Sector

Cannabis

Discover the Uruguayan companies exporting Cannabis

Global pioneer in comprehensive cannabis legalization

Uruguay made history in December 2013 by becoming the first country in the world to fully legalize the production and consumption of cannabis for adult, medicinal, and industrial use. Law 19.172 established specific regulations for recreational cannabis and more general regulations for medicinal and industrial cannabis, and created the Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA).

Since legalization, the sector has grown significantly, with more than 100 companies participating in various stages of the value chain, from research to industrialization for medicinal, industrial, or food purposes. Regulatory progress has generated various commercial opportunities.

One of Uruguay's strengths is its solid track record in related industries, thanks to its history as an exporter of agricultural and pharmaceutical products. Sustainability also stands out as a distinctive value, as the country, with 98% of its energy coming from renewable sources, approaches cannabis production in a sustainable manner, minimizing its environmental impact.

Uruguay's strong institutional framework, derived from being a pioneer in comprehensive legalization, has created a public-private ecosystem that facilitates the development of the sector. The close relationship between the authorities and the private sector promotes problem solving and the identification of areas for improvement.

Uruguay stands out as a regional leader in cannabis exports, with increasingly diversified exports in terms of both markets and exportable supply. Since 2018, the country has been exporting a variety of products, including seeds, biomass, and hemp flowers for non-medical use, as well as flowers with high THC content for medical use and medicines and finished products.