Uruguayans who wish to grow marijuana in the comfort of their own homes are now able to, as registration began Wednesday for citizens and legal residents wishing to do so, the Associated Press reported.
Uruguayan people that are at least 18 years of age can grow marijuana for personal use if they register, according to a law that went into effect in May.
But, there doesn't seem to be a big demand for home-growing registration.
Only 10 people registered on the first day, which was yesterday, according to France 24. But well-known cannabis activist, Juan Vaz, said he might know why some people are reluctant.
"There are some people who might feel persecuted," Vaz told AP. "For many years, they grew plants in secret and it's hard to break from that way of thinking."
The law was passed in December of 2013, and is the first of its kind to regulate the growing, selling and distribution of marijuana, France 24 reported. It also allows the formation of growers, users clubs and pharmacies to sell 40 grams of marijuana a month to registered users.
According to President Jose Mujica, the law "began essentially as a security issue" to fight drug-trafficking, he told Economist Magazine.
"...if we can't beat them through policing, we are going to try to steal the market ... so that this ceases to be a business. But we're not trying to foster an addiction," President Mujica said. "We have no truck with the idea that planting marijuana is good and that it's less harmful than cigarettes and all of these things that are said. No, ... I believe that no addiction is good."
The home-growing registration comes as the latest implementation by the Uruguayan government in its legalization program, but there are regulations. There is a limit of six female plants, and registered growers can annually harvest up to 480 grams, according to AP.
Marijuana sales by pharmacies will be pushed and will begin next year, according to President Jose Mujica. And as of now, at least four clubs have started the process of registering as "user clubs," though none have completed the requirements.
However, there is a possibility this might not last, since Uruguayan opposition candidates running in October's elections have said they intend to repeal all or a majority of the law if they win the presidency, or if they gain a majority in parliament, AP reported.
