AKIPRESS.COM - U.S. journalist Krishna Andavolu smoked marijuana as he began his interview with President of Uruguay José Mujica. Even though only a short preview of the interview has been released, it has already generated thousands of hits on YouTube and other social media, Panam Post reported.

As a response, Mujica said “If you need to take drugs to be free, then you’re screwed. Freedom is here [pointing to his head]; otherwise it doesn’t exist.”

The interview was motivated by the president’s recent action to make Uruguay the first country in the world to fully legalize marijuana.

Marijuana legalization took effect on Christmas Eve 2013 after its approval by the Uruguayan senate, regulating both the sale and production of the drug.

The law still limits the consumption of marijuana for residents of Uruguay who are at least 18 years old. The drug may be obtained at pharmacies, specialized consumer clubs, or by cultivating it privately, although all users must register with the state.

With respect to permitted quantities, an individual may purchase up to 40 grams of marijuana per month, or take home up to six plants per family and harvest a maximum of 480 grams annually.