renowned mansion built by Argentinian celebrity Susana Giménez. The property is located near the lovely village of Garzón, Uruguay.

The goal is to build -and to be- the first cannabis wellness center in Latin America, based on our concept and motto "Life, Better Lived".

The center is set to open soon and will include a 5-star hotel and restaurant, wellness activities, organic cannabis cultivation, cannabis experiences and branded consumer cannabis products once regulations allow.

For now, we are hosting private events, such as wellness or corporate retreats in La Tertulia. For further information or if you’d like to hold your own event in this unique space, get in touch with us.

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Uruguay Likely To Allow Legal Cannabis Sales To Tourists

Written by Johnny Green on September 14, 2021 . Posted in Politics .

Uruguay made history in 2013 when it became the first country on the planet to legalize cannabis for adult use. Various countries had enacted cannabis decriminalization measures prior to 2013, or cannabis was ‘tolerated’ in certain countries, or in the case of the U.S. cannabis was legal for adult-use in some jurisdictions as of 2012 (Washington State and Colorado).

However, the title of ‘first country to legalize cannabis for adult use at a national level’ will forever be bestowed upon Uruguay. Since Uruguay legalized in 2013 only one other country has passed somewhat similar legislation – Canada. However, whereas Canada legalized cannabis sales to all adults of legal age, Uruguay’s model still does not provide for legal sales to non-residents.

It’s an interesting difference that has played out for several years now, and it is likely that most countries that legalize in the future will adopt a model that is more in line with Canada’s model versus Uruguay. Even Uruguay appears to be moving closer to a Canadian model. To be fair, Uruguay was the first to ever enact such a historic cannabis policy, so it is understandable that they wouldn’t get that part right at first. Fortunately, it’s likely that tourists in Uruguay will get to make legal purchases in the near future. Per Hindustan Times :

The first country in the world to legalize most uses of marijuana is looking to capture business away from illicit sellers and bolster its cannabis industry by allowing foreign visitors to buy pot. The administration of Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou could release its plan as soon as this year in a bid to build political consensus and support, said Daniel Radio, secretary general of the National Drugs Board. The aim isn’t to promote Uruguay as a destination for cannabis tourism, but rather to steer tourists away from the black market and into the regulated market, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Remo Monzeglio.

It is no secret that currently cannabis can still be easily obtained by tourists in Uruguay. It’s not as if since legal sales are not permitted that tourists aren’t purchasing cannabis in Uruguay. Many tourists purchase cannabis every day in Uruguay, it’s just that the sales are from unregulated sources.

Uruguay, like every other country on earth, should allow legal, regulated sales. Consumers benefit from being able to purchase lab tested products in well-lit areas without the fear of prosecution. Local regions benefit from the creation of good jobs, and all levels of government benefit from tax revenue and fee generation. Hopefully Uruguay makes the shift sooner rather than later.

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Uruguay looks to bolster cannabis industry, allow tourists to buy marijuana pot

The aim isn’t to promote uruguay as a destination for cannabis tourism but rather to steer tourists away from the black market and into the regulated marijuana market.

The first country in the world to legalize most uses of marijuana is looking to capture business away from illicit sellers and bolster its cannabis industry by allowing foreign visitors to buy pot.

The administration of Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou could release its plan as soon as this year in a bid to build political consensus and support, said Daniel Radio, secretary general of the National Drugs Board. The aim isn’t to promote Uruguay as a destination for cannabis tourism, but rather to steer tourists away from the black market and into the regulated market, according to Deputy Tourism Minister Remo Monzeglio.

Giving tourists access to legal cannabis would dramatically increase the industry’s pool of potential customers in the country of 3.5 million people. Normally, millions of Argentines and Brazilians flock to the country’s beaches during summer in the southern hemisphere, which runs from December through February. But the pandemic eroded these numbers as the nation severely limited foreign visits. Uruguay plans to reopen its borders to all fully vaccinated foreigners starting Nov. 1.

“It seems to me that if we come up with a good proposal,” Uruguay could open its regulated pot market to tourists, Radio said in an interview. “For the upcoming tourism season, it’s highly unlikely, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Uruguayan law allows adult citizens and foreign residents who join a government registry to grow their own pot, join a cannabis club or buy 40 grams a month at authorized pharmacies. 

In a separate interview, Monzeglio said he proposes charging foreign tourists higher prices, with the proceeds helping to fund addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs.

A presidential decree would probably be the fastest way to open pharmacies, and potentially cannabis clubs as well, to tourists that register in the database, Radio said. To waive the database requirement, Congress would have to pass legislation, he said.

Uruguay was at the cutting edge of cannabis legalization when lawmakers passed a sweeping law in 2013 that supporters said would champion personal freedom, undercut drug gangs and generate exports. However, almost eight years later, the gangs are still in business, annual exports have yet to reach $10 million and competition is heating up as more countries embrace cannabis.

“I think there was excessive optimism regarding the possibilities of growth, because we aren’t playing alone here,” said Radio, who also heads cannabis regulatory agency Ircca.

Cannabis exports more than doubled to almost $7.5 million in 2020, but that total is still a far cry from the hundreds of millions of dollars some industry participants have predicted. Colombia is also emerging as a competitor for cannabis investment thanks to favorable rules and some of the best growing weather in the world.

Even so, Uruguay can rely on new rules aimed at speeding up exports, as well as its reputation as a transparent, predictable place to do business, to keep it relevant in the cannabis industry, Radio said. Ircca has now approved 56 licenses for activities that include growing medical cannabis, research and development, and the manufacturing of medical and consumer products.

“Some investment is showing up in manufacturing and value-added processes. That has to be our bet, because it’s the only way Uruguay can be competitive,” Radio said, citing the nation’s high labor and energy costs. 

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

• 42%: The portion of young adults (age 19-30) in the U.S. that used marijuana at least once in the past 12 months in 2020, an all-time high, according to a report published this month from the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Every time there’s talk of legalization and it gets more attention, you have the big, big companies -- the major companies -- wanting to talk about cannabis. At the right time, I think there is the potential for us to have a partnership for the right reason,” said Irwin Simon, chief executive officer of Tilray Inc., during the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference Sept. 10. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• India Globalization Capital’s shares jumped after the company said its cannabis-based drug for Alzheimer’s was safe and well-tolerated in an early-stage clinical trial on 12 patients.
• Acreage said there was extensive damage to its cultivation center in New Jersey, but that it doesn’t expect a material impact.
• Zimbabwe has licensed 57 foreign and local entities to grow medicinal cannabis, the country’s investment agency said.

MONDAY 9/13

• Cannabis Science Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center.

TUESDAY 9/14

• Curaleaf Holdings, Columbia Care and other companies present at the Needham 2nd Virtual Cannabis Conference.

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Top 5 Weed-Friendly Countries to Visit

With medical and recreational marijuana legalization finally happening around the world and in the United States, people are planning more vacations than ever that include traveling to international weed-friendly destinations. The list of weed-legal countries is growing year after year, so I've taken the liberty of updating my list to feature ten 420-friendly countries that tickle my fancy.

1. The Netherlands: Long known as the mecca for cannabis travelers, Amsterdam is still a hot spot for stoners. Weed has been legal to consume in The Netherlands for decades, and the “coffee shops” that provide marijuana are at the top of the list for international travelers looking for an elevated vacation experience. It is important to note that consuming in coffee shops is legal, but bringing the weed back to your hotel isn’t. That doesn’t mean that the police will charge you; it’s just something to be mindful of. Fun fact: When Covid first shut down businesses in Amsterdam, coffee shops were initially closed. However, a few days later, they were reopened as they were deemed “essential.”

2. Thailand: In 2023, Thailand surprised the world with new legislation that makes it legal to buy and sell cannabis–actions that might have previously gotten you up to 15 years in jail. While Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has made several statements to discourage cannabis tourists and about preventing its non-medical use, many shows have opened since the legislation was passed.

3. Canada: Oh, Canada – thank you for being so progressive with your cannabis laws, if only the United States would follow suit. From Vancouver to Montreal, Canadians and visitors can possess up to 30 grams of marijuana in public and in their vehicles. Before Covid, the Great White North was a favorite destination for travelers from the United States and elsewhere. It’s safe to assume that cannabis tourism will start picking back up in Canada as the borders open back up.

4. Jamaica: This island paradise located in the Caribbean Sea is one of my favorite places on earth. It has evolved quite a bit since the first time I visited in 2004 for my honeymoon. Back then, the only way to get weed was from a Jamaican on the beach/street/hotel lobby/airport/etc. There are now legal dispensaries (for those 18 and up) with exotic strains and consumption rooms available to tourists. While smoking ganja in public is illegal for anyone except Rastafarians enjoying their religious sacrament, weed is so ingrained in Jamaican culture that its use is rarely given a second glance. As long as you are respectful about it, you can feel comfortable smoking herb in Jamaica.

5. Belize: Possession and use of up to 10 grams of cannabis on private premises are legal in Belize, but there is no adult-use industry yet in this Yucatan Penisula country. While it is technically illegal, the Belizean authorities are typically tolerant as long as tourists are respectful and don’t spark up in public.

5. Chile: With cannabis legal for private at-home possession and consumption, this blunt-shaped country boasts the highest rate of per-capita use in Latin America. Like the rest of the countries on this list, public use is still prohibited.

6. Argentina: Sharing a border with Chile, Argentina is known for its excellent Beef, wine, and landscape. It is said that the land there is so fertile that if you drop a seed anywhere, it will grow. Apparently, that extends to Cannabis seeds, as Argentina is a country where weed is legal for personal use. While growing, selling, and buying cannabis on a larger scale is still illegal, Argentina passed legislation in 2020 making personal use of cannabis a right. And there are legal avenues and processes in place to help citizens grow, sell, and buy weed in a legal way.

7. Uruguay:  Another member of the “countries where marijuana is legal” club, Uruguay made weed legal for anyone who is 18 years or older. And there are legal processes that allow citizens to grow, buy, and sell cannabis legally. In 2017, Uruguay also made it possible to purchase weed from pharmacies. Talk about medical marijuana!

8. Malta: Probably the hardest place to get to on this list, Malta is a country found between Sicily and North Africa. While public use of cannabis is still outlawed, as of 2021, it is legal to carry up to 7 grams for personal use.

9. Spain: Adding to the list of Spanish-speaking countries, Spain has always had a big smoking culture, even if not related to cannabis, exemplified by its several hundred smoking clubs. As of 2017, cannabis is legal to consume, whether you're part of a smoking club or not. 

10. The United States: Yes, the good ol’ USA is home to several states where cannabis use is fully legal on the medical level, at least, and recreational level at best. Many states have updated cannabis laws or decriminalized weed, even if it has not been made legal for consumption yet. Chicago is one city that is friendly to cannabis both medically and recreationally. You can find several quality dispensaries, including our dispensary near Lombard, Illinois . As states continue to make cannabis legal, we can hope to one day see a unified America where cannabis is legal.

As legal restrictions are relaxed and this magical plant’s demonization decreases, stoners who love to travel should definitely keep these five cannabis-friendly destinations on their bucket list. While this shortlist doesn’t include all of the weed-friendly destinations available to adventurous travelers, it’s definitely a good point of reference for those dipping their toes in the canna-tourism pool.

Where will your next canna-adventure take you? Hit me up on social media , and let's spark up a conversation about our weed travels!

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September 30, 2022

Legal marijuana, but Uruguayans still prefer black market

by Andrea FIGUERAS ARISO

Uruguay was a pioneer in the legalization of recreational cannabis use, a move that helped to push many drug traffickers out of the domestic market.

But a bland and insufficient state supply has meant most consumers still prefer the diversity of the black market.

In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana use—which came into effect four years later—even permitting its sale in pharmacies.

There are three legal ways for registered users to get hold of marijuana: purchasing it at pharmacies, through home growing for personal use, and by belonging to an official cannabis-producing club.

The most sought after legal method is membership of one of the 249 consumer clubs, which offer a greater variety to their 7,166 members than pharmacies do.

But many clubs have long waiting lists to join as they are limited by law to between 15 and 45 members.

Pulla, the treasurer and technical manager of a cannabis club in Montevideo—who uses a nickname to avoid falling foul of the ban on promoting cannabis use —explained that the waiting list "is an indicator that demand is not satisfied."

"Many more people want to access the legal market who still cannot," he said.

There are just over 14,000 registered home growers and another 49,600 people are registered to purchase marijuana at one of the country's 28 approved pharmacies at around $10 for five grams—below the black market rate.

According to a study by the local IRCCA institute that regulates cannabis, only 27 percent of Uruguayan consumers buy their drugs through approved channels, a figure that reaches 39 percent when taking into account sharing with friends.

'Main objectives met'

Joaquin, a cannabis user who purchases on the black market and goes by an alias, explained that one problem with the legal supply is the need to make an appointment at the pharmacy.

The black market is quicker and simpler. You "have a contact, talk to him and in the day, or the next day, coordinate and buy," he said.

Buying on the black market does not necessarily mean getting involved with dangerous drug traffickers, though.

Organized drug traffickers selling "Paraguayans", a cheaper quality marijuana imported from nearby Paraguay, represent just 30 percent of the illegal market, says Marcos Baudean, a professor at ORT University and researcher at the Monitor Cannabis project.

"There are many more domestic growers who are simply not registered" but have already overtaken trafficking networks in the sale of cannabis.

In that respect, "the main objective has been met: people can consume cannabis without needing to be linked with criminal organizations," said Daniel Radio, secretary general of the National Drug Board.

The perception of the illegal market has also changed.

Agus, 28 and using an alias, said she originally registered to buy cannabis from pharmacies but now acquires it on the black market while growing her own plants despite not being registered.

"I don't see it as the black market," she said. "It has good prices for what is sold and you don't feel like you're making use of drug trafficking."

There is "a friend or an acquaintance who passes you a contact from someone who has flowers and sells them."

Some people simply prefer to avoid registering, even though the information is used only for the study of consumption.

Cannabis tourism 'potential'

"The regulation of cannabis has been more effective than repression in terms of the blow to drug trafficking," explained Mercedes Ponce de Leon, director of the Cannabis Business Hub, a platform charged with developing the drug's ecosystem in the country.

However, Radio acknowledges that the black market preference of some users demonstrates limits to the current system.

Radio said users tend to be after a higher percentage of THC—tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive substance in the drug, which is limited to 10 percent in the pharmacy product—or more variety such as variants that produce different psychoactive effects.

"That conspires against the effectiveness of the system," said Radio.

The government now plans to increase the THC percentage and offer greater variety in pharmacies by the end of the year to attract more recreational consumers to the formal market.

Legalization, introduced by leftist guerrilla-turned president Jose Mujica, in power from 2010-15, created an industry of medicinal cannabis exports that have brought more than $20 million to Uruguay's economy since 2019.

Uruguay sells mainly to the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, Israel, Argentina and Brazil.

Although current center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou insists the legalization move was a mistake, the left-wing opposition wants Uruguay to go even further.

Currently reserved for residents, they want the market to be opened up to tourists.

"It's a simple formula: if tourism increases, spending increases, employment increases and investments increase. Models like that in California demonstrate the potential" for cannabis tourism, said Eduardo Antonini, an opposition politician and vice-president of the tourism commission in congress.

Other than Uruguay, 15 American states have legalized recreational marijuana use, as well as Canada.

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Uruguay’s cannabis law: Pioneering a new paradigm

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John hudak , john hudak former brookings expert, director of the office of cannabis policy - maine department of administrative and financial services geoff ramsey , and geoff ramsey assistant director for venezuela - the washington office on latin america @gramsey_latam john walsh john walsh director for drug policy and the andes - washington office on latin america.

March 21, 2018

Uruguay is the first country to legalize and regulate its domestic non-medical cannabis market. In light of this pioneering role, the choices and experiences of Uruguayan authorities hold important lessons for other jurisdictions that may consider whether and how to regulate cannabis. Uruguay’s breakthroughs and challenges related to banking, international treaties, access to the product, enforcement, medical cannabis, tourism, and research and evaluation in particular hold immense value to policymakers and analysts elsewhere. To this end, this report examines the conditions that led Uruguay’s government to pass its cannabis law in 2013, studies its progress so far, and identifies areas that policymakers should consider addressing in order to maximize the law’s potential benefits. Key findings include:

• Uruguay should consider long-term measures to ensure that cannabis business entities have access to financial institutions, including outreach to other jurisdictions shifting toward cannabis regulation, such as Canada.
• The medical and law enforcement sectors require substantial education and training, particularly regarding the aims and expected benefits of cannabis regulation, how to broaden access to medical cannabis, and the new enforcement rules under the law.
• Implementation of commercial sales so far has been marked by shortcomings in distribution. Uruguay can overcome these obstacles by widening legal points of sale to include not only pharmacies, but a new form of dispensary, which authorities are already planning.
• In order for the regulated cannabis market to displace the black market more effectively, authorities may need to reconsider rules that require users to choose only one of the three legal forms of cannabis supply: homegrowing, clubs, or commercial purchase.
• Uruguayan authorities may also need to address a growing informal market by allowing legal sales to non-citizen tourists.
• In order to better position themselves to assess these adjustments, authorities should work closer with independent researchers and civil society to ensure that they have access to key information and institutional support for their work.

Download the full report in English or in Spanish.

View a gallery of images from the authors’ travels to Uruguay below.

Governance Studies

Latin America & the Caribbean

Center for Effective Public Management

Tom Wheeler

June 7, 2024

Joshua Turner, Nicol Turner Lee

June 4, 2024

Mark MacCarthy

May 23, 2024

Marijuana legalisation in Uruguay

Jump to a section.

The initiative

The challenge

The public impact

• Stakeholder engagement Fair
• Political commitment Good
• Public confidence Fair
• Clarity of objectives Good
• Strength of evidence Good
• Feasibility Good
• Management Good
• Measurement Fair
• Alignment Fair

Bibliography

In the global war on drugs, a new strategy is needed to eradicate drug-related violence and eliminate the black market. US foreign policy and international treaties, such as the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961, have been highly influential in forming an international zero tolerance approach to drugs. However, South American countries like Uruguay have started to question such strategies and think of new ways to tackle the problems presented by the drug trade.

Uruguay has long been a key player in forming innovative drug policies. In 1974, drug possession for personal use was legalised, and in 2013 it was the first country in the world to pass legislation that would legalise the entire supply chain of marijuana. A politically-driven policy, which two-thirds of the public did not support, was gradually introduced in subsequent years. The legislation offers consumers three methods of accessing marijuana: home growing, forming cannabis clubs, and buying from pharmacies. The policy faces certain challenges, such as meeting the level of demand and enforcement, but the government is taking the long-term view that any difficulties that arise are inevitable in the early stages of an unprecedented policy. Whether Uruguay will become the international model for innovative drug policies remains to be seen as it adapts to its new law and tries to achieve its objectives.

In June 2012, President Jose Mujica introduced a bill in Congress to legalise the production, distribution and consumption of marijuana in order to improve public health and tackle the increasing violence and drug problems facing the country. Marijuana legalisation was formally proposed as part of Mujica's 15-point plan to address insecurity in the country, known as the Strategy for Life and Coexistence. [4] The bill was criticised and met much resistance, and as a result it was revised and presented to the House of Representatives in November of the same year. The new bill gained the support of NGO workers and human rights advocates, as well as some opposition party members. [7] After many amendments and much debate, the bill was signed into law on 24 December 2013, followed by a public announcement of the new drug regulations on 2 May 2014. [4] Although marijuana had been partly legalised in other countries, Uruguay was the first to fully legalise each element of the supply chain.

The aim of the law was to reduce drug-related crime, improve the health of drug users, and remove paradoxical elements of existing legislation. [3] In order to obtain the drug legally, users had to be over 18 and be either a Uruguayan citizen or a permanent resident in the country. The government was keen to discourage any type of marijuana tourism, and intended the law to affect only those living in the country. [4] Each method required registration with the newly-established Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA), the authority responsible for overseeing the industry and enforcing regulations.

One important aspect of the legislation is that users are limited to accessing the drug through one of three methods:

• Home cultivation - registration of individuals through the IRCCA began on 27 August 2014. Home cultivation allows for a maximum of six flowering, female plants per household with a maximum total yield of 480 grams per annum. Any excess marijuana produced is to be handed over to IRCCA. [4]
• Marijuana clubs - registration opened on 30 October 2014. The clubs must contain between 15 and 45 members and they can grow up to 99 plants per year. However, no individual member may take more than 480 grams of the drug per year. Similar to home cultivation, clubs must register with the IRCCA and hand in any excess marijuana produced. [4]
• Purchasing through pharmacies - this step allows individuals who are registered with IRCCA to buy up to 40 grams a month, with a 10g limit per week, using a fingerprint scan to verify their identity. [4]

The government wanted the policy to make obtaining marijuana legally a more attractive option than purchasing it on the black market. For this to be possible, legally obtained marijuana would need to beat black market prices and offer higher quality. Expert estimates put the value of 25 grams of marijuana at about USD100 in the capital, Montevideo, although it could be found more cheaply in regional and border areas. The government proposed offering the drug for sale in pharmacies for 25 grams for USD22. [7]

South America has been at the centre of the “war on drugs” since the 1970s. Following international UN treaties and the American model of zero tolerance, South American countries have been grappling with the problem of gangs and drug-related violence. However, the prohibition championed by the US and the UN has proved to be somewhat unsuccessful: there has been a great deal of effort but little progress. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that the number of drug users globally increased by 18 percent from 203 million in 2008, to 243 million in 2012. The illegal drug trade is highly profitable to drug cartels: in 2005, drug production worldwide was valued at USD13 billion while the retail value was USD332 billion. [1] Not only were there key indicators showing that the current approach was not working, but previous examples of substance prohibition, such as alcohol prohibition in the US from 1920 to 1933, had been shown to fail. [2] Governments have had to ask whether their strategies were working and, if not, what else they could do to reduce the impact of the illegal narcotics trade on their countries.

Uruguay, a small coastal country of 3.4 million bordering Brazil and Argentina, has long been a liberal country relative to its much larger neighbours. Since the official separation of the Roman Catholic Church from the state in 1918, women's right to vote was added to the constitution in 1932, abortion was decriminalised, and same-sex civil unions legalised. Drug possession for personal use was decriminalised by the Decree Law 14294 in 1974 under Uruguay's civic-military dictatorship. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] However, the law did not define how “personal use” should be interpreted. Rather, the law allowed individuals “a minimum quantity [of illicit substances], intended solely for personal use”, which was assessed by judges on a case-by-case basis. [4] In contrast, cultivation and distribution of the drug were still illegal under Uruguayan law, punishable by jail sentences of between three and fifteen years. Recognising this contradictory element of the law, and coupled with the fact that judges had discretion to decide what “a minimum quantity” amounted to, the need for change was evident. The law was amended in 1999, reducing the severity of punishment for cultivation and distribution, and “minimum quantity” was changed to “reasonable quantity”. [ 4 ] It was around this time that pressure began to build to go a step further and legalise the drug.

In addition to the inconsistencies of the law, a pressing motivation to change drug legislation was the increase in violence. While Uruguay has one of the lowest homicide rates in South America, in recent years the figure has risen. In 2011, there were just under 6 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants annually. [ 5 ] However, this climbed to 7.9 in 2012, and despite a slight decrease in 2013, reached 8.4 in 2015. [6] Although, by international standards, Uruguay is considered to be safe, Uruguayans perceive their country to be very dangerous. The government wanted to address this concern by introducing a policy to tackle the increase in violence, which it attributed to drug gangs.

A key challenge within the Uruguayan drug legislation was procurement.  Since marijuana users were unable to obtain the drug legally, they were forced to turn to the black market. By interacting with drug dealers, who also sold harder drugs such as cocaine and its unrefined pasta base, the government was concerned that there was an increased risk of marijuana users turning to harder drugs, which could have on impact on personal health and lead to wider social problems. [7]

Based on figures from 2011, Uruguay's National Drugs Council (NDC) estimated the number of marijuana users at 120,000, with 18,000 of those using it every day. These figures gave an idea of potential demand for the new law. The council estimated that the supply needed would be 25 tonnes annually, while the Uruguayan Association of Cannabis Studies estimated 35 tonnes. [7] [8]

Although the legislation was passed in 2013, the government has rolled the policy out slowly to address any challenges and increase the likelihood of success. However, there have been certain obstacles which have to be overcome to enable the policy to achieve its desired outcomes. These obstacles can be seen as inevitable, because the rollout of this unprecedented drugs policy is still in its infancy. Speaking to the Associated Press in June 2018, Diego Olivera, the head of the NDC, commented that “we never thought about eliminating the black market in a short time; it was always a gradual thing... This doesn't happen overnight.” [9]

One challenge of the new legislation concerns the small number of pharmacies enrolled in the scheme and how this affects users' ability to access the drug. There are an estimated 1,200 pharmacies in Uruguay, but only 16 signed up to sell the product in 2017, most of which are located in the capital Montevideo. [5] By 2018, only 12 pharmacies continued to sell marijuana, partly due to the banking difficulties caused by being registered sellers. In fact, two American banks operating in Uruguay refuse to hold accounts with pharmacies that sell the drug. The banks cited the USA PATRIOT Act, which prohibits setting up accounts for clients who are involved in “the manufacture, importation, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance”. [5] The small number of pharmacies may explain the gap between the number of registered users and 2011 predictions. [9] For instance, the number of 18- to 65-year-old Uruguayans estimated to consume marijuana regularly has grown from 120,000 in 2011 to 147,000 in 2018; of these, only 35,000 have registered with IRCCA. In June 2018, there were 8,750 registered home-growers, 90 registered clubs with 2,529 members, and 24,117 individuals registered with pharmacies. [9]

In addition to the low numbers of pharmacies selling marijuana, there have also been issues with matching demand to supply. The legal supply system has not been able to keep up with demand, and has even been producing below its capacity of 10 tonnes per year. [9] Simbiosis and International Cannabis Corporation (ICC), the two firms that have the contracts to supply pharmacies, must pass strict quality control testing before their product may be sold. At one point, Simbiosis' product did not meet required standards, and ICC was providing the whole supply. [10]

Furthermore, there has been no decrease in crime rates since the drug became available for purchase. In 2017, the homicide rate was 8.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, the second highest it had been in 30 years. And in the first quarter of 2018, drug-related violence was responsible for 59 percent of homicides, about twice the proportion in 2012. [9] The significant increase in the homicide rate can be attributed partly to organised crime, as gangs fight for dominance, although commentators have also cited “population density and deepening socioeconomic challenges present in marginalised and underprivileged neighborhoods” in Montevideo as a possible explanation. [11] There has been no evidence to show that the increase is related to individuals' marijuana consumption.

Other challenges that have become apparent are enforcement and tourism. IRCCA is responsible for enforcing the regulations laid out in the legislation. However, it has limited staff numbers to do so, and consequently the police also have to carry out inspections. However, at times there has been a lack of communication between the two, causing registered home-growers in compliance with the law to be wrongly arrested. Moreover, there have also been instances of clubs offering tours of their premises to tourists and giving complimentary samples as part of the experience. IRCCA and the police have cooperated to shut down this type of activity. [10]

Written by Ella Jordan

Stakeholder engagement

The policy of legalising marijuana was the initiative of President José Mujica's government and his party, Frente Amplio. The policy was a political effort that was proposed and developed at a government level without the involvement of other stakeholders, such as pharmacists, marijuana consumers, and other members of the public.

Mujica's Strategy for Life and Coexistence was presented to the government in June 2012. One of its 15 points was “legalising and controlling marijuana sales, as well as state production of the drug”. Mujica brought a brief policy proposal to lawmakers in August, which was replaced by a bill in November that was eventually adopted as the final policy. [10] The debate over the policy was primarily between members of the government, although the NDC did invite drug policy experts to contribute. [4]

It is important to note the policy's international element. Although it pertains to Uruguay at a national level, the impact and consequences of being the first country to fully legalise a banned substance are significant. Uruguay did not consult international organisations about its new policy. The International Narcotics Control Board was critical of the legislation, as it contravened the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, but Uruguay reaffirmed its adherence to the convention by stating its commitment to “the protection of the health and welfare of humankind”. [10] Although it was not involved in developing the policy, the Global Commission on Drug Policy recommended support for this type of approach. Their evidence-based reports proposed an “approach to drug policy that puts public health, community safety, human rights, and development at the centre” rather than punitive, zero tolerance policies. [1]

Political commitment

There was strong support among senior members of the ruling party, Frente Amplio, of legislation to legalise recreational marijuana, although initially other party members expressed uncertainty about the bill. From the early 2000s, reducing drug harm was becoming a more pressing issue. After Frente Amplio's success in the 2009 elections, the Addictions Commission, a government committee established in 1987 to address increasing rates of marijuana use, had many members who were willing to explore the possibility of legalising the drug. The Commission also included members of the Colorado and Independent opposition parties who were interested in legalising the domestic cultivation of marijuana.

When it was introduced, President Mujica's initial proposal lacked any details on how the policy would work. It was necessary, therefore, to debate and fully draft a bill in the following months. The bill was largely the work of the Frente Amplio leadership, who had to convince other party members and legislators of its value. [4] Once the process of drafting and developing the bill was complete, the leadership managed to convince party members to support it. In 2013, it was presented to the House of Representatives, where 50 out of 96 representatives voted in its favour, after a 13-hour debate. [12] The bill then moved to the Senate, where it was passed by 16 votes to 13 in December later that year. [13]

Public confidence

The regulation of marijuana cultivation, distribution and sales was a government-led policy and had little public support. Surveys consistently showed that around two-thirds of Uruguayans were against legalising the drug. However, those who consumed marijuana regularly showed much higher rates of approval.

After the initial legislation was introduced as part of the Strategy for Life and Coexistence in 2012, a poll conducted in December found that 64 percent of the public were opposed to the initiative, 10 percent had no opinion, and 24 percent supported it. [ 10 ] An information campaign, called Regulación Responsable, was launched to inform the public about the purpose of the law, but it had little effect on public attitudes. Subsequent polls in 2013 and 2014 showed that between 61 percent and 66 percent remained opposed to the policy. [ 4 ] Research into the attitudes informing citizens' opposition to marijuana legalisation found that 68 percent of respondents considered consuming marijuana to be harmful in itself, 71 percent believed that marijuana was a gateway drug to other harder substances, and 69 percent believed that people would still continue to buy the drug illegally after legalisation. [ 14 ]

Those who regularly consume marijuana had more favourable attitudes towards the legislation. When surveyed in 2014, 89 percent of frequent users agreed with the law. Asked whether they would join the register, 31.1 percent said they would definitely register, 26.9 percent said they would probably register, 19.6 percent said it was unlikely they would register, and another 19.6 percent saying they would definitely not register. For those who would certainly not register or were unlikely to, the main reasons given were “lack of trust in the registry (28.9 percent), rejection of the existence of a registry (18.8 percent), [and] the fact that they see no benefit in deviating from their current situation (36.6 percent)”. [ 15 ]

Clarity of objectives

The new policy had three main objectives:

• Reducing drug trafficking-related violence by taking marijuana off the black market
• Promoting public health through education and prevention campaigns
• Eliminating the existing legal paradox that allowed for possession but effectively blocked users from accessing marijuana . [ 10 ]

The first two were clearly stated in the law itself, while the third was not explicitly mentioned but addressed the problems caused by existing legislation. Since the legislation took effect in 2013, there is no evidence to show any change in these objectives, and the policy remains a priority for the current government.

Strength of evidence

The Uruguayan policy of legalising the cultivation, production and sale of marijuana was the first of its kind in the world, even though there was strong evidence that prohibition was a failing strategy and new methods were needed to address the issue.

In their 2011 report The War on Drugs, the Global Commission on Drug Policy recommended that the aim of future drug policy should “be the reduction of harm to the health, security and welfare of individuals and society”. [1 7 ] The report highlighted the consequences of prohibition, which included the development of black markets, policy displacement, substance displacement, and stigmatisation of users. It recommended that countries be allowed to respond to the challenges of drug use and production within their own particular set of circumstances, rather than by adhering strictly to international treaties. [17]

There were other examples where marijuana consumption - but not the supply chain - was legalised, as in The Netherlands, or where it was fully legalised only at a regional level and not nationally, as in Washington State and Colorado in the US. President Mujica invited drug policy experts to meetings with the NDC, but it is unclear how the evidence from other countries directly influenced this policy, if at all.

Feasibility

Owing to the structure of Uruguayan government functions, policy implementation faced some challenges in its first 18 months. IRCCA, which was charged with overseeing delivery, had to contend with some challenges when the law was ratified in 2013, especially those related to budget limitations, staff availability, and the enforcement approach.

The Uruguayan budget is set every five years at the start of a new presidential administration, which meant that when the policy came into effect in May 2014, IRCCA had to manage its work without any additional funding being provided, and it was in any case short-staffed. This funding problem was eventually addressed in the 2015 budget, which allocated IRCCA almost USD520,000 for every year until 2020. In addition to the government funding, IRCCA received licensing fees from the suppliers of the pharmacies' marijuana. [16]

Another challenge to the policy's feasibility was enforcement. Although the government set out clear regulations in relation to accessing marijuana, there have been some issues with the National Police's enforcement policy. For instance, some registered home-growers have been arrested for violating home cultivation regulations, even though they had observed them correctly.

In addition, IRCCA's limited staff numbers mean that it faces difficulties in preventing clubs and home-growers from selling what they produce on the black market or to tourists. [ 10 ] To overcome these problems, the Ministry of the Interior introduced guidelines in 2015 to train the police and home-growers on “cannabis-related police encounters” in order to avoid deploying law enforcement resources against compliant marijuana users. It has also been recommended that, in future, the government consider developing a scheme allowing tourists to purchase marijuana legally rather than procure it on the black market. [10]

IRCCA was specifically established to oversee the policy's implementation. It sits within the Ministry of Public Health and works closely with the NDC. Its primary responsibilities are to monitor the all aspects of the supply chain, including:

• Checking home-growers' and clubs' documentation
• Inspecting commercial premises and clubs where marijuana is grown
• Analysing seeds and plants in commercial premises
• Enforcing any punishments for infringement of laws and regulations. [1 6 ]

The Board of Directors comprises four members: a president and representatives from three ministries - Public Health, Social Development, and Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries. The Board's duties are to oversee IRCCA's operations and also “administer funds, set the cost of licences, hire or dismiss personnel, and create its own internal rules and procedures”. [1 6 ] The Board chooses an executive director who is responsible for IRCCA's day-to-day operations and managing its staff. In addition, IRCCA's structure includes an honorary committee, which has representatives from other government ministries and state institutions as well as the marijuana clubs, the home-growing associations, and the commercial licensees. The committee has no decision-making power, however, and acts as an advisory body with regard to the policy's implementation and development.

Although IRCCA was designed to enable efficient interagency cooperation, the reality of the institute's multiagency structure means that there is often a “duplication of effort”, according to its members. In addition, individual board members can have a large influence on IRCCA's functions, because a majority is required for any resolution to be passed. [16]

Measurement

The government has shown some commitment to measuring the impact of the policy, although it has not shared its findings with the researchers who are trying to analyse and evaluate the policy. The government could do more to evaluate the success of the policy and also to make that information freely available.

The law itself requires an annual report on the policy's impact to be produced and submitted to Congress. At the time of writing, one such report had been submitted (in 2016), but its findings have yet to be made publicly available. [ 10 ] Based in the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Monitor Cannabis Uruguay is a research team that monitors the impact of marijuana legalisation. The team would like to collaborate with the Uruguayan government to gain access to official data surrounding the implementation of the policy, but it has met with some difficulties in doing so. In November 2017, IRCCA met with Monitor Cannabis and agreed to implement their metrics to measure the policy's impact, although there is no further detail on how they will do this or whether their findings will be made public. [ 10 ]

The government has rolled out its legalisation policy deliberately slowly in order to address any concerns that might arise along the way. Current challenges include the low number of pharmacies registered to sell the drug, difficulties faced by pharmacies with their banking facilities, and the efficiency of IRCCA in conducting its business and cooperating with the National Police to ensure that the law is enforced correctly

Of the 1,200 pharmacies in Uruguay, only 16 initially registered to sell marijuana. In 2018, the number decreased to 12. [10] Despite the small number of pharmacies selling the drug, the main pharmaceutical associations in Uruguay - the Pharmacy Centre of Uruguay and the Association of Pharmacies of the Interior - have cooperated with IRCCA. Talks between these key actors concern logistics, such as the electronic hardware and software that pharmacies require in order to operate as a marijuana dispenser. In March 2016, an agreement was reached outlining the regulations that pharmacies would have to follow when marijuana became available for purchase the following year. However, not all pharmaceutical organisations are supportive of legalisation, e.g. the Association of Chemistry and Pharmacy has voiced its opposition to the policy, citing a violation of the pharmacists' code of ethics. [16]

An unforeseen consequence of legalisation was the banks' refusal to deal with pharmacies that sold marijuana because of international legal constraints. Specifically, Bank of America and CitiBank cited the USA PATRIOT Act (see Public Impact above), under which banks may not hold accounts on behalf of clients who commit an offence that “involves the manufacture, importation, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance (as that term is defined for purposes of the Controlled Substances Act)”. [ 10 ]

There is room for improvement in the alignment between IRCCA and the National Police, due to a lack of clear understanding about responsibilities and duties. As IRCCA has just six inspectors, they rely on the support of the police to enforce the law. However, there have been several incidents where police wrongly arrested marijuana users (see Feasibility above), mistakenly finding them in breach of the law. To combat this lack of training and education, the Ministry of the Interior, which controls the National Police, issued guidelines for the use of growers and police about “the procedures in cannabis-related police encounters”. [10]

• Taking Control: Pathways to Drug Policies that Work , September 2014, Global Commission on Drug Policy
• Alcohol Prohibition Was a Failure , Mark Thornton, 17 July 1991, The Cato Institute
• Uruguay takes 'war on drugs' in new direction: The state as dealer, Jonathan Gilbert, September 19, 2012, The Christian Science Monitor.
• Uruguay's Drug Policy: Major Innovations, Major Challenges, John Walsh and Geoff Ramsey, 2016, Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence Latin America Initiative
• Informe Anual sobre Violencia y Criminalidad en Todo El País , 2015, Ministry of the Interior Uruguay
• Intentional homicides (per 100,000 people), UN Office on Drugs and Crime's International Homicide Statistics database, The World Bank
• Uruguay: Marijuana, Organized Crime and the Politics of Drugs, Geoffrey Ramsey July 2013, InSight Crime
• Quinta Encuesta Nacional en Hogares sobre Consumo de Drogas, May 2012, Junta Nacional de Drogas.
• Uruguay struggling to meet demand for legal marijuana, Leonardo Haberkorn, June 13, 2018, AP News .
• Uruguay's cannabis law: Pioneering a new paradigm, John Hudak, Geoff Ramsey, and John Walsh, March 2018, Center for Effective Public Managemen t
• Why Have Violent Crime and Murder Spiked in Uruguay? Frank O. Mora, 29 May 2018, theglobalamericans.org.
• Uruguay MPs back marijuana legalisation bill , 01 August 2013, BBC News
• Uruguay becomes first country to legalize marijuana trade , Malena Castaldi and Felipe Llambias, 11 December 2013, Reuters.
• Saying no to weed: Public opinion towards cannabis legalisation in Uruguay, Jose Miguel Cruz, Maria Fernanda Boidi, and Rosario Queirolo, October 27, 2016, Drugs Education, Prevention and Policy.
• Marijuana Legalization in Uruguay and Beyond , Maria Fernanda, José Miguel Cruz, Rosario Queirolo and Emily Bello-Pardo, 2015, Latin American Marijuana Research Initiative.
• Getting Regulation Right: Assessing Uruguay's Historic Cannabis Initiative, Geoff Ramsey, November 2016, WOLA.
• War on Drugs , The Global Commission on Drug Policy, June 2011.

The Public Impact Fundamentals - A framework for successful policy

This case study has been assessed using the Public Impact Fundamentals, a simple framework and practical tool to help you assess your public policies and ensure the three fundamentals - Legitimacy, Policy and Action are embedded in them.

Learn more about the Fundamentals and how you can use them to access your own policies and initiatives.

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Cannabis tourism: how a new travel trend is taking off

Senior Lecturer in International Tourism Management, Swansea University

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Legal cannabis consumption rose in the US and Europe during the COVID pandemic, with some people turning to marijuana to help them cope with lockdowns and broken routines . Meanwhile, fewer people today view the drug as harmful compared to previous decades.

You can listen to more articles from The Conversation, narrated by Noa, here .

These factors may have contributed to a trend towards cannabis-related tourism, with destinations developing new holiday products to tempt customers, and rising travel bookings to destinations where cannabis is legal . But there are risks for both destinations and tourists in embracing this trend.

Work by MMGY Travel Intelligence found 29% of leisure travellers are interested in cannabis-related tourism. A study by the Dutch government revealed that 58% of international tourists choose Amsterdam in order to consume drugs. And business in Dutch coffee shops has increased since the start of the pandemic.

Nine months after Illinois legalised recreational cannabis in January 2020, nearly 30% of purchases were by non-residents. Thailand has just announced it has legalised cannabis and is hoping this will boost tourism.

The tourism sector and specific destinations have reacted quickly to the demand for cannabis, hemp and CBD-related products by designing experiences that include those elements. They are also responding to the expected economic potential related to increased hotel occupancy , tax revenues, increased land values, business expansion, jobs and public health and safety benefits that could be connected to cannabis sales.

Yet although tourism to other destinations with legalised cannabis is growing in popularity , data is only beginning to be collected. And so far no destination is ready to be labelled as the “ next Amsterdam ”.

Big potential

While cannabis-related travellers are believed to be high spending and well educated , authorities don’t want to replicate the Dutch model, which led to massive concentration of cannabis coffee shops in Amsterdam and raised concerns over hard drug use and criminality .

New business models are focusing on agri-tourism (meet-the-farmer sessions) and culinary tourism and events such as cannabis festivals . Tourists can choose from farm tours , “ bud and breakfast ” hotels, city tours , cannabis festivals , cannabis trails , food, wine and marijuana pairings , “ganja yoga ”, and packages that combine accommodation and cannabis experiences .

The potential for cannabis tourism is widespread around the world. More than 19 US states and Washington DC have now legalised recreational cannabis, along with Canada , Mexico , Uruguay and others . In Europe, Luxembourg allows the consumption of personally cultivated cannabis, while Switzerland is trialling cannabis sales from pharmacies for recreational purposes.

Malaysia and Thailand have made initial steps towards legalising recreational use. Costa Rica and Morocco have also approved legalisation for medicinal purposes.

Risks for tourists

However, few countries have clarified the legality of cannabis use by tourists with legislation directed at recreational use by residents. This means tourists risk breaking the law unintentionally , by interacting with street dealers and police as well as the health implications of consuming real and fake drugs .

There is some evidence cannabis can improve some mental health conditions and provide pain relief . But tourists with pre-existing mental health disorders, for example, may risk their physical and psychological wellbeing . Cannabis-related mental health events including depression can also occur among those who have not been diagnosed with mental health issues.

A patchwork of complicated laws and regulations regarding recreational cannabis use by overseas tourists means questions remain about the legality of consumption, the transport of cannabis vape pens overseas as well as issues of insurance cover and health care, during and after travel.

While Uruguay is planning to allow consumption by tourists, countries like Portugal, where cannabis has been decriminalised since 2001, still doesn’t allow them to buy it legally. In Spain, cannabis clubs allow visitors to donate to the club instead of purchasing a product. But Spain and other large markets like South Africa are focused on domestic cannabis tourism rather than international visitors.

Read more: Marijuana: 4 essential reads on the uses, effects and potential of cannabis

Few countries have carried out a cost-benefit analysis around legal cannabis and tourism, or fully discussed issues of land and water use, police powers and benefits to local communities. While cannabis tourism can generate tourism and jobs, and reduce the power of organised crime, the goal of sustainable development is threatened by theft, racism, and a market stacked against small local operators who often can not secure funding or insurance. There are also possible increases in pollution and public health and safety concerns .

Mexico and Canada have promised funding for indigenously owned businesses to aid social and racial equality, while New York plans to create a US$200 million (£162 million) public-private fund to support social equity goals. Resident support , and continual conversations with communities on how to plan the sustainable development of cannabis tourism should be a vital part of development of the sector.

While it appears that the COVID pandemic helped stimulate and legitimise the use of marijuana, with dispensaries declared an essential service in parts of the US during the pandemic, tourism could expand and normalise acceptance of its use.

Perceived risks may fade and and tourist guilt may dissipate. Cannabis tourism is likely to become just another segment of the holiday industry.

• Drug legalisation
• Cannabis use
• Audio narrated

Head of School, School of Arts & Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Clinical Teaching Fellow

Data Manager

Director, Social Policy

4 Best Experiences In Montevideo, Uruguay

U ruguay is not exactly your typical vacation destination. It is not nearly as well known as, say, Argentina (hello fabulous Buenos Aires) or Brazil (hello carnival). Both countries are well-traveled tourist destinations in South America. But to tell you the truth, with all Uruguay has to offer, especially its capital Montevideo, I’m rather surprised it’s not on more travelers’ radars.

While living in Santiago, Chile, I traveled a lot. After spending some time in fabulous Buenos Aires, I learned of a ferry that sailed from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. It arrived in Montevideo in under 3 hours and seemed like a no-brainer to get to explore a new country for a long weekend.

I spent 4 awesome days in the lovely capital of Uruguay. Here, I’ll share with you the best experiences you can have while visiting this underrated city. And if you find yourself in Buenos Aires with a few extra days on your hand, check out that ferry and get yourself to Montevideo. You won’t be disappointed.

1. Take A Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are some of my most favorite things to do in any city I travel to. Why? Well, first, they’re free. It’s my favorite word when it comes to traveling. Second, they are a great way to orient yourself in the city. 

I like to take these walking tours as soon as I can upon arriving. This way, I get the lay of the land and know the areas I’d like to return to and the attractions I’d like to visit later and explore more. 

In Montevideo, there are a handful of free walking tours you can choose from. Most tours meet in Plaza Independencia. Your tour operator will let you know how to spot them. Usually, the guide will be holding a colored flag or they might wear a brightly colored t-shirt. If you see a big group of foreigners gathered together on the plaza, that’s probably your group.

It’s a good idea to sign up for the tour, however, if you happen to just show up, they aren’t likely to turn you away. The tours are usually about 3 hours and you will be walking everywhere, so ensure you have comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather that day.

In Montevideo, your tour will take you to the top spots in the city. These include the Ciudadela Gate, Artigas Mausoleum, and the Solis Theater. Along the way, you’ll learn all about Uruguayan history, culture, and traditions. Your guide will also (if you ask) tell you about local restaurants and bars to visit to get a real feel for the city.

Pro Tip: While it says it’s free (and that’s my favorite word), it is customary to tip your tour guide if you enjoyed your experience. Be sure you have some local cash on you to leave a “thank you” at the end of the tour.

2. Eat All The Beef

As one of the top five beef-producing countries in the world, if you’re going to eat beef anywhere, Uruguay is the place to do it. Believe it or not, I was a vegetarian when I lived in South America (no small feat on this meat-heavy continent). But, I made sure I got myself a nice, juicy steak to see what all the fuss was about.

Uruguay’s climate and mostly flat landscape means the cows can graze freely, resulting in meat that is very high-quality, tender, and tasty. Uruguay is also the only country in the world that has a computerized traceable system, which means buyers know exactly where their meat is coming from.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy this beef is with a traditional Uruguayan parrilla. A parrilla is a barbecue style that is found in many South American countries. Using a metal grill, which is placed over firewood, all sorts of meats and cuts are grilled to perfection.

There are several steakhouse parrillas to choose from in Montevideo. Because the quality of the meat is so superb, it will be hard to make a bad choice. But the place in which I enjoyed my first steak in decades is called El Fogon . There you can get a full parrilla consisting of several cuts and styles of beef and other meats. This is huge and will be best shared. They also offer seafood and pasta dishes.

Pro Tip: Be sure to complete your meal with a glass of Tannat wine. Tannat is the most widely grown grape in Uruguay. It’s a lovely, full-body wine best enjoyed with, well, steak.

3. Shop At The Flea Market

If you happen to be in Montevideo on a Sunday (try to be in Montevideo on a Sunday), do not miss the giant flea market spanning several blocks. Tristán Narvaja Street Market is the biggest market in all of Uruguay. Locals and tourists alike flock to the Cordon neighborhood to explore the sprawling market.

This is not your typical tourist haunt. You will not likely find tacky souvenir trinkets or t-shirts. Instead, this is really more of an authentic flea market. There are antiques, some in brick-and-mortar stores, some that are set-up stalls on Sundays. You’ll browse through streets filled with furniture, books, artwork, jewelry, fruits, vegetables, and everything in between.

This market is a great way to experience the local life of Montevideo as not just tourists shop here. It’s great for people watching and soaking up the culture. There’s also lots of street food on offer, so come around lunch time and plan to spend a lazy afternoon there. Or, if you’re on the hunt for something special, get there early.

4. Enjoy A Beach Day 

Remember that ferry I told you about? It runs on the Rio de la Plata, an estuary that empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean borders Uruguay and Montevideo is situated right along the coast. So, while you’ve probably not heard too much about the lively beaches of Uruguay, they exist, and you don’t have to go far to find them.

If I can manage it, I like to save the last few of any big trip to just relax. No more sightseeing and running around and trying to fit everything in. The hope is that I have fit everything in and now I can breathe a sigh of relief and take in the beautiful waters and gorgeous scenery of wherever I am.

There are several beaches you can check out in Montevideo. Many of these can be reached by using the great bus system in the city. The beach I enjoyed the most was Playa Ramirez. It’s quite close to the center of Montevideo where you are likely to stay. Playa Ramirez is popular with locals and tourists alike.

There’s some great people watching and shell finding. As you walk along the sand, you will find people playing volleyball and soccer, or practicing yoga. This is not a quiet beach, so be sure you’re ready for fun (probably loud) music, children playing and shouting, and vendors hawking — but usually with yummy food.

Whether you’re headed to Uruguay or you’ve got a few extra days in Buenos Aires to head to Montevideo, your visit there will be full of fun adventures. Try the steak Uruguay is famous for, shop at the unique flea market, familiarize yourself with the city, and enjoy an exciting day on the beach.

Related Reading:

• The 5 Best National Parks In South America’s Patagonia Region
• My 8 Favorite Beach Towns To Visit In Central And South America
• 4 Best Experiences In The Patagonia Region Of Argentina

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits