Uruguay plans to legalise marijuana under state monopoly

government of José Mujica said that more harm is done by illegal drug business

President of Uruguay, José Mujica, has announced plans to legalize the production and sale of marijuana in the state monopoly, causing great controversy in Montevideo. The bill will soon be presented to Parliament, where the ruling center-left coalition led by the Frente Amplio (FA) has a majority, but is divided on this issue.

possession and consumption of marijuana was decriminalized in 2000. "No doubt, drug production in Uruguay and distribution, but the state will control and regulate the market," said Interior Minister Eduardo Bonomi.

"We have a progressive tradition," said Bonomi with Mujica, belonged to the Tupamaros urban guerrilla in the 1970s. "In the early 20th century in Spain ended the prohibition of alcohol, prostitution and gambling." Abortion is currently being legalized. "Our approach is pragmatic marijuana," said Bonomi. "The negative effects of marijuana use is far less harmful than the outbreak of the violence associated with the black market."

Approximately 300,000 people (8% of the population) sometimes use drugs. But the domestic market, which is currently illegal, is $ 75 million, according to the minister. "The main danger is not marijuana, but the two vendors supplying the most dangerous substances, such as paco

[a footnote cocaine], it is terrible damage. "

• The government did not specify how to manage production. Mujica suggested that 150 acres would be sufficient to meet demand, distribution is entrusted to a "private company" under the strict control of the state.

The opposition criticized the bill, saying it will increase drug use without reducing insecurity. Bonomi admits that crime is increasing in Uruguay, but stressed that "it is much lower than in neighboring countries such as Brazil and Argentina."

insecurity is a major concern for the Uruguayans and a major cause of criticism of the president, whose approval ratings have dropped 66% in 2004 to be elected to 40%, depending a recent survey. However, three former Latin American presidents - Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Cesar Gaviria and Ernesto Zedillo, respectively, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico - have called on governments to take control of the drug. Guatemala is in favor of the Plan Mujica, Bolivia and seeking ways to legalize coca leaf.

This article appeared in

Guardian Weekly
, which incorporates elements of The World

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