Uruguay introduces marijuana-growers register

People in Uruguay who want to grow marijuana legally can now register with the government to do so.

The government opened the registration period today as the South American country rolls out its marijuana legalisation programme in stages.

The rules for growing at home come with some restrictions – it can only be for personal use and there is a limit of six female plants, with an annual harvest of up to 480 grams (17oz).

Also, participants in the programme must be at least 18 and either citizens or legal residents of Uruguay.

The country is the first in the world to attempt to regulate the cultivation and sale of marijuana on a nationwide scale.

President Jose Mujica has said pharmacies will be allowed to sell marijuana to registered users next year.