The first national recreational marijuana program looked briefly to be in danger, but the victory of Tabare Vazquez in Uruguay’s presidential election has secured the future of cannabis in the South American country. At least for the short term.
Vazquez topped Luis Lacalle Pou of the National Party, who had previously said he wanted to repeal the national commercialization of marijuana, although he was fine with allowing citizens to grow it at home.
According to NBC, Vazquez “promised to continue the plan unless it produced negative results.” Uruguay will therefore move forward with setting up government-regulated retail stores to sell cannabis. The country could serve as a model for other nations that consider legalizing recreational marijuana down the road.
