Comparing Regulations in Uruguay, Spain & the USA
Cannabis legalization has generated debate for the last few decades worldwide. However, in the last ten years, several nations have legalized the medical and adult use of cannabis. In 2013, Uruguay became the first nation to legalize marijuana on a government level. Since then, more than six other countries have also legalized cannabis.
What's The Difference Between Uruguay, Spain & USA
The legal regulations of cannabis in Uruguay, Spain, and the USA differ significantly, and each shows how vital the progression of legalization is to develop a solid foundation for business. Uruguay, being the most established industry in the world, has a framework that allows the cultivation, production, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sale of adult-use cannabis federally. At the end of the development structure are Spain and the USA. These countries are not federally legalized like Uruguay, but have areas where cannabis is legal and decriminalized. Comparing the regulations between countries at various stages of the cannabis industry alongside their federal development stages can help us learn from similar successes and mistakes.
Legalization of Cannabis in Uruguay
Uruguay made history in 2013 by becoming the first country in the world to legalize cannabis for adult use. Uruguay’s Instituto Nacional de Regulación y Control del Cannabis acts as the main governing body over the two sectors of the country's cannabis industry: medical and non-psychoactive cannabis for industrial uses. Many industry workers and observers of Uruguay’s regulations believe the government is very hands-on in overseeing business practices and products. The medical regulations state anyone over the age of 18 is allowed to purchase up to 40 grams of cannabis per month from authorized pharmacies. Those of age can also cultivate up to six plants, or there are optional ‘cannabis grow clubs’ that also have a plant restriction per residence.
White Ash Group CEO Graydon Welbourn was seen in a Forbes article cover at one of the world's largest hemp and cannabis Expo's Spannabis in Barcelona, Spain, earlier this month.
Regulations for Cannabis in Spain
In 2015, Spain decriminalized cannabis allowing its residents of age to possess and consume cannabis in private spaces. However, it is still not federally legal. Currently, the structure of cannabis legalization and decriminalization in Spain varies depending on the region. In some areas, you can buy seeds and a complete grow setup. In cannabis-positive regions, there are even cannabis cafes where you must buy a membership. Similar cafes have been present in almost every legalization process, including Canada, Thailand, and some states in the USA. Yet, many believe these lie in a grey area. Spain does not have any regulations for the medical distribution or prescription of cannabis, though it does allow some larger corporations to cultivate and distribute medical cannabis flower internationally.
Cannabis use in big quantities or public places is still prohibited in Spain, and violators may still face legal consequences. Consumers and authorities are now very perplexed about what to do as a result.
Cannabis Legalization in the USA
Cannabis law in the USA is complicated compared to Uruaguay’s development. Even though cannabis is still prohibited at the federal level, like in Spain, many states have passed legislation making it lawful for adult or medical use. As of 2023, 39 states have legalized medical use, including the District of Columbia, and 21 states have approved adult use - each in charge of its own regulations for cultivation and distribution processes. The US government still has cannabis classified as a Schedule I drug, which allows for harsh convictions and restrictions for locally-legal businesses. One of the most extensive complications for businesses is federal issues that come along with banking, taxation, and legitimate scientific research. A patchwork of state laws that can confuse customers and companies in the industry has resulted from the absence of consistent federal rules.
Comparing the Legal Frameworks
It's understandable with having a longer time to mature, cannabis regulations in countries like Uruguay have become more established and easier to navigate. It’s because of their ‘well-oiled machine’ kicked off the reality of federal legalization. One could even say Uruguay’s cannabis regulations are comparable to those of Canada’s systems in many aspects. While Spain and USA are structured by region and state with a long way to go on a federal level with establishing regulations. And though their development is still very much in progress, it’s an incredible time to observe the innovation and headway continue. Hopefully, in the next few years, we will see more unique takes on cannabis legalization and decriminalization as the shift continues to a pro-cannabis world.