Official: More than 20 companies bid for licenses to supply marijuana to Uruguay pharmacies

[Judi Lynn]

Official: More than 20 companies bid for licenses to supply marijuana to Uruguay pharmacies
Article by: LEONARDO HABERKORN , Associated Press
Updated: August 28, 2014 - 6:50 PM

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Uruguay's new market for legalized marijuana has attracted at least 20 companies bidding for the right to supply pot to the country's pharmacies, a government official said Thursday.

An official from President Jose Mujica's office says cannabis regulators will review and pick the best businesses from the competitors that passed initial scrutiny. It's not clear how many may eventually be granted licenses in the South American country.

The government official did not specify an exact number of bidders, saying only it was "more than 20 and less than 25." He spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Successful companies must identify everyone involved in their businesses, document the source of their financing and be cleared by Uruguay's anti-money laundering agency.

http://www.startribune.com/world/273101691.html

(Short article, no more at link.)

[Judi Lynn]

1. Uruguayans register as marijuana home-growers

Uruguayans register as marijuana home-growers
Last updated 12:23 28/08/2014

People in Uruguay who want to grow their own marijuana at home were able to register to do so Wednesday as the government launched the latest phase in its first-of-its-kind legalisation programme.

Under a law that went into effect in May, citizens of Uruguay, or legal residents who were at least 18, could grow marijuana for personal use if they registered. There was a limit of six female plants, with an annual harvest of up to 480 grams per registration.

Few people appeared to be rushing to register with the government on the first day.

Juan Vaz, a well-known cannabis activist, said he registered and found the process easy, but could understand why some might be reluctant.

"There are some people who might feel persecuted," Vaz said.

"For many years, they grew plants in secret and it's hard to break from that way of thinking."

More:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/60902905/Uruguayans-register-as-marijuana-home-growers