After the lower house passed the controversial marijuana bill, Uruguay is poised to become the first country on the planet to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of the drug. InSight Crime explores the implications.

Investigation Chapters

Uruguay’s Marijuana Bill and Organized Crime

Though it has long been one of the safest countries in Latin America, insecurity and organized crime are on the rise in Uruguay, making it an interesting, if imperfect case study to test the impact of marijuana regulation on criminal groups.

Country-by-Country Map of Drug Policy Positions in the Americas

This map breaks down every country’s stated position on legalization and decriminalization of drugs in the hemisphere. It is in this context that Uruguay is set to enact historic legislation and become the first country to legalize production, distribution, and consumption of marijuana.