10 years of legalisation in Uruguay, has it been a success?
A comprehensive overview of the Uruguayan cannabis prototype, including its achievements & limitations
As the controversy over cannabis reform fumes around the world, one country has a full decade of knowledge to draw from. Unfortunately, they have just sadly lost the man who oversaw it happening.
José “Pepe” Mujica, the one-time president of Uruguay who headed the globe’s first complete legalisation of adult-use cannabis, died recently at 89. Mujica’s cannabis law, widely admired for its humbleness, advanced ideals, and extreme honesty, was never about trade and commerciality; it was about smashing hypocrisy and enhancing public health.
A decade later, reform in Uruguay was the focus of C-Days 2025, an international summit in Barcelona concerning cannabis and psychedelics. Mercedes Ponce de Leon, founder of Latinnabis and director of Expo Cannabis Uruguay, spoke at the event, presenting a comprehensive overview of the Uruguayan cannabis prototype, including its achievements, limitations, and what the rest of the world could learn from it.
What does the Uruguayan Cannabis model look like?
The Uruguayan legal cannabis approach presents three legal routes to recreational cannabis:
Home cultivation:
Up to 6 flowering plants amounting to 480 grams per year.
Cannabis clubs:
Non-profit associations with between 15 to 45 associates, a max of 99 plants and a limit per month of 40 grams per person.
Dispensaries:
Up to 10 grams per week, sold in 5-gram quantities.
Four legal cannabis varieties are available with a THC content of up to 20%. As of the start of 2025, 102,125 users were officially registered as follows.
- 11,465 home cultivators
- 15,162 cannabis club members
- 75,498 dispensary buyers
The agenda also comprises more than 460 licensed clubs and 40 pharmacies.
What is obtainable in dispensaries – and what is the price?
The state-controlled dispensary model presently offers four strains, each with a distinctive THC/CBD profile and pricing format.
While dispensaries are currently the most commonly used pathway, restrictions in strength, form, and availability persist in limiting the influence and satisfaction of consumers.
Does the Uruguayan Model Work?
Yes, however not without some exceptions. According to official data revealed during the presentation:
- Worrisome cannabis use has stayed unchanged at 2.1% since 2011.
- General cannabis use dropped from 14.6% in 2018 to 12.3% in 2024.
- The average age of first use of cannabis has risen from 18 years to 20.
- The illegal market has declined immensely. Uruguay’s 2024 National Drug Survey discovered that 37% of cannabis users have lawful access to it.
Strong public health results aside, the Uruguayan standard still faces multiple ongoing challenges including:
- Shortage of diversity and innovation
- Inconsistent accessibility, there are few pharmacies beyond major cities
- Logistical and financial obstacles that are impeding export
- A more comprehensive drug policy structure that is still repressive in other areas
Four priorities were presented for 2025
- Bolstering public-private partnership
- Financing for research and development
- Update statutes to develop legal access and enhance user experience
- Incorporating Uruguay into international markets via moral and sustainable trade
Uruguay has accomplished what many nations are still discussing: constructing a legal cannabis system that decreases harm, shrinks the illicit market, and appreciates consumer rights. The results are clear to be seen but so are the cracks.
“the positive impact has been proven. But if the structure is not updated and if access is not expanded innovation is not guaranteed. The model then risks becoming more symbolic than functional.” -Founder of Latinnabis and director of Expo Cannabis Uruguay, Mercedes Ponce de Leon.
As Pepe Mujica is grieved, Uruguay’s cannabis reform will always be part of his legacy. The way forward will specify whether that legacy is furthered or concluded.
More From Soft Secrets:
L
Liz Filmer
.jpg)
