Cannabis Social Clubs in Uruguay

CSCs constitute an user-driven supply approach, as these associations collectively organize the production and distribution of cannabis among their adult members, in a cooperative and non-profit manner. As such, CSCs have often featured in discussions about cannabis regulation models in Belgium, Europe and beyond. In the academic literature, CSCs have been described as a ‘middleground’ option, and the potential of the model as a harm-reduction tool has also been highlighted.

Nevertheless, and despite the importance of the topic for the ongoing debate about cannabis policy, this model of supply remains under-researched, with only a few empirical studies conducted to date. The evidence obtained through this research stay abroad in collaboration with the Universidad Católical del Uruguay will strengthen the still limited body of knowledge about the model.

Uruguay remains the only national jurisdiction worldwide to have passed legislation formally recognizing and regulating the functioning of CSCs, and thus constitutes a particularly relevant and unique setting to study this phenomenon. Understanding the experiences and views of those directly involved in the running of legal CSCs in Uruguay, as well as members’ patterns of use and level of satisfaction and participation in those associations will allow for a more accurate and nuanced understanding of how the model has been implemented so far in the only jurisdiction where CSCs have a legal status.