Getty Image
Big news for marijuana-lovers in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a big fan of pushing widespread legalization. Last year he even pardoned anyone convicted of a marijuana-related offense. Now he’s take a huge next step, introducing a bill in Canadian Parliament to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the Great White North. When it passes, Canada will be the second country to completely legalize marijuana after Uruguay. A few key details about the legislation from the New York Times:
Each of Canada’s provinces will need to decide exactly how the drug will be distributed and sold within its boundaries. The government will have to develop the marijuana equivalents of breathalyzers and a blood alcohol standard, so that drivers can be checked for impairment at the roadside and workers can be tested for safety on the job. Diplomats will have to address conflicts with international drug treaties. And many in the medical field are concerned about the long-term health effects of increased use of marijuana by Canadians under the age of 25.
While the new legislation will take Canada beyond its medical marijuana system, it stops far short of creating an open market. The law will require purchasers to be at least 18 years old — though provinces can set a higher minimum — and it will limit the amount they can carry at any one time to 30 grams, about an ounce.
Households will be allowed to grow up to four marijuana plants. But the legislation seems built on the assumption that most users will be supplied by commercial growers, who will be licensed and closely supervised by the federal government.
Each province will decide where and how marijuana may be sold and will set prices.
Stay tuned. This could be a big domino falling to end marijuana prohibition.
Paging Peter Tosh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABc8ciT5QLs