MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax) - Russia regrets Uruguay's legalization of cannabis.
"Russia shares the opinion of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and expresses its regret about the decision made by the Uruguay authorities," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary posted on its website.
The ministry recalled the strongly negative reaction of the INCB, the chief body supervising the compliance with international drug control conventions, to Uruguay's move.
In the opinion of the INCB, the cannabis legislation adopted in Uruguay breached the International Convention on Drug Control of 1961, which limited the use of cannabis to scientific and medical purposes.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime supported the opinion of the INCB.
"The Russian Federation confirms its adherence to fundamental international conventions on drug control of 1961, 1971 and 1988 and stands for their strict fulfillment," the ministry said.
Uruguay President Jose Mujica signed the law legalizing the production, selling and consumption of cannabis on December 24.
Uruguay is the first country, which has legalized marijuana in an attempt to control its production and distribution.
The law allows residents of Uruguay to grow limited quantities of marijuana and to buy it at pharmacies with a special card.
A gram of marijuana will cost one dollar. The legal distribution of cannabis will begin next year.
The Uruguay government has four months to draw up by-laws, which will ensure the enforcement of the president's order.