The executive director of the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA), Juan Ignacio Tastás, announced during the ninth edition of ExpoCannabis Uruguay that the Uruguayan government will put on sale a third variety of cannabis with a higher level tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This new variety could be available in the 30 authorized pharmacies in the country as of December 20.
“This third variety, in a way, will have a level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), or psychoactive element, less than or equal to 15%; so it would be much closer to what many customers or people were asking for. This is much closer to the THC levels you can get in the clubs. It was a very important need,” announced Juan Ignacio Tastás.
When the sale of cannabis in pharmacies was launched in Uruguay, the varieties available had only 2% THC. 4 years later, Uruguay added a 10% THC strain.
Juan Ignacio Tastás also said that they are “working on a fourth variety, which could be launched around December next year” and that they are analyzing how to guarantee universal access, which could open the door to tourism. cannabis in Uruguay. Projections estimate that allowing cannabis to tourists could bring in up to 100,000 people.
“We agree 100% on the fact that there must be a regulation that is amended legislatively so that anyone in the national territory over the age of 18 can access cannabis through legal channels and reduce the market. gray that exists today,” said Gonzalo Maciel of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines.
The IRCCA board member said they are looking to “simplify access to pharmacies and discuss whether or not to buy from clubs” and that these should become ” dispensaries”. This would require changing the legal form of the clubs, which are currently non-profit associations.
As for pharmacies, which will number 40 next year throughout the country, the necessary software is being designed to allow universal access to nationals, residents and foreigners.
Other novelties announced by the IRCCA Board of Directors include the opening of a seed and cuttings registry for individuals, as well as official authorization for companies that cultivate for the State to develop their own genetics, with the aim of increasing and varying the supply.
