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Updated on December 28, 2018. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
With the introduction of legislation for growing and selling medical and recreational marijuana in Uruguay, it’s essential to know whether you qualify to cultivate or purchase medical cannabis in the country.
Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana in Uruguay
Uruguay takes a more liberal approach to qualifying for medical marijuana. Instead of listing conditions that are eligible for medical cannabis, the government allows you and your physicians to determine whether medical weed may be effective for treating you or your loved one’s symptoms.
If your general practitioner or specialist is unfamiliar with the benefits and side effects of medical weed, consider finding a licensed doctor near you who has experience with prescribing medical pot — they’ll be able to provide you with all the information you need.
How to Become a Medical Marijuana Patient in Uruguay
Joining Uruguay’s medical marijuana program includes the following steps:
- Register: The Institution of Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) manages the medical cannabis program and its registry of purchasers and growers in Uruguay. To register, visit your local post office with proof of your identity and residence. You must be at least 18 years of age.
- Discuss: While Uruguay doesn’t require a recommendation for medical marijuana, it’s recommended to meet with your doctor to discuss your condition and how medical cannabis could help. Your physician may be able to suggest dosage or administration methods for you, too.
Once the IRCCA approves your application, you’re free to visit a nearby pharmacy to purchase medical weed.
How to Access Medical Marijuana in Uruguay
When Uruguay legalized the sale of medical marijuana, it made history — it was the first country in the world to allow pharmacies, instead of dispensaries, to sell medical weed. Not all pharmacies in Uruguay, however, offer medical pot for sale due to personal preferences.
To buy medical cannabis in Uruguay, follow these steps:
- Visit a local pharmacy.
- Scan your fingerprint at the checkout.
- Receive your medical weed, which cannot exceed more than 10 grams per week or 40 grams per month.
- Pay for your medicine.
Uruguay also allows you to cultivate your own marijuana plants or join a grower’s club. If you’re growing your own medical pot, you may have six plants that produce up to 480 grams of medical marijuana a year. For clubs, you can withdraw 40 grams per month, though you may have to pay an entry fee.
How Medical Marijuana Laws in Uruguay Protect Patients
The Uruguay government protects both medical and recreational users of marijuana. The IRCCA limits access to its registry. In fact, only seven government officials can access the names and information of those listed — three must be present to view that data.
Pharmacists are also prohibited from accessing this personal information. At the time of checkout, they can only see your medical marijuana quota for the week and month, thus letting them know how much medical weed they can dispense to you. Your name, address and birthdate remain private.
Since the Uruguayan government oversees the medical cannabis program and market, they control the price of medical weed to prevent costs from posing financial difficulties to patients and their families.
Learn More About Accessing Medical Marijuana in Uruguay
At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we’re a trusted resource for patients and their families. Whether you need information about your country’s cannabis laws or help finding a licensed marijuana doctor near you, you can rely on our resources and directory of cannabis-friendly physicians and dispensaries.
Learn more about accessing medical weed in Uruguay and other countries by visiting our blog!
