Legalization of Marijuana in Uruguay"Someone has to be first," said José Mujica, President of Uruguay ("Uruguay"). December 12, 2013. After much debate, Uruguay became the first country to legalize the sale and harvest of marijuana (Reyes). All eyes are on this small country in eastern South America which has authorized the drug (“Uruguay”). The rest of the Latin American countries are looking into whether the legalization of this drug will solve all the problems that arise from it. The Senate approved the legalization of the bill by 16 votes to 13. The Uruguayan people, after hearing the news, took to the streets to celebrate the legalization of weed and it is said that all the stores sold it that day (Antunes). Although the legalization of cannabis in Uruguay may pose some health risks, it also presents many health and safety benefits for the country's population. Around the world, many people claim that legalizing cannabis will change the human brain in certain ways, and studies show this is the case. Marijuana can cause various brain abnormalities and affect fertility. Excessive marijuana use can lead to memory loss and brain abnormalities. Marijuana ingredients affect the hippocampus, making it difficult for the brain to process and form congruent thoughts. Studies looked at a group of people aged 17 to 23 and measured their IQs before and after marijuana use (Rey et. al). Of these individuals, the results showed that those who smoked more than five joints per week had an IQ lower by four points on average. Additionally, various data have demonstrated that smoking marijuana leads to poorer performance in school, including poor attitude and poor attendance (Rey. et. al). As well as menta...... middle of article ......y in the debate on international drug policy - Drug law reform in Latin America N pnd Web January 30, 2014Antunes Anderson "L 'Uruguay 'Breaks the Taboo' and Legalizes Marijuana To Combat Drug Trafficking" Forbes Forbes Magazine December 10, 2013 Web January 30, 2014Colb Sherry F Marijuana Opposing Views Ed Jamuna Carroll Farmington Hills Thompson Gale 2006 Print Lowry Richard Marijuana Views Opposing Views Ed Jamuna Carroll Farmington Hills Thompson Gale 2006 Print Reyes Joseph M Andres Martin and Peter Krabman Marijuana Opposing Views Ed Jamuna Carroll Farmington Hills Thompson Gale 2006 Print Reyes Ignacio De Los "Uruguay Marijuana Move 'Illegal' - UN Drugs Watchdog" BBC News BBC 12 November 2013 Web January 30, 2014Spector Jennifer Welsh and Dina "What Marijuana Does to Your Brain and Body" Business Insider Business Insider Inc April 20, 2013 Web February 9 2014