Uruguay to legalise marijuana sale

London, May 3 ;

The Uruguayan government has unveiled plans to legalise the production and sale of marijuana, a media report said Saturday.

The measure has been proposed by Uruguayan President Jose Mujica and is expected to come into force by next week, the BBC reported.

Licensed pharmacies will be allowed to sell one gram of marijuana for 20-22 peson (85-95 cents) and consumers will be allowed a maximum of 40 grams a month.

Every household in Uruguay can grow up to six cannabis plants.

The use of marijuana will be allowed in public spaces where tobacco usage is also permitted, but not in workplaces.

Action will be taken against anyone caught smoking while driving.

Uruguay became the first country last year to legalise the consumption of marijuana.

The medicinal use of cannabis is legal in a number of countries, including Canada, the Czech Republic, Israel, the Netherlands and in the US states of Colorado and Washington.

(IANS)