Is Hemp Legal in Uruguay?

Industrial hemp is legal in Uruguay under a licensing framework administered by the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) and IRCCA. Decree 372/014 distinguishes non-psychoactive cannabis from psychoactive cannabis using a THC ceiling of 1 percent in dried flower, which is more permissive than the EU's 0.3 percent or the US 0.3 percent standard.

Licensed producers may cultivate hemp for fiber, seed, food, animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical-grade extracts. The country is positioned as a Southern Hemisphere export hub, with growers in Canelones, Maldonado, and Rocha shipping seed and biomass to Europe and North America during off-cycle months. Hemp food products such as protein powder and hempseed oil are sold openly in supermarkets, and hemp construction materials and textiles are stocked by specialty retailers in Montevideo.

Cultivation requires registration with IRCCA, security plans, and post-harvest THC testing through MGAP-accredited laboratories. Non-compliant batches must be destroyed under supervision.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.