In an interview published Monday, Uruguay's President Jose Mujica said that he is open to a referendum on a bill to have the government control and regulate marijuana sales and distribution.
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In putting the government in charge of the marijuana market, which is estimated to move 30 to 40 million dollars a year, the bill is designed to eliminate trafficking and the violence that goes with it.
But opposition parties are against the idea and a poll released last week said so are 63 percent of Uruguayans.
After last week’s vote, opposition lawmakers said that if the bill becomes law they will push for a referendum to overturn it.
Many Uruguayans are concerned the law will make foreign tourists think the small South American country is a great place to unwind with marijuana or something stronger.
Mujica told the newspaper La Republica on Monday that he hopes the opposition will seek a referendum so as to open up debate on the idea of government-regulated marijuana.
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The president said that for all the money Uruguay spends fighting drug trafficking, the results are paltry.
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After registering, users would be able to cultivate up to six plants, gain access to the drug as part of a marijuana-growing club; or purchase up to 40 grams per month at a dispensary.
Under current law, possession of marijuana for personal use is permitted in Uruguay. Judges, however, can determine what quantity is considered appropriate for personal use.
Source-AFP