Despite protestations from the U.N., Uruguay Pres. Jose Mujica signed into law legislation that allows the South American country to regulate the cultivation and sale of marijuana on Monday.
Mujica encouraged Uruguay's General Assembly to enact the law. On July 31, the House voted 50-46 in favor. The Senate followed suit, 16-13, on Dec. 10, setting the stage for Mujica's historic signing.
Uruguayans will be able to purchase up to 40 grams per month from state-run pharmacies for as low as $1 per gram. The home growing aspect of the law - six plants at a time - goes into effect immediately.
Uruguay is the first nation to ever legalize marijuana (that includes the Netherlands and Portugal).
