Greek Former PM George Papandreou on Marijuana: "Legalize it"

In an article entitled “An innovative approach to the use of marijuana,” which was uploaded on Mr. George Papandreou’s personal website, the former Prime Minister of Greece congratulates Uruguay’s government on how it handled the issue of marijuana’s legalization.
In fact, the former Prime Minister refers to it as an “innovative approach” which releases abusers from the grip of the drug cartels.  He goes on to describe it as “a gesture of immense impact.”
He also suggests that the approach of the leftist government of Uruguay “should be closely followed not only because of its openness, but for the lessons that can be learned in dealing with the major issue of drugs.”
The article continues by underlining the fact that Uruguay has become the first country in the world to make it legal to grow, sell and use marijuana. The bill was approved in the House of Representatives last August and allows registered Uruguayans over 18 years of age to buy up to 40g of the drug per month from state-regulated pharmacies, or to grow up to six plants in their homes a year. In both cases, the cannabis users must first be registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly purchases.
Supporters of the measure claim that it is part of the effort to bolster the country’s fight against the drug cartels and to allow the State to gain control of some the profits in society’s favor. Last but not least, in his article, George Papandreou says that “cannabis users could also set up smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members, who could collectively grow up to 99 plants per year.”