Cannabis Sales in Pharmacies Drive Legal Market in Uruguay

Thirteen years after the legalization of cannabis for adult use, Uruguay recorded in 2025 the highest volume of legal sales since the start of commercialization in 2017. The country surpassed the mark of 9 tons of cannabis distributed through regulated channels, according to data from the Cannabis Regulation and Control Institute (IRCCA), consulted by the newspaper El País and published by the website Newsweed.

The growth, according to Newsweek, was primarily driven by pharmacies, which accounted for almost half of the total volume sold. In 2025, registered consumers purchased 4,290 kilograms of cannabis in these establishments, over a ton more than recorded in 2024 and well above the levels observed in 2023.

Pharmacies Drive the Regulated Market

The production intended for pharmacies also reached a historic record. In 2025, state-licensed companies cultivated 4,658 kilograms of cannabis, the largest volume since the start of the regulated system. Before 2022, annual production rarely exceeded two tons.

The number of pharmacies authorized to sell cannabis increased from 40 to 55 in one year, reaching 13 of the 19 departments in the country. Montevideo, Canelones, and Maldonado concentrate most of the points of sale, with peak demand between October and December.

The expansion of the network accompanied the increase in registered buyers, which reached 83,567 people in 2025, about 9,000 more than the previous year and over 20,000 above the total recorded in 2022.

Among the available varieties, consumer preference was concentrated on products with higher THC content. The variety with up to 20% THC accounted for 75% of sales in pharmacies, totaling 3,250 kilograms for the year. Lower potency varieties represented a smaller market share, although they continue to be produced to meet different consumption profiles.

Cannabis Clubs Expand Legal Distribution

In addition to pharmacies, cannabis clubs also showed growth in 2025. The number of registered clubs increased from 460 to 557, while the total number of members reached 19,589 people.

According to the website Newsweed, club production reached 5,801 kilograms for the year, with 4,778 kilograms distributed to members, both historic records. As in pharmacies, production remains concentrated in Montevideo, Canelones, and Maldonado, with increased deliveries in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, domestic cultivation showed a reduction in the number of active registrations, dropping from 11,597 in 2024 to 10,392 in 2025. However, the IRCCA estimates that the actual number of cultivators is closer to 13,000, considering expired registrations that do not necessarily indicate the cessation of cultivation.

With the expansion of the legal market, oversight has also been intensified. In 2025, 1,798 inspections were conducted, the highest number ever recorded, resulting in the opening of 92 disciplinary processes, mainly related to stock control and traceability.

Currently, the regulated market reaches about 40% of cannabis users in Uruguay. Official data indicates that, although lifetime use has increased over the years, recent use showed a slight decline compared to 2018, with a significant reduction among adolescents.
 

Source: with information from the website Newsweed.