Cannabis in Uruguay – statistics & facts
In December 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize and regulate the production and consumption of cannabis. A decade down the line, the cannabis industry in the country directly employs around 900 people, with close to 50 licenses issued, and around 20,000 monthly pharmacy users. As of 2024, purchase of the product is only possible for registered citizens and residents aged 18 and older. Personal cultivation, cannabis clubs, and pharmacies are the three points of access available to users, all regulated according to corresponding laws.
In contrast to revenue, when it comes to local users, the majority are consumers of CBD products and recreational cannabis, with a smaller number consuming medical and pharmaceutical cannabis. As of 2024, the 12-month prevalence of cannabis use in Uruguay amounted to around 12 percent, with men and younger adults the main consumers.
Overall, the success of this regulation will need to be assessed across various social and market components, considering not only the structural basis of the process, but also the actual implementation of the corresponding measures and their effect on the general population.
What characterizes the Uruguayan cannabis market?
As of 2024, revenue of the legal cannabis market in the country is estimated at close to 124 million U.S. dollars. Medical and recreational cannabis account for the majority of the total and are forecast to keep increasing in value in the coming years. While the local market is expected to expand, investment in production has been aimed at the possibility of exporting the product, particularly for medical purposes. However, the industry has been challenged by implementation hurdles such as the speed of regulation in the areas of medical and industrial cannabis.In contrast to revenue, when it comes to local users, the majority are consumers of CBD products and recreational cannabis, with a smaller number consuming medical and pharmaceutical cannabis. As of 2024, the 12-month prevalence of cannabis use in Uruguay amounted to around 12 percent, with men and younger adults the main consumers.
Public opinion on cannabis regulation
Recent years have seen a shift in public opinion regarding the regulation of cannabis in Uruguay. According to a survey conducted between 2012 and 2022, the share of people who approve legislation has increased by 24 percentage points. However, according to another survey, only a quarter of Uruguayan respondents consider the regulation well implemented. Additionally, most interviewees believe that consumption has been increasing since its legalization, with over a third deeming it has increased greatly.Overall, the success of this regulation will need to be assessed across various social and market components, considering not only the structural basis of the process, but also the actual implementation of the corresponding measures and their effect on the general population.
