In a region wracked by drug-related crimes, Uruguay stood out in 2013 when it became the first country in Latin America, and the world, to legalize the growth and sale of marijuana. Critics argued that the move would open the floodgates to increased consumption and abuse, but then-President Jose “Pepe” Mujica argued that the measure would quell drug trafficking in a country where one-third of prison inmates serve time on narcotics-related charges. The decision, while unprecedented, is consistent with Uruguay’s legacy of socially progressive policies; the country legalized abortion in 2012, was among the first in Latin America to establish a welfare state guaranteeing free public education and has been a leader in women’s rights.

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) -- There are new details about Wednesday's raid of three medical marijuana dispensaries in Kent County.

The Kent County Undersheriff tells WZZM 13 that state and county narcotics teams conducted several undercover operations and then seized marijuana and cash from the businesses in Plainfield Township.

If Thursday mid-morning was any indication, the building marked TPC on West River Drive in Plainfield Township gets its share of traffic.

"Look, you've got customers coming," said patient Adrian Joseph, "and they can't get their medicine right now."

However, a short time later there was an empty parking lot as it became clear to patients with medical marijuana cards the doors are closed.

MONTPELIER, Vt. -

Vermont lawmakers signed off on four pages worth of guidelines Thursday, between now and Dec. 10, a staff attorney will turn them into a bill. The measure would allow those older than 21 to use, purchase and grow recreational marijuana. Anyone selling pot would need to be licensed by the state.

Shayne Lynn operates two of Vermont's four medical marijuana dispensaries.

"The guidelines we've seen is a really great start. For us in the medical program, the real priority is making sure the medical program survives and can work in parallel," said Lynn of Champlain Valley Dispensary.

Elizabeth Jones is a mother of four children, including two girls, ages 2 and 3. Both girls live with their mother, but a judge in family court recently granted unsupervised weekend visits to the girls' father.

"It's his legal right. But then I question, where are my rights as a mother?" Jones said.

The girls' father has a medical marijuana card for chronic pain. Jones worries her daughters could be exposed to the drug or that their father could be impaired.

"Their safety is being compromised," Jones said. "No one is listening to me because of the lack of laws and the lack of policies."

A judge in Family Court has already ordered the girls' father not to smoke pot during visits or for 24 hours beforehand.

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says government liquor stores are the best place to sell marijuana if and when the federal government legalizes the drug.

Selinger says Manitoba Liquor Mart outlets have staff that are well-trained on the potential risks of alcohol, and he suggests they would be in the same position to provide advice about marijuana.

He says there would be no requirement for workers to consume the drug.

Selinger adds there would probably be some private involvement too.

Liquor is sold in private outlets in some rural Manitoba areas where there is no government store, and Selinger says he expects that model could be used for marijuana as well.

HARRISBURG - After years of discussion, Pennsylvania lawmakers appear poised to cast a historic vote next week that could legalize medical marijuana.

As soon as Monday, legislators in the House could vote on a measure, already approved by the Senate and backed by Gov. Wolf, that would allow the drug to be administered to patients suffering from conditions including cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, and epilepsy.

Still, supporters and detractors alike cautioned that many hurdles remained, including the potential for adding dozens of amendments, many of which were still being crafted Thursday and some of which could alter key portions of the legislation.

After 50 years of oppression by three levels of Canadian governments (1965 being the first year for a notable number of marijuana arrests in Canada) and bullying Big Brother the United States looking over its shoulder for compliance, these same oppressors are now implementing “regulations” to achieve the goals of prohibition in the era of legalization. 

Julian Paul Hamer, a former flower farmer and habitual cannabis user who had a preference for baked cannabis goods, was found with 327 cannabis saplings in March this year.

Hamer made full admissions to growing the plants at his Watsonville property, west of Atherton, and pleaded guilty to charges of producing and possessing illegal drugs.

Photographs of the young crop taken by police during a raid of the farm were yesterday presented to the court during his sentencing.

Defence barrister Derek Kordick told Judge Sarah Bradley the exhibits demonstrated Hamer’s proficiency as a horticulturist.

Courts attempt to divert criminal charges 83% of the time, yet police enforcement is way up

Even though most marijuana possession charges Hamilton police lay are dropped once they get to court, investigators will continue to arrest smokers just like they always have, Police Chief Glenn De Caire says.

"We're going to continue to make the arrests and we're going to continue to lay the charges," De Caire said on The Bill Kelly Show Wednesday, when asked about a CBC story that showed most charges never lead to a plea or conviction.

Police have seized 420kg of cannabis during a drug raid at an industrial estate.

Officers discovered the massive haul during an operation at Clydebank Industrial Estate, West Dunbartonshire, on Tuesday at around 5pm.

The drugs, with an estimated street value of £420,000, were recovered after an intelligence-led operation by officers in the area.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the recovery and is expected at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Thursday.

A statement from Police Scotland said: "Around 5pm on Tuesday, Police Scotland officers searched a premises under warrant in Clydebank Industrial Estate, Hamilton Street, Clydebank.