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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Russia regrets Uruguay's legalization of cannabis - Foreign Ministry
The Voice of Russia Friday 27 Dec 2013 The ministry recalled the strongly negative reaction of the INCB, the chief body supervising the compliance with international drug control conventions, to Uruguay's move. In the opinion of the INCB, the cannabis legislation adopted in Uruguay breached the International Convention on Drug Control of 1961, which limited the use of cannabis to scientific and medical purposes. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime supported the opinion of the INCB. "The Russian Federation confirms its adherence to fundamental international conventions on drug control of 1961, 1971 and 1988 and stands for their strict fulfillment," the ministry said. Uruguay President Jose Mujica signed the law legalizing the production, selling and consumption of cannabis on December 24. Uruguay is the first country, which has legalized marijuana in an attempt to control its production and distribution. The law allows residents of Uruguay to grow limited quantities of marijuana and to buy it at pharmacies with a special card. A gram of marijuana will cost one dollar. The legal distribution of cannabis will begin next year. The Uruguay government has four months to draw up by-laws, which will ensure the enforcement of the president's order. Uruguay is first world's country with legal marijuana production, distribution and sale Uruguayan President Jose Mujica has signed into law the government's controversial plan to oversee the production and sale of marijuana, his office said Tuesday. Senators approved the legislation earlier this month, and the bill had been passed by the lower house of Congress in August. It authorizes the production, distribution and sale of cannabis, allows individuals to grow their own on a small scale, and creates consumer clubs - all under state supervision and control. Mujica's signature means that the law takes effect, but the government now has four months to devise the specific rules and regulations. For example, it must determine how productions licenses will be granted and what types of marijuana can be grown. Consumers over 18 will be able to grow their own marijuana, though no more than six plants per person. They can also get it through clubs or buy up to 40 grams per month from pharmacies. The International Narcotics Control Board, a United Nations body that oversees the implementation of international treaties on drugs, has said Uruguay's move breaks international law. INCB president Raymond Yans warned the move "will not protect young people, but rather have the perverse effect of encouraging early experimentation, lowering the age of first use, and thus contributing to... earlier onset of addiction and other disorders." Uruguayan leader defends marijuana law, accuses INCB head of lying Uruguay President Jose Mujica has accused Raymond Yans, head of the UN International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) of lying after the latter scolded Uruguay for failing to consult the INCB about its plans to legalize marijuana. Earlier this week, Uruguay became the world’s first country to legalize the production, sale and consumption of the drug - a "surprising" move which, Yans said, violates the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs which Uruguay is part of. Uruguay should have first consulted the INCB, he said. Mujica made an angry retort. "Tell that old man to stop lying. Let him come to Uruguay and meet me whenever he wishes… Anybody can meet and talk to me, and whoever says he couldn’t meet with me tells lies, blatant lies. Because he sits in a comfortable international platform, he believes he can say whatever nonsense," he said on Uruguay’s Canal 2 television. Mujica lashed out at Yans for not saying a word about the US states of Colorado and Washington which had also legalized marijuana. He accused the INCB chief of double standards. "Does he have different rules: one for Uruguay and other for the world’s strongest countries?" Mujica asked. First lady Lucia Topolansky, a member of the Uruguayan Senate, fully backed her husband on the issue. "I think he's crossed the line," she said, commenting on Yans’ statement. On Monday, the Uruguayan Senate passed a landmark bill allowing a government-controlled marijuana market. There is no doubt that President Mujica, a long-standing supporter of the bill, will sign it into law. People wishing to smoke marijuana recreationally need to register with the authorities and limit their consumption to 40 grams per month. The bill also allows individuals to grow up to six plants of marijuana and possess as many as 480 grams for personal use. The government thus hopes to take profits away from criminals and reduce drug control spending. World drugs body calls Uruguay marijuana move 'illegal' Uruguay's move to legalize the production and sale of marijuana breaks international law, the world drugs body INCB said Wednesday, warning it would encourage addiction. "Uruguay is breaking the international conventions on drug control with the cannabis legislation approved by its congress," said the International Narcotics Control Board, which oversees the implementation of international treaties on drugs. http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_12_27/Russia-regrets-Uruguays-legalization-of-cannabis-Foreign-Ministry-9326/
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