Medical and therapeutic cannabis in Uruguay

Viviana Cervieri
Cervieri Monsuárez, Montevideo
vivianacervieri@cmlawyers.com.uy

Jesús Urbina
Cervieri Monsuárez, Montevideo
jurbina@cmlawyers.com.uy

Danilo Grigoli
Cervieri Monsuárez, Montevideo
dgrigoli@cmlawyers.com.uy

Progress and perspectives

In recent years, Uruguay has consolidated its leadership in cannabis regulation, standing out not only for its pioneering legislation in 2013 but also for its comprehensive and scientific approach to the medicinal and therapeutic use of the plant. The Ministry of Public Health (MSP)’s National Programme for Access to Medicinal and Therapeutic Cannabis is primarily responsible for coordinating and promoting this approach, connecting different areas within the MSP and working closely with the Institute for Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA).

In this regard, the programme coordinator recently explained that their current goal is for all national health programmes to include access to cannabis-based products, facilitating integrated and complementary operations and avoiding fragmented or isolated structures. It is worth noting that, alongside the cannabis programme, there are programmes related to the management of problematic drug use and other dependencies, palliative care, mental health and cancer control, among others.

This perspective reinforces the vision of medicinal cannabis as part of a public health policy focused on overall and mental health, not solely on substance regulation. It also provides patients with the necessary regulatory guarantees to access these alternative therapies.

Finally, it is expected that the Programme for Access to Medicinal and Therapeutic Cannabis will also promote the inclusion of cannabidiol (CBD) in the Therapeutic Medication Formulary, allowing access to this product within Uruguay’s integrated healthcare system.

Training and education: a fundamental pillar

Recognising the need for specialised training, the MSP has implemented a series of educational seminars on medicinal and therapeutic cannabis. These sessions, held monthly from September to November 2025, are aimed at healthcare professionals and seek to promote scientific and clinical knowledge on the therapeutic use of cannabis, as well as the current regulations in Uruguay and their application in healthcare. The fact that these initiatives come from the MSP itself highlights the importance given to the topic.

Additionally, organisations such as the Uruguayan Association of Pharmaceutical Chemists (AQFU) offer comprehensive courses on medicinal cannabis, covering legal, pharmacognostic, pharmacological and production aspects of the plant. These courses allow professionals to gain a deep and updated understanding of medicinal cannabis, strengthening the network for patient care and guidance.

Launch of the Cannabis Research Fund

Another significant development in 2025 was the launch of the Cannabis Research Fund. This initiative seeks to promote research and development projects addressing clinical, pharmacological, agronomic and technological aspects of medicinal cannabis. The creation of this fund reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening local scientific evidence and fostering innovation in the sector.

The Fund will enable researchers and companies to access financing for studies that may improve product quality, optimise cultivation and extraction processes, and develop new therapeutic treatments. This investment in applied science positions Uruguay as a regional leader not only in regulation but also in medicinal cannabis research and development.

Human clinical trials

In 2024, the IRCCA granted a research licence for scientific purposes in the country, allowing the conduct of a phase III clinical study with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD-based medications in various concentrations. The aim is to determine whether patients with chronic pain, such as arthritis, experience significant improvements in pain scales, thereby reducing opioid use. This research represents an important milestone in the medical use of cannabis, positioning Uruguay as a reference in clinical studies and cannabis therapy in the region. The trial is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025 and continue over the next three years.

IRCCA Honorary National Council

In 2025, the Honorary National Council was established as an advisory body to the IRCCA, as set forth in Law No 19,172. This council is composed of representatives from various Uruguayan state institutions, the University of the Republic, the Congress of Mayors, membership clubs, self-cultivator associations and licensed companies. Its main function is to advise on the implementation of policies related to cannabis, promoting plural participation and the exchange of experiences and knowledge, connecting the various sectors and interests involved.

In 2025, the IRCCA convened the formation of this council for the first time, formally incorporating a diversity of voices and experiences that enrich discussions and decision-making for the improvement of public policy. This initiative reflects a commitment to transparency, inclusion and inter-institutional collaboration in cannabis regulation in Uruguay.

Conclusion

Uruguay has demonstrated a continuous commitment to the research, training, and regulation of medicinal and therapeutic cannabis. Through training programmes, institutional collaboration and progressive legislation, the country is positioning itself as a regional reference in the responsible and scientific use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Maintaining this comprehensive approach is essential, while always ensuring patient safety and wellbeing.