Uruguay Collaborates With Canada on Cannabis Legalization
The National Board of Drugs and the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) in Uruguay released a report in collaboration with the Canadian Initiative for Research on Substance Abuse suggesting methods for reducing risk associated with cannabis consumption on September 25. The report identifies some of the cognitive and physical risks cannabis presents, including mental health and reproductive difficulties, and includes ten scientifically researched recommendations to combat these risks.
The report states its aim is to “improve the health of Uruguayans who use cannabis through information and education based on evidence." Its recommendations focus on education and prevention to reduce cannabis-related health issues, and will be posted in pharmacies that distribute cannabis in addition to being available online.
Uruguay became the first country to legalize the use and over-the-counter sale of cannabis in July 2017. Although it was a highly controversial decision, proponents hoped that it would replace what many perceived to be a failed war on drugs. The government has been highly involved in the regulation of cannabis since its legalization, creating the IRCCA to monitor the effects of the new policy and sponsoring educational centers that highlight risks of cannabis use. People have praised Uruguay's government for its approach to regulation, with John Walsh, co-director of drug policy for the Washington Office on Latin America, saying, “Uruguay has done well to keep with a strict regulatory model, while expanding the space.”
This new report comes out as Canada prepares to become the second country to legalize recreational use of cannabis on October 17. Director of the National Secretariat of Drugs Diego Olivera noted that there was significant cooperation with Canadian organizations in developing this report. Uruguay has acted as a case study through which other countries can observe the effects of cannabis legalization, and it will likely continue to be watched as countries around the world debate the merits of legalization.