Uruguay became the first country to legalise the production and distribution of marijuana. Now the government has total control of the growing and selling of marijuana (also called cannabis). Uruguay's president wants to stop drug traffickers and put them out of business. He hopes his laws and the government control of marijuana sales will reduce drug use and drug-related crime. He knows it is an experiment that might not be successful.

The new law goes against a 1961 international treaty on drug control. This limits the use of cannabis "to medical and scientific purposes". A treaty spokesman said he was surprised that Uruguay broke the agreement, which is supported internationally. He warned the law could backfire and have the opposite effect. Younger people might try drugs. There might be more addiction and other problems among Uruguay's young people.