José Mujica, former guerrilla fighter, political prisoner, and ultimately the president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, has passed away at the age of 89. Revered for his humble lifestyle and progressive politics, Mujica was the first head of state in the world to legalize adult-use cannabis, a move rooted not in libertarian ideals, but in public safety and justice.
In 2013, under his leadership, Uruguay became the first country to legalize recreational cannabis at the national level. Mujica made it clear that the aim was not to encourage use but to undermine drug trafficking and safeguard citizens through a regulated system.
Cannabis Reform Grounded in Public Health
Mujica’s cannabis policy was shaped by decades of political struggle and personal sacrifice. After spending years in prison during Uruguay’s dictatorship, he emerged with a vision that prioritized human dignity over punitive enforcement.
His administration framed cannabis regulation as a public health initiative. Rather than waging war on drugs, Mujica aimed to cut off the black market by controlling distribution and access through state oversight. His belief was simple: taking away the traffickers’ market was more effective than criminalization.
A Decade of Legal Cannabis in Uruguay
Uruguay’s cannabis system, now in its 11th year, is structured around three regulated channels:
- Home cultivation by registered users
- Cannabis clubs for private, collective growing
- Pharmacy sales with government-approved products
As of early 2025, over 100,000 Uruguayans are enrolled in the legal system:
- 75,498 obtain cannabis from pharmacies
- 15,162 are part of registered cannabis clubs
- 11,465 are licensed home growers
While only about 40 pharmacies across the country offer cannabis, the system has shown promising public health outcomes. National surveys indicate a low rate of problematic use (2.1%) and a rise in the average age of first-time use from 18 to 20 years. Legal access now accounts for nearly 37% of total cannabis consumption.
Global Inspiration and Local Hurdles
Uruguay’s approach has influenced other countries crafting their own cannabis laws. Germany adopted a similar model in 2024, legalizing personal use and permitting cannabis clubs. Canada, Colombia, and others have also cited Uruguay’s framework in developing health-focused legislation.
However, the Uruguayan model has its limitations. The legal market offers a limited product range, mainly cannabis flower capped at 20% THC. Accessibility outside urban centers remains a challenge, and export ambitions have been hampered by infrastructure and regulation gaps.
Experts caution that without updates to the legal framework, Uruguay’s pioneering system may lose relevance over time.
Mujica’s Broader Legacy in the Cannabis World
Mujica’s influence stretched beyond policy. In 2013, his government invited cannabis breeders to contribute strains for the national supply chain. Breeder Javier “El Zurdo” González, whose seeds were selected, later saw his cultivars stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a symbolic nod to Mujica’s lasting impact.
His cannabis law was never about liberalism for its own sake. It was about crafting rational, humane policies rooted in respect and pragmatism. Mujica led by example, living modestly and choosing bold action when few others dared.
Conclusion
José Mujica’s death marks the end of a chapter, but his legacy continues in Uruguay’s cannabis reform, international influence, and the values he championed: justice, integrity, and fearless leadership. His story is not just one of political change, but of conviction and courage that reshaped global drug policy.