Montevideo, August 1 (IANS): Uruguay's lower house of National Congress has approved a plan to create a legal marijuana market -- after over 13 hours of debate.

Uruguay could be the first country in the world to license and regulate marijuana production, distribution and sale for adult consumers if the Senate approves the plan, reports Xinhua.

Fifty of the 96 lawmakers present at the debate said putting the government at the centre of a legal marijuana industry is worth trying because the global war on drugs had been a costly and bloody failure.

"Uruguay's bold move does more than follow in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington. It provides a model for legally regulating marijuana that other countries, and US states, will want to consider - and a precedent that will embolden others to follow in their footsteps," Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the US Drug Policy Alliance.

Under the legislation, Uruguay's government would license growers, seller and consumers, and update a confidential registry to avoid people from buying more than 40 grams a month.

Carrying, growing or selling pot without a license could bring prison terms, while licensed consumers could grow up to six plants at a time at home.