What can cannabis professionals learn from the world’s most mature legal market?
ExpoCannabis Uruguay 2026 offers unparalleled access to the world’s most mature regulated cannabis market. Uruguay made history in 2013 as the first country to fully legalize cannabis at the national level, and now entering its 13th year of legal operations, this premier conference showcases over a decade of real-world regulatory experience.
The 13th edition of ExpoCannabis Uruguay returns to Montevideo’s LATU Events Center with 100+ exhibitors, 180+ brands, and 40+ workshop sessions. From pharmacy distribution to cannabis clubs, home cultivation to EU-GMP exports, no other jurisdiction offers comparable regulatory experience and operational data.
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74,583 registered pharmacy users access legal cannabis through 40 authorized pharmacies, with 460+ cannabis clubs serving additional members.
Whether you’re seeking EU-GMP export partnerships, studying club licensing models for implementation in your home market, or exploring Uruguay’s decade-plus of regulatory evolution, ExpoCannabis Uruguay brings together the pioneers who created the world’s first legal cannabis framework.
ExpoCannabis Uruguay 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇾
Dates December 5-6, 2026 (projected)
Location Centro de Eventos del LATU, Montevideo, Uruguay
Expected Attendance 25,000+ visitors
Exhibitors 100+ stands, 180+ brands
Edition 13th Edition
Official Website expocannabis.uy
Projected Last verified: January 3, 2026
Montevideo
34.90°S 56.19°W Who Should Attend ExpoCannabis Uruguay 2026
Uruguay’s unique position as the world’s first fully legal cannabis market creates distinct opportunities for specific industry professionals seeking regulatory insights and operational partnerships.
Export-focused cultivators seeking EU-GMP pathway partnerships
Cannabis club operators studying Uruguay’s 460+ club model
Regulatory consultants learning from IRCCA’s decade-plus data
International investors exploring Uruguay’s stable regulatory environment
Medical cannabis companies understanding THC evolution (3% to 20%)
Policy researchers studying the Uruguay Model’s global influence
Why ExpoCannabis Uruguay Matters in 2026
Political Transition and Policy Evolution: President Yamandu Orsi’s administration, which took office in March 2025, has signaled openness to expanding Uruguay’s cannabis framework. IRCCA Executive Director Martin Rodriguez confirmed the agency is actively analyzing tourist access mechanisms that could strengthen the legal market.
The Mujica Legacy: Former President Jose “Pepe” Mujica, who championed and signed Law 19.172 in 2013, passed away in May 2025 at age 89. The 2026 conference will mark the first full year of programming following his passing, with expected sessions honoring his legacy while examining where Uruguay’s cannabis policy goes next.
Export Market Momentum: Uruguay’s medical cannabis exports have grown consistently for seven consecutive years, reaching $27 million annually to destinations including Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Portugal, and Australia.
Someone has to be the first in Latin America. Someone has to be the first, because we are losing the battle against drugs and criminality in the continent.
Jose Mujica, Former President of UruguayPlanning Your ExpoCannabis Uruguay 2026 Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Carrasco neighborhood: Closest to LATU venue, upscale residential area
- Punta Carretas/Pocitos: Beach districts with hotels and restaurants, 15-20 min to venue
- Ciudad Vieja: Historic downtown, affordable options, 25 min to venue
- Book 4-6 weeks early – December is Uruguay’s peak summer tourism season
📆 Schedule Overview
- Event runs 1pm-9pm daily (two-day format)
- 40+ workshops and conference sessions
- 60+ activities including live cultivation demonstrations
- Outdoor chill-out space with live music
✈️ Getting to Montevideo
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD): 25 minutes from LATU venue
- Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires: 2-3 hours crossing
- LATU Centro de Eventos: Av. Italia 6201, Carrasco
- Venue parking: 250 vehicle spaces available
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Register via expocannabis.uy (Main, Gold, Silver, Stage, VIP tiers)
- Prepare Spanish-language materials (primary event language)
- Uruguay allows live cannabis plants at the event – plan demonstrations
- Review IRCCA export regulations before partnership discussions
Uruguay Cannabis Regulatory Context
Key Regulatory Topics at ExpoCannabis Uruguay
- Law 19.172 (2013): World’s first comprehensive national cannabis legalization, signed by President Jose Mujica
- IRCCA Authority: The Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA) oversees all licensing, registration, and compliance
- Three Legal Pathways: Pharmacy sales (40g/month), cannabis clubs (15-45 members, 99 plants), home cultivation (6 plants)
- Export Program: EU-GMP pathway enables exports to Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Portugal, Australia
Uruguay’s decade-plus regulatory evolution provides essential lessons for jurisdictions implementing legalization. The market has grown from 3% THC products in 2017 to 20% THC varieties in 2024, with 52 authorized projects and 16 active cultivation licenses.
Related: Cannabis Cultivation Software🇺🇾 Understanding Uruguay’s Three-Pathway Cannabis Model
Uruguay operates the world’s only national cannabis system with three distinct legal access routes. Understanding this framework is essential for any business considering this market or studying models for implementation elsewhere.
Key Facts for ExpoCannabis Attendees
- ✓ Law 19.172 (December 2013): World’s first comprehensive national cannabis legalization – Uruguay beat Canada by 5 years.
- ✓ IRCCA Oversight: Institute for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis manages all licensing, registration, and compliance.
- ✓ Pharmacy Sales: 74,583 registered users access up to 40g/month through 40 authorized pharmacies in 12 departments. Products: ALFA, BETA, GAMMA (15% THC), EPSILON (20% THC).
- ✓ Cannabis Clubs: 460+ registered clubs with 15-45 members each, collectively cultivating up to 99 plants. Members receive up to 480g annually.
- ✓ Home Cultivation: Registered households may grow up to 6 flowering plants with 480g annual yield cap. 3-year renewable licenses.
- ✓ Export Success: $27 million annual medical exports to Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Portugal, Australia. EU-GMP pathway via European processing.
- ✓ Price Advantage: Legal cannabis at $2.30-$2.75/gram undercuts black market rates of $3-$4/gram.
Did You Know?
Jose “Pepe” Mujica, the former president who signed Law 19.172 in 2013, described Uruguay’s legalization as an “intellectual experiment” to examine alternatives to the failed war on drugs. Studies confirm no increase in youth cannabis use since legalization, validating his public health approach. Uruguay’s model has influenced legalization frameworks in Canada, Germany, Malta, and Luxembourg.
What This Means for Attendees
ExpoCannabis Uruguay 2026 provides direct access to operators with 13 years of legal market experience. Whether you’re studying club models, exploring export partnerships, or evaluating Uruguay as a cultivation hub, this event connects you with the pioneers who built the world’s first legal cannabis framework. IRCCA is also analyzing tourist access mechanisms – potential reforms may be discussed at this edition.
Note: Laws and enforcement can change. This information is for educational purposes only.
Operational Challenges Facing Uruguay Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses operating in or expanding to the Uruguayan market encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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Multi-Pathway Compliance Tracking
Managing distinct regulatory requirements across pharmacy distribution, cannabis club allocations, and home cultivation licenses simultaneously
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IRCCA Registration Integration
Connecting internal tracking systems with IRCCA’s national database for real-time consumption monitoring and limit enforcement
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EU-GMP Export Documentation
Maintaining cultivation records suitable for European processing partners and German GMP inspectorate requirements
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THC Potency Evolution Management
Adapting production and labeling as IRCCA expands permitted THC content from original 3% to current 20% maximum
What to Prepare Before ExpoCannabis Uruguay
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- Business credentials and company registration documents
- Export inquiry documentation (if seeking cultivation partnerships)
- Product samples and certifications (per IRCCA guidelines)
- Spanish-language business cards and marketing materials
- EU-GMP certifications (if relevant to export discussions)
- Club licensing research from home jurisdiction
❓ Questions to Ask
- What is the timeline and cost for IRCCA cultivation licenses?
- How does the EU-GMP export pathway work in practice?
- What lessons emerged from Uruguay’s 13-year regulatory evolution?
- How do cannabis clubs manage member registration and allocation?
- What are the requirements for foreign investors?
- What tourist access reforms are being considered?
📊 What to Compare
- Greenhouse and indoor cultivation technology from exhibitors
- Seed-to-sale tracking and compliance software solutions
- Post-harvest processing and packaging equipment
- Laboratory testing services and quality control systems
- Export logistics and EU-GMP processing partners
- Club management software and member tracking systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend ExpoCannabis Uruguay 2026.
Is ExpoCannabis Uruguay a B2B-only event?
No. ExpoCannabis Uruguay welcomes both industry professionals and the general public. The event has drawn over 40,000 cumulative visitors across its 11 editions, with strong attendance from consumers, patients, and cannabis enthusiasts alongside business professionals.
Can international attendees participate?
Yes. International visitors are welcome at ExpoCannabis Uruguay. Companies from Brazil, Canada, Israel, and the United States regularly exhibit. However, note that non-residents cannot legally purchase cannabis in Uruguay.
Can tourists buy cannabis in Uruguay?
Currently, no. Law 19.172 limits cannabis access to citizens and permanent residents only. However, IRCCA is actively analyzing tourist access mechanisms, and reform could be announced before or at the 2026 event.
What language is used at the event?
Primarily Spanish, with some English-language sessions and exhibitor presentations. International attendees should consider arranging translation support for business meetings.
Is there a consumption area at the event?
Yes. ExpoCannabis Uruguay features an outdoor chill-out space. Uruguay uniquely allows live cannabis plants to be legally displayed at the event, making it one of the only conferences globally where attendees can see varieties growing.
What makes this expo different from other cannabis events?
ExpoCannabis Uruguay is the only major cannabis industry event held in the world’s first nationally-legalized market. Attendees gain direct access to 13 years of regulatory lessons, a mature club system, established export infrastructure, and policy frameworks that have influenced legalization worldwide.
Software Solutions for Uruguay Cannabis Compliance
Uruguay’s seed-to-sale tracking requirements through IRCCA demand robust cultivation management and compliance documentation. Cannabis operations expanding into Uruguay or pursuing EU-GMP exports increasingly rely on integrated platforms capable of managing the detailed records required for both domestic operations and international shipments.
Whether you are exploring the Uruguay market, studying the club licensing model for your jurisdiction, or building EU-GMP export partnerships, our team can discuss how integrated cultivation tracking supports regulatory compliance across multiple frameworks.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.