Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal (Full Legalisation) | 2013 (first country to fully legalise) | Yes (first in the world) | Registration + pharmacy purchase | Very low ($0-$10 USD at pharmacy) |
How to Get Medical Cannabis in Uruguay
- Register with the IRCCA (Institute for Cannabis Regulation and Control)
- Choose your access route: pharmacy purchase (up to 40g/month), cannabis club membership, or home cultivation (up to 6 plants)
- Purchase at registered pharmacies — only Uruguayan residents can register
- Registration requires a Uruguayan national ID
- Tourists cannot access the legal market but personal possession is decriminalised
Qualifying Conditions
- Open — medical access for any condition through physician
- Adult-use available without medical justification for residents
Cost & Clinics
Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalise cannabis in 2013. The IRCCA (Institute for Cannabis Regulation and Control) oversees the system. Residents can access cannabis through three routes: pharmacy purchase (up to 40g/month at subsidised prices), cannabis social clubs, or home cultivation. Prices are kept deliberately low to undercut the black market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uruguay the first country to fully legalise cannabis?
Yes — Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully legalise cannabis in December 2013 under President Jose Mujica.
How do I access legal cannabis in Uruguay?
Uruguayan residents must register with the IRCCA. Options: pharmacy (up to 40g/month at low cost), cannabis club membership, or home cultivation (up to 6 plants). Only residents with a Uruguayan national ID can register.
Can tourists access cannabis in Uruguay?
Tourists cannot access the legal market, which is restricted to Uruguayan residents. Personal possession is generally decriminalised, but legal purchase requires registration.
How much does cannabis cost at Uruguayan pharmacies?
Prices are kept very low — approximately $0.90-$1.40 USD per gram. Monthly purchase is limited to 40g.