Business Case - Medicinal Cannabis in Uruguay

In December 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to regulate cannabis production for recreational, medicinal, and industrial use. Successive decrees have favored the development of this industry in Uruguay, not only in terms of production, but also in promoting scientific research and opening up markets.

The activity of companies linked to the cannabis industry in Uruguay is increasingly reaching a wider range of possibilities, while associated services are multiplying and diversifying. Between cultivation, industrialization, and research, a business ecosystem of more than 100 companies has been formed.

Since 2018, Uruguay has recorded increasingly diversified exports in terms of both products and destinations. Exports of seeds, grain, hemp flowers for non-medical use, flowers with high THC content for medical use, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines have been realized. Uruguayan products have improved the quality of life of patients in more than ten markets around the world.

Uruguay's legal and regulatory framework is a key factor in attracting companies in the medical cannabis sector. The country has clear and favorable legislation regulating production and exports in the sector, offering legal certainty and transparency.