Uruguay: cannabis with 15% THC soon available in pharmacies

The Executive Director of the Institute of Cannabis Regulation and Control (IRCCA), Juan Ignacio Tastás, announced at the ninth edition of ExpoCannabis Uruguay that the Uruguayan government will put on sale a third variety of cannabis with a higher level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This new variety, Gamma, could be available in the country's 30 authorized pharmacies from December 20.

«This third variety, in a way, will have a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) level, or psychoactive element, less than or equal to 15 %; so it would be much closer to what many customers or people were asking for. It's much closer to the THC levels you can get in the clubs. This was a very important need,» announced Juan Ignacio Tastás.

At the launch of the sale of cannabis in pharmacies in Uruguay, the available varieties contained only 2% of THC. 4 years later’Uruguay has added a variety with 10% of THC.

Juan Ignacio Tastás also said that they are «working on a fourth variety, which could be launched around December next year», and that they are analyzing how to guarantee universal access, which could opening the door to cannabis tourism in Uruguay. Projections estimate that allowing cannabis for tourists could bring in as many as 100,000 people.

«We at 100% agree that there needs to be a regulation that is legislatively amended so that anyone in the national territory over the age of 18 can access cannabis through legal channels and reduce the grey market that exists today,» said Gonzalo Maciel of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines.

The IRCCA board member said they are looking to « simplifying access to pharmacies and discuss whether or not it's possible to buy in clubs» and that they should become «dispensaries». This would require a change in the legal form of the clubs, which are currently non-profit associations.

As for pharmacies, of which there will be 40 throughout the country next year, the necessary software is currently being designed to provide universal access for nationals, residents and foreigners alike.

Other new features announced by the IRCCA Board of Directors include the opening of a seed and cuttings register for private individuals, and official authorization for companies growing for the state of develop their own genetics, in order to increase and vary the range of products on offer.