URUGUAY- Parliament in Uruguay have passed a bill into law legalizing both the sale and production of marijuana in the country.

The above position was triggered by moves which President Jose Mujica championed as a way of combating the illegal drug industry in the country.

Under the new legislation, the price of marijuana will be set at one dollar per gram, aiming to undercut the current price of $1.40 on the illegal market. The sale and production of the drug will be regulated by a specially-set-up government body which will administer a database of adult citizens registered to consume marijuana.

Speaking about the situation, President Jose Mujica said the law does not promote consumption of the drug, rather, it merely identifies the consumer so that authorities may intervene if they should overuse it.

“This is an attempt to bring an end to the illegal drugs trade by identifying the market and bringing it into the light of day,” said President Mujica.

According to sources, registered Uruguayans over the age of 18 will have the right to buy up to 40 grams of marijuana from pharmacies every month and cultivate a maximum of six plants on their property. The legislation will also allow for the creation of so-called cannabis clubs, composed of up to 45 members who will be able to grow a maximum of 100 plants.

Uruguay’s National Drug Board estimates that there are around 120,000 marijuana users in Uruguay from a population of 3.3 million. Consumer groups estimate a higher figure, putting the number of users at around 200,000.