Pubdate: Tue, 10 Dec 2013
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28

URUGUAY TO APPROVE POT DEALING, DESPITE RISKS

Uruguay is pushing ahead to create a legal marijuana market despite 
warnings from educators, psychiatrists and pharmacists of dangerous 
side effects.

The Senate planned to debate the pot plan today, with approval by the 
ruling coalition widely expected before the night is over. Because 
senators turned away all requests for amendments after it passed the 
lower chamber, their vote will be final.

President Jose Mujica says the point is not to promote marijuana use, 
but to push out organized crime. The government hopes that when 
licensed growers, providers and users can openly trade in the drug, 
illegal traffickers will be denied their profits and go away.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom