Uruguay: shortage of cannabis in pharmacies until mid-November

Uruguay seems to be having some problems with its production of cannabis for sale in pharmacies. Up until mid-November consumers registered for pharmacy supplies will find themselves without access to cannabis due to lack of stock.

«The distribution of cannabis in pharmacies will be temporarily suspended until mid-November. This is due to the expected variability in the chemical profile of these crops» announced the Institut National de Régulation et de Contrôle du Cannabis (IRCCA) last Thursday.

«Guaranteeing the conditions of the final product requires more laboratory tests and changes to the Ministry of Public Health's registers, conditions which are necessary for its distribution» explains IRCCA to justify its decision.

Cannabis sales in pharmacies began on July 19. Uruguayans can choose one of three ways of accessing cannabis: in pharmacies, with standardized and stable products, in Cannabis Clubs or through self-cultivation.

Uruguay is expected to rapidly increase domestic cannabis production to meet demand. At present, a single producer supplies the entire country, albeit in small quantities, and 15,000 people are registered as recreational users.

Pharmacies, on the other hand, under international pressure from banks, who refuse to have foreign currency from the sale of a product that is illegal at their level.

In response to this unforeseen external pressure, Uruguay had announced the creation of American dispensary-style cannabis stores.