Cannabis in Uruguay
As has transcended international media in December 2013 Uruguay passed the bill 19.172 for which the import, production, marketing and distribution of cannabis and its derivatives are regulated.
Uruguay also became the first South American country to authorize the planting, cultivation, harvesting, storage and marketing of cannabis (psychoactive and non-psychoactive) to be intended exclusively for scientific research or the development of pharmaceutical specialties or vegetable specialties for medicinal use.
It is understood by non-psychoactive cannabis (hemp) plants or parts of plants of the genus Cannabis, the leaves and flowering tips containing no more than 1% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including derivatives of such plants and parts of plants.
On their part the seeds of non-psychoactive cannabis varieties (hemp) may not exceed 0.5% THC.
It is understood by psychoactive cannabis flowering tops with or without fruit of the female cannabis plant (excepting separate sheets seeds and stem) the content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is equal to or greater than 1% by weight.
Crops of psychoactive cannabis for scientific or medical purposes must be approved by the Institute of Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) and authorized by the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).
Cannabis production
Uruguay has similarities to Australia from an agricultural point of view and weather conditions; Uruguay latitudes are included within the latitudes of Australia.
From an agricultural point of view there have been experimental crops in order to know the adaptability of the kind of cannabis to the conditions of our country; Since 2010 the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) has developed such research, having found cannabis is a crop suitable for our ecosystem, and that production levels achieved were similar to those reported in countries with vast experience.
Pharmaceutical research and medical applications.
Uruguay opens the world of research in the areas of pharmaceuticals, medicine and cosmetics as the regulations adopted allow to develop freely (requires authorization of IRCCA and MSP ) planting, cultivation, harvesting, storage and marketing of cannabis (psychoactive and non-psychoactive) intended exclusively for scientific research or the development of pharmaceutical specialties or vegetal specialties for medicinal use.
Additionally, and in order to promote this industry has established the exemption from tax on sale of agricultural goods (IMEBA) for this type of activity.
These conditions added to the system of protection of industrial property in our country, which allows registration of various patents related to research and development that protect both the new procedures and new products generate opportunities to add value and diversify business.
Our Services
Estudio Podestá has a specialized unit composed of an interdisciplinary team of professionals in order to offer its customers the necessary advice and support in all matters related to the hemp industry in our country.
Our Services:
– Legal, tax and investment projects for the cannabis industry advice.
– Advice on drawing up projects, technical dossiers and operational plans.
– Advice for obtaining permits and licenses.
– Advice and management for enabling crops, industrial plants, warehouses, processing plants.
– Consulting and management for import and export.
– Registration of Companies to government agencies.
– Product Registration medical, veterinary, agricultural and food before competent authorities.
– Registration of patents, licenses and royalties management.
– Technological surveillance, protection of plant varieties.
– Analysis of operating freedom, products and key competitors.
If you are interested in knowing more about our services please contact Daniel Podesta (dpodesta@podesta.com.uy).