Uruguay to begin recreational cannabis sales July 19

Join us for MJBizCon, happening Dec. 2-5, 2025, in Las Vegas. Get on the pre-registration list now to receive early bird ticket pricing. Secure your spot today!


Legal sales of adult-use marijuana in Uruguay will begin next week at a limited number of pharmacies, and more than 5,000 people have registered as customers.

Recreational marijuana will be available starting July 19 in 5-gram amounts at 16 pharmacies nationwide, the South American country’s Cannabis Regulation and Control Institute said in a statement.

The cannabis packaging comes with a security stamp that guarantees authenticity as well as warnings about the possible effects of consumption.

Lawmakers approved a bill in December 2013 making Uruguay the first country to have a legal marijuana market covering the entire chain from seed to sale.

The law also permits individual cultivation of marijuana and the creation of cannabis clubs, and users may buy up to 40 grams a month.

– Associated Press