Uruguay has launched the first-of-its kind legalization of marijuana, allowing residents who want to grow their own to sign up to do so, the Associated Press reported.

But the new law, which comes with strict guidelines when it enacted in May, received a lukewarm welcome.

Juan Vaz, a well-known cannabis activist, told AP it was because of the years of illegal growing.

"There are some people who might feel persecuted," Vaz said. "For many years, they grew plants in secret and it's hard to break from that way of thinking."

Under the new law, citizens and legal residents older than 18 can grow up to six female plants and annually harvest up to 480 grams.

Uruguay is the first country in the world to regulate the cultivation and sale of marijuana, AP reported.

The law passed Parliament in December 2013 and also allows a method of controlled sales within the country.

Growers and users can form clubs, which is facilitated by pharmacies who will sell only 40 grams of pot per month to registered users.

This part of the law has gained the most interest from companies vying to be suppliers to the pharmacies, according to The Cannabist.

But at the local level, no club has completed all the requirements to begin operating, AP reported.

At least four clubs have started the process, but since none have completed the process, President Jose Mujica said the sales will be postponed until next year.

Mujica's office said that the companies who want to supply pharmacies will be reviewed, and of the 20 that have expressed interest, an undetermined number will be licensed, The Cannabist reported.

Another obstacle in the path of this law is a potential repeal in October if the opposition wins the presidency or majority parliament in the upcoming election, AP reported.

Leading opposition candidate Luis Lacalle Pou said sale at pharmacies would be repealed, but personal use of home-grown marijuana would remain in effect.