Uruguay has become the first country to legalize the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana in a bid to fight against drug trafficking.
A government-sponsored bill approved by 16-13 votes in the Senate legalizing marijuana is aimed at extorting the business from criminals in the small South American nation, CBS News reports.
According to the report, the Uruguayan residents, who are above the age of 18 and are registered on government database monitoring their monthly purchases, will be able to buy a maximum of 40 grams each month from licensed pharmacies starting April.
After the law is implemented in 120 days, Uruguayans will also be able to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year, amounting to nearly 480 grams, and form smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that can grow up to 99 plants per year, the report added.
