Inventando Caminos -- Cannabis Regulation in Uruguay

Inventando Caminos—Cannabis Regulation in Uruguay

Published in Cooperation and Drug Policies in the Americas: Trends in the Twenty-First Century. Eds. Roberto Zepeda, and Jonathan D. Rosen. Lexington Books, 2014.

Authors: Astrid Arrarás and Emily D. Bello-Pardo

Summary: "This chapter will examine cannabis regulation in Uruguay as well as its domestic and international impact. More specifically, it will address the following questions: What is the nature of Uruguay’s marijuana legalization? How does it fit with the international drug control regime and other regulation attempts throughout the world? What could be the possible national and international repercussions arising from the regulation of marijuana in Uruguay? Our argument is that Uruguay’s road to legalization is a difficult and uncertain experiment. Nonetheless, the legalization of marijuana in Uruguay has deepened the international debate about drug policies. This chapter will be divided into five sections. In the first section, we will provide a general overview about different models of drug policies adopted by countries. Second, we will describe the international framework regulating controlled substances. Third, we will analyze the background and content of the Uruguayan bill legalizing marijuana. Fourth, we will analyze the domestic challenges and international implications of the legalization of marijuana in Uruguay. Finally, we will provide a conclusion."

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