Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was elected in 2015. He campaigned on the promise that he would end marijuana prohibition in Canada. Since his election things have been rough on the marijuana policy front, and that’s putting it lightly. Raids have been common, all the while with large marijuana companies controlling the regulated medical marijuana market. Many Canadians (and beyond) have been running out of patience waiting for legalization. They will have to wait a bit longer, but there is finally an expected launch date. Per CBC:
The Liberal government will announce legislation next month that will legalize marijuana in Canada by July 1, 2018.
CBC News has learned that the legislation will be announced during the week of April 10 and will broadly follow the recommendation of a federally appointed task force that was chaired by former liberal Justice Minister Anne McLellan.
Bill Blair, the former Toronto police chief who has been stickhandling the marijuana file for the government, briefed the Liberal caucus on the roll-out plan and the legislation during caucus meetings this weekend.
There are no doubt many details to be introduced, but for now what is known is that:
- Provinces will have right to decide how marijuana is distributed and sold
- The federal government will oversee the marijuana industry to ensure safety
- The federal legal age will be 18, but provinces can enact a higher age limit
- The cultivation of 4 plants per household will be permitted
As more becomes known, we will post more. What do Weed News readers think? Are the limited provisions above reasonable? Why or why not? I am most curious to hear what our Canadian readers have to say!