Canada Introduces Bill to Legalize Cannabis

Photo by Alex Guibord

Canadians rejoice! The wait is over. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fulfilled his pledge to introduce legislation that will legalize cannabis for recreational use. Today Trudeau’s government made history by making a huge step toward allowing adults to legally possess and consume cannabis in Canada.

The law will allow adults 18 years of age and older to possess 30 grams of cannabis in public. Adults will be permitted to grow up to four plants at home. Provinces may extend the age limit and will determine how the plant is distributed and sold. Those under 18 with five grams of cannabis or less will not face criminal charges, however, those who sell to minors could face up to 14 years in jail. Uruguay is the only other nation that has legalized recreational cannabis.

Regulation will keep cannabis out of the hands of the black market and turn it into tax revenue machine. “It’s too easy for our kids to get marijuana. We’re going to change that,” Trudeau said. According to officials, adult Canadians will be able to legally smoke cannabis by July 1, 2018. According to Health Canada, under the Cannabis Act, adults over 18 may:

• “Possess up to 30 grams of dried legal cannabis or equivalent in non-dried form when in public”
• “Share up to 30 grams of dried legal cannabis with other adults”
• “Purchase dried or fresh cannabis and cannabis oil from a provincially regulated retailer in those provinces that have not put in place a regulated retail framework, individuals would be able to purchase cannabis online from a federally licensed producer with secure home delivery through the mail or by courier”
• “Grow up to 4 cannabis plants per residence (not per person) for personal use, from licensed seeds or seedlings supplier, with each plant not to exceed 1 metre in height”
• “Make legal cannabis-containing products at home, such as food and drinks, provided that dangerous organic solvents are not used in making them”

According to NPR, The Canadian Department of Justice is considering pardons for some citizens who have cannabis offenses on their records. The Parliamentary committees will review the legislation and alterations will be considered. Since the Liberals hold the majority in the House of Commons, it is highly likely the bill will pass.