Anti-Drug Campaign Launched Before Pot Legalization in Uruguay

A campaign warning that "all drug use has risks" has been launched by the Uruguayan government just days before it becomes the first country in the world to legalize marijuana.

Uruguayan lawmakers will vote Tuesday to green-light a marijuana bill, part of a social experiment designed to combat drug-trafficking.

Drug Abuse | Drug Addiction | Substance Abuse - Overview
The use of Drugs for reasons other than its prescribed recommendation, is known as Drug abuse or substance abuse. Drug abuse or substance abuse is initiated by various biological and social factors.

The anti-drug campaign begins with a series of televised adverts before shifting emphasis to public radion in the coming months.

"We believe that to reach our objective, which is to fight addiction, the regulated market for marijuana gives us assistance and rationale that we are using in various ways," said Diego Canepa, assistant secretary to the Uruguayan president and president of the National Drug Board (JND) responsible for the campaign.

For Canepa, "a regulated market that is visible has greater oversight than prohibition."

Impact of Drug Abuse on Health and Society
Drug abuse is a negative social trend that pushes youth to drug addiction in the pretext of getting psychological effects like excitation.

Uruguay's lower chamber of Congress already passed the marijuana bill in August, and passage in the upper house is assured because the ruling leftist Broad Front coalition controls both.

The plan was unveiled a year and a half ago by President Jose Mujica along with other measures designed to halt crime and violence associated with the drug trade.

Drug Abuse in Pregnancy
Drug abuse during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the mother as well as the fetus. It is advisable to stop usage of illicit drugs well before pregnancy.

The law will give the government control and regulatory power over imports, growing, harvesting, distribution and sales of pot and its derivatives.

After signing up, people 18 and older will be able to grow up to six marijuana plants, obtain the drug in marijuana smoking clubs and buy up to 40 grams a month in pharmacies.

As the law stands now, consuming drugs is not illegal but selling them is in Uruguay.

Source-AFP