BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Marijuana is going on sale today at 16 pharmacies in Uruguay, the final step in applying a 2013 law that made the South American nation the first to legalize a pot market covering the entire chain from plants to purchase.

Authorities say nearly 5,000 people have registered as consumers allowing them to buy marijuana when sales start Wednesday. About two-thirds live in the capital, Montevideo.


Related: Uruguay opens registry for world’s first government-run marijuana market

Ten of the best 420-friendly vacation destinations around the globe


The price is set at the equivalent of $1.30 per gram. Ninety cents of that goes to the two businesses chosen to cultivate the marijuana. The rest is split between pharmacies and the government, which will use its share to fund prevention programs.

Users can buy up to 40 grams a month.

The packing comes with a seal of authenticity and warnings about the drug’s effects.


To subscribe to The Cannifornian’s email newsletter, click here.