Uruguay Is Close To Becoming The First Country With A State-Controlled Marijuana Industry

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Uruguay has effectively sealed the passage of a groundbreaking marijuana legalization bill that puts production, distribution, and sale of the drug in the hands of the state, making it the first country ever to do so.

After a 13-hour debate, politicians in the lower house of parliament voted late last night in favor of the controversial initiative, which is similar to laws approved last year in Colorado and Washington state. The upper house is expected to follow suit.

The bill has drawn criticism from the United Nations, which supports interdiction. And speaking just days ago in neighboring Brazil, Pope Francis warned against the “liberalization of drugs.”