Tabare Vazquez, celebrates his win in his run for president of Uruguay in Montevideo, on Nov. 30, 2014. The Vazquez administration has moved forward with legal medical marijuana. (Matilde Campodonico, The Associated Press)

Uruguay opens registry for world’s first government-run marijuana market

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Uruguay is beginning to register people who want to legally buy marijuana at pharmacies as part of the world’s first government-regulated national marketplace for pot.

Authorities announced the registry’s launch Tuesday.

Uruguay legalized the cultivation and sale of marijuana in 2013.

The law allows the growing of pot by licensed individuals, the formation of growers and users clubs and the sale by pharmacies. Registered users will be able to buy 40 grams a month. Only Uruguayan citizens and legal residents over the age of 18 can register.

The government has yet to announce when the pharmacies will begin selling pot.

It will cost about $1.30 per gram. Companies that won the government bid to grow it will charge about $.90. The rest will be split between pharmacies and the government.