You can now smoke pot legally in Canada
What's the story
Canada's Parliament has now passed a law legalizing recreational use of marijuana across the nation. The Cannabis Act, which regulates how the drug can be grown, distributed, and sold, was passed on Tuesday, in a 52-29 vote in the Senate. The law will enable Canadians to legally purchase and consume marijuana from as early as September this year. Here's more on it.
Twitter Post
Justin Trudeau announces the law on Twitter
It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana - and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize regulate marijuana just passed the Senate. #PromiseKept
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 20, 2018
Details
Medical use of cannabis had been legal since 2001
Medical use of cannabis had been legal in Canada since 2001, but other forms of possession, distribution, and consumption were illegal. However, not all are in support of the new law legalizing recreational use of cannabis and cannabis oil. There had been stiff opposition from Conservative politicians and indigenous groups regarding the new law, but it was passed nonetheless.
Cannabis markets
Details about procuring cannabis in this new Canada
The Canadian government will give provinces, territories, and municipalities 8 to 12 weeks to set up cannabis marketplaces. Apart from retail outlets, Canadians will also be able to order marijuana online from federally licensed producers. Adults are permitted to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public. Meanwhile, cannabis-infused edibles are expected to be commercially available within a year.
Information
What remains illegal under the new law
What will remain illegal, however, is having more than 30 grams in possession in public, growing more than four cannabis plants at home, and buying cannabis from unlicensed dealers. Also, anyone caught selling to a minor can be jailed for up to 14 years.