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Russian Foreign Ministry laments Uruguay’s marijuana legalization

This step has caused a sharply negative response from the International Narcotics Control Board, statement says

© AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico

MOSCOW, December 27. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia's Foreign Ministry says it regrets Uruguay’s decision to legalize marijuana. Growing, selling and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes was signed into law by president Jose Mujica on December 24.

“This step has caused a sharply negative response from the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the main body for supervision of compliance with international drugs control conventions,” the ministry said.

The board believed the new law contravened the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, confining cannabis consumption to scientific and medical purposes, Russia's statement said.

“Such an initiative is rife with serious consequences for people’s health as marijuana abuse leads to drug addiction,” the ministry said.

Russia “shares the INCB view and laments the Uruguayan authorities’ decision”.

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