In the 1990s, psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists working at treatment centres for people who use drugs in Uruguay began to question the country’s prohibitionist stance to drug use and its punitive approach to people who use drugs.

In 2013, in an effort to prioritise health and safety in communities, Uruguay became the first country globally to legalise the production, distribution and sale of marijuana.

This landmark decision also marked a shift towards more progressive drug policies, leading to various state-supported health-based programmes run by the National Drug Network.

In 2016 government allocated  around USD 454,800 to fund different programs for people who use drugs via the National Drug Board. For 2020-2024 the amount increased to USD 795,900.

This investment supported 29 centres to be established across the country, where people who use drugs and their families can receive advice, guidance or referrals.

This shift in approach is making a significant difference to individual lives, communities and public health.